If your bathtub is draining slowly, you’re not alone. This common household issue can disrupt your daily routine and might even hint at deeper plumbing issues if left unaddressed.
In this guide, we'll delve into the most common causes of bathtub drain issues and share some effective strategies for fixing a slow drain and getting your drainage system back to its optimal state.
Why is My Bathtub Draining Slowly?
You don’t need to be a plumbing pro to understand why bathtubs sometimes refuse to drain properly. In most cases, the reasons are straightforward and similar across households.
- Hair blockages: The number one cause of slow-draining bathtubs is hair. When you shower or bathe, hair naturally sheds and goes down the drain. Over time, it mixes with soap scum and other residues, creating blockages that slow down water flow. Removing hair regularly can help prevent these blockages from forming.
- Soap scum buildup: Soap scum is another major offender. Mixed with hair and dead skin, it forms a paste-like residue that coats your pipes, making it difficult for water to pass through. This buildup accumulates gradually, reducing the diameter of the pipes and slowing drainage, causing slow draining sinks as well.
- Mineral deposits: For homes with hard water, mineral deposits can accumulate inside your drain pipe, narrowing the opening and causing slow drainage. These deposits can combine with other residues, leading to significant blockages.
- Cast iron pipe scale: For homes with cast iron plumbing, rust or scale can develop inside pipes over time. Cast iron’s rough surface can snag hair and debris, further complicating bathtub plumbing problems. This corrosion slowly narrows the pipes, restricting water flow even more.
This variety of “gunk” can accumulate over time in bathtub drains. If left untreated, this buildup will significantly slow down a drain and result in unwanted standing water. Hair, dirt, and other residue may also be visibly left behind, giving the bathtub an unpleasant appearance and smell.
Four Ways to Unclog Bathtub Drains
While you may be tempted to grab any off-the-shelf drain cleaner (or a “homemade solution,” such as baking soda and vinegar) to clear a clogged drain, many more effective options exist. It is important to pick a cleaner capable of dissolving each clog’s unique collected matter to open a clogged drain quickly and effectively.
- Liquid drain opener: A solid bathroom drain cleaner solution is Hercules Glug® Bath Liquid Drain Opener. It works effectively on clogs common in bathrooms because it contains bleach to eradicate clogs containing hair and soap scum. Its maximum strength, non-acidic formulation is poured through standing water to the clog and will begin working instantly. Glug® Bath Liquid Drain Opener will not harm plumbing fixtures and is safe for use on plastic pipe, porcelain, and all metal pipes (except aluminum).
- Crystal drain opener: Another excellent bathtub option is the Hercules Glug Crystals Drain Opener. It uses powerful crystalline flakes to quickly clear sluggish drains and dissolve hair, soap, other organic material, and grease clogs.
- Homemade mixture: Some individuals prefer a natural mixture (baking soda, vinegar or hot water) over a chemical drain cleaner. Our experts note that this natural remedy may open a blockage only partially but never completely eradicate it. A chemical drain cleaner is a smart choice for a more long-term solution.
- Mechanical Drain Openers:
- Plunger: This simple tool has the power to dislodge small clogs. Ensure enough water in the tub covers the plunger's bell, then plunge vigorously to create a vacuum that can break up the blockage.
- Drain snakes and tools: A drain snake—a flexible tool that reaches into pipes—can be effective for more stubborn clogs. Inexpensive plastic versions are available at most hardware stores. Insert the snake into the drain, twist, and remove any trapped hair or debris. However, like the natural mixture solution, you risk not completely eradicating the clog, which could push the problem further down the pipe. So proceed with these tools with caution.
If you are dealing with clogs in other areas of your home, like the garbage disposal, or are curious about the different types of drain cleaners on the market, check out this guide: Choosing the Best Drain Cleaner for Kitchen, Bathroom and Other Drain Clogs
Bonus: Replacing a Bathtub Drain
If you’re faced with completely replacing a bathtub drain, don’t fret; the installation process doesn’t have to be overly complex. With Dearborn True Blue® PVC and ABS Bath Waste Full Kits, which eliminate the need for additional tools or screws, the process can be quite simple.
The True Blue kit’s versatility is highlighted by its ability to accommodate varying tub styles and thicknesses. Its unique overflow test plug serves dual purposes as a trim installation tool. The locking drain gasket also ensures stability during challenging installations, while the pre-installed, reusable quarter-turn test plug adds to the ease of use. Its innovative overflow gasket is made from a specialized foamed rubber material, offering superior compression and memory than traditional counterparts.
Various drain finishes are available to match existing bathroom fixtures. Multiple styles—uni-lift, touch toe, and push n’ pull—allow for aesthetic customization. Uniquely, True Blue also allows for convenient trim change-outs, negating the need for a second rough-in kit purchase for future projects to refresh the look of your bathroom.
The Importance of Regular Bathtub Drain Maintenance
Just as your car needs regular oil changes and tire rotations to perform optimally, your plumbing system benefits from routine drain maintenance.
Preventive measures: One of the easiest ways to keep your pipes clear is using hair catchers. These inexpensive devices fit over your drain and trap hair and debris before they can cause problems. Emptying them regularly can prevent buildup and keep water flowing smoothly. Regularly flush the drain to clear minor debris.
Regular cleaning: Periodic drain cleaning of your drains also helps. Using a drain cleaner like Hercules Glug® Bath Liquid Drain Opener can also be used periodically as a preventive or mechanical means.
Watch for warning signs: Pay attention to early warning signs of a clog, such as gurgling sounds or slow drainage. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more significant and costly problems later. Ignoring slow draining sinksor other plumbing issues could lead to larger problems down the line.
Preventing future blockages: Staying proactive and keeping your pipes clear can save you from dealing with major clogs in the future. Consider using hair catchers and performing periodic drain maintenance to avoid slow-draining bathtubs or sinks.