Imagine that you just finished a relaxing session in your tub with soothing music, scent candles and bath salts. Add a glass white wine. However, the bathtub won’t drain once you remove the plug after you’re done. Blocked drains are not only a big nuisance but also disgusting.
What can you do if your bathtub doesn’t drain properly? You can call a qualified plumber if you don’t feel like dealing with the problem yourself. However, if you don’t have the money to hire a plumber, you can try some DIY solutions for your backed-up bathtub.
This article will discuss the common reasons why your bathtub won’t drain. We’ll also explain what can be done to fix it.
How to determine if you have a clogged bath drain
A clog can form in any area of your plumbing system. While there are some clogs that are more difficult to detect than others, it is important to be aware of the signs you should look for in order to catch the problem early and prevent it from becoming a bigger issue. Here are a few indications that a drain is clogged.
- Sewage and water is coming up from the sink, toilet, or bathtub
- When other plumbing fixtures are in use (i.e., bathroom faucet), there will be gurgling sounds coming from the bath drain
- Poor water pressure
- Drain has a foul smell
The common reasons why your bathtub won’t drain
Why is your bathtub not draining? Here are some reasons:
- Hair: The most visible and common cause of a blocked bathtub drain is hair. Hair naturally sheds from your body when you take a bath. It doesn’t matter how fine or thin the hairs (human hair, dog fur) they will stick to the pipes and cause blockages. The hair collects over time and traps any other debris going down the drain. Your bathtub will stop draining soon enough.
- Soap Scum: This is the chalky, filmy substance that sticks to the sides and bottom of your pipes or in your tub. Over time, soap scum can build up on the pipe walls and trap hair and other objects. This problem can be worsened when soap chemicals react with calcium and magnesium ions in hard water.
- Bath bombs: These bath bombs can cause drainage problems. Baking soda and Epsom salt dissolve easily in water. Other additives, such as cornstarch and essential oils, cocoa butters, glitter, or bits of flowers, don’t dissolve well in water. These additives can stick to your pipes and leave behind residue. Cornstarch and oils can become hardened as they travel down the drain. Blockages can be caused by these deposits, which may include soap and hair.
- Cosmetic products: If allowed to drain, cosmetics such as eye shadow, facial masks, hair gels, moisturizers and shaving creams can cause serious problems. These products can cause clogs by coating your pipes with gunk.
Blockage can also be caused by pipe damage. Dented pipes can restrict or block water flow. The same goes for rusty pipes. This can cause water to clog up and slow down flow. Pipe joints can also become damaged or worn out, which can cause pipes to sag and restrict water flow.
What should you if your bathtub won’t drain properly?
No matter what the cause of your clog is, there are solutions. Here are some quick fixes to help your bathtub start draining again before calling a plumber.
Eliminate visible blockages
Use your fingers to pull out hairs, soap scum and other debris from the drain. To get rid of any gunk or hair that might be caught in the drain cover, clean it as well. Rubber gloves are recommended.
Boiling water
Hot water can be used to melt grease, remove soap residue and clear other clogs. After clearing any visible obstructions, boil approximately 2 liters of water. Pour it down the sink. You should not boil water if your pipes are made of PVC (plastic). The boiling water could cause damage.
Vinegar and baking soda
This powerful home remedy is not only useful for clearing out drains but can also be used to remove stains. Half a cup baking soda and half a teaspoon of white vinegar should be poured into the drain. After waiting for the fizzing to stop, pour 2 liters boiling water down the drain.
Use a plunger
If vinegar, baking soda and boiling water don’t work, then you may want to plunge your drain. Place the plunger on top of the drain by first pouring half a cup of water into the tub. Push the plunger down, then pull it up several times. If this method works, hair and other debris will begin to drain out of the drain. Try plunging the water a few times more if it doesn’t drain.
Use a plumbing auger
An auger or plumbing snake is designed to reach deep into the drain to remove clogs. An auger can be hired or purchased at a local hardware store.
Use pliers or a driver to remove the drain stopper. Then insert the cable slowly into your drain. Push the drain snake as far as possible until you feel resistance.
Twist the tube to grab the clog, and then take it out. Keep going until you get rid of all gunk. Run water into the tub
to check if it is clear
How to avoid clogs in future
Prevention is better than treatment when it comes to drainage. Here are some things you can do in order to prevent a blocked bathtub drain.
- Make sure to take off any makeup before you shower.
- Don’t use bath products with ingredients that won’t dissolve in water. Use products that have better dissolving components, such as sugar scrubs or salt scrubs, to prevent clogs.
- Inspect your pipes. Pipes will eventually corrode or become old. Bi-annual inspections can help you keep an eye on the condition of your pipes. A professional plumber can inspect the pipes and find any damage or problems. Any problems found should be addressed immediately to prevent them from getting worse.
- Install a drain protector to stop hair from falling down the drain. A hair catcher can be placed above or within the drain to trap hair and dirt as well as any objects or soap scum.
Bathtub won’t drain after trying everything?
If your bathtub still won’t drain after trying all the above tips, then it would be best to contact your local plumber. He or she should be able to locate the problem quickly.
