Drain clogs and slow-draining bathtubs or sinks are common plumbing issues. These issues can be remedied and prevented by using proper techniques and tools. If your bathtub is slowly draining, there are some ways to remedy it without calling a plumber. In this blog, we will provide some reasons why your bathtub may be slow to drain and how you can fix the problem to prevent frustration in the future.
Potential Causes Of A Slow Draining Bathtub
A few causes can lead to a slow draining bathtub and cause soapy water to linger in the tub. Hair, soap scum, or dirt are common blockages in your drains that come from bathtubs or sinks. Over time, these items can block the entire pipe and make it hard for water to drain from your bathtub. The longer you wait to remedy drain clogs, the worse they will get. Letting clogs sit makes them harder to remove and makes using your bathtub less enjoyable.
Older pipes or faulty ones may be the cause of a slow draining bathtub. Damaged pipes may result in lower water pressure or improper connections that help your drains clear quickly. Replacing pipes can improve the flushing of your toilets and the draining of sinks and bathtubs.
Drain cleaning is important to keep your home healthy and safe. Hiring a professional to perform drain cleaning will ensure that the entire blockage is removed. Instead of doing a home remedy, professional cleaning will ensure that your plumbing drains properly for years.
1- Clear The Stopper And Drain
Removing the drain stopper and cleaning it can help your bathtub to start draining quicker. Removing this can be done by unscrewing the cover or gently prying it up. Cleaning this and the top part of the drain by removing hair and soap build-up should be a temporary solution to the problem.
Using commercial drain cleaner liquids or other household tools to remove blockages can help as well. Deeper blockages or major clogs will need to be handled by a professional.
2- Utilize A Drain Snake
Many home improvement stores sell drain snakes of multiple sizes. These tools can make it easier to remove grease, dirt, or other debris from a drain with ease. These are also safer to use than chemical cleaners and limit the damage to your pipes. Follow the instructions listed by the manufacturer to prevent unnecessary pipe damage.
3- Baking Soda And Vinegar
The age-old baking soda and vinegar method can help clear your drains for the time being. This chemical reaction releases carbon dioxide that will cause expanding bubbles to break apart clogs in a drain. Start by pouring a half cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Let the chemical reaction happen and foam in your drain for about five minutes. After it has worked for a while, run hot water from the faucet or from a bucket down the drain to remove all residue.
This method is environmentally friendly and more affordable than chemical drain cleaners. If you are on a budget or worried about pipe damage, using baking soda and vinegar is the best solution.
4- Implement A Hair Stopper
As previously mentioned, hair is one of the main causes of drain clogs that lead to a slow draining bathtub. Adding a hair stopper to your drain can help limit the amount of build-up that makes it into the drain. Hair stoppers can be placed under the drain stopper or on top of your drain to catch hair while showering or bathing. Removing the hair caught in the trap after each shower or bath will help keep the drain clear.
When Should I Call A Professional?
Not all drain clogs can be solved by home remedies or products. Working with a professional plumber and drain cleaner can help remove the clog quickly and efficiently. Larger drain augers and camera inspections are only available from professional plumbers to work on large clogs. If your home is experiencing a slow draining bathtub or other slow drains, working with a professional can help prevent pipe damage.
Drain X works on homes and businesses of all sizes to help remedy drain clogs. Our team has the tools and experience to make your home more efficient. Drain clogs of all kinds are extremely common, so our plumbing technicians know how important it is to remedy them quickly. Contact our team to get your drains back to full function in no time!
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