Is The Bathtub Draining Slowly? Read This!
Key Takeaways:
- There are a few reasons your bathtub might be draining slowly, including too much hair, soap scum, mineral deposits, grease, sewer line problems, or clogged vent pipes.
- If you have a plunger or drain snake, you can clear the blockage yourself without calling a professional.
- Boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda can also help break up tough clogs.
- If all else fails, calling a plumber is likely your best bet for getting your drain flowing smoothly again.
As a homeowner, few things are more frustrating than something not working properly in your home. When your bathtub starts draining slowly, it can seem like the world is conspiring against you. We all know that feeling of misery when the bathtub starts to fill up with water, and we realize it will take forever to drain. Your tub drains slowly regularly, or maybe this is a new development.
But before reaching for the phone to call a plumber, read this blog post. Premier Plumbers will show you how to fix the problem and save some money in the process. So, whether your bathtub is clogged with hair or soap scum, keep reading for tips on how to clear the drain. Good luck!
Common Causes of a Slow-Draining Tub
There are a few reasons why your bathtub might be draining slowly.
1. Too Much Hair
If you have long hair, it’s not surprising that some of it goes down the drain. Over time, all that hair can build up and create a clog. If your tub is draining slower than usual, chances are there’s a hair clog somewhere in the drainpipe. Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix. Start by removing the drain cover and using a flashlight to look inside the pipe. If you see any hair, use a wire hanger or pliers to grab it and pull it out.
2. Soap Scum
If your tub doesn’t have a good seal around the drain, soap scum can build up over time and cause a clog. This is especially common in older homes with cast-iron tubs. To get rid of soap scum, pour boiling water down the drain. Then, use a plunger to try and break up the clog. You can try using a chemical drain cleaner if that doesn’t work. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
3. Mineral Deposits
If you currently reside in an area with hard water, natural mineral deposits may build up in your drain & cause a clog and other plumbing problems. These deposits are usually made up of calcium or magnesium. To remove them, pour a cup of white vinegar down your drain. Then, let it sit for 60 minutes before flushing it with hot water. You can also try using a product like CLR to break up the deposits. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
4. Grease
Grease is another common cause of clogged drains. When hot grease cools, it can solidify and adhere to the sides of your pipes. This can eventually lead to a complete blockage. To prevent this, never pour grease down the drain. Instead, dispose of it in a container & throw it in the trash.
5. Sewer Line Problems
The purpose of sewer lines is to carry away waste water and sewage from your home. Over time, sludge buildup (from the solids flushed down your sewer system) and tree roots can slowly block your pipes and cause plumbing problems. This can lead to slow drains in your home.
6. Clogged Vent Pipes
Vent pipes play an important role in keeping your drain pipes unclogged by letting air enter the system and equalizing pressure. But since a vent pipe goes through your roof, it’s vulnerable to debris like leaves and sticks—not to mention animals or insects. Something blocking the pipe could cause plumbing problems inside your home, like slow drainage.
How to Fix a Slow-Draining Tub?
Well, there’re quite a few things you can do to try & clear the blockage yourself before calling in a professional.
1. Use A Plunger
If you have a plunger, put it to good use! Plungers can be very fruitful at dislodging clogs. Make sure you have a good seal around the drain before you start plunging.
2. Use A Drain Snake
If a plunger doesn’t do the trick, you might need to use a drain snake. A drain snake is simply a long, flexible piece of metal that can help loosen or break up clogs. You can usually find them at your local hardware store.
3. Use Boiling Water
Boiling water can also help break up tough clogs. Just be careful not to pour boiling water directly onto your drain, as this could damage your pipes. Instead, slowly pour it around the perimeter of the drain.
4. Use Vinegar And Baking Soda
If you’re looking for a more natural way to unclog your drain, you can try using vinegar and baking soda. First, pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain. Then, add ½ cup of vinegar and let the mixture sit for about an hour. After an hour, flush the drain with hot water.
5. Call A Professional
If you’ve tried all these methods and you’re still dealing with a clogged drain, it might be time to call in a professional. A plumber can quickly locate the source of the problem and get your drain flowing smoothly again.
Looking To Unclog Your Bathtub Drain In Longboat Key, FL? We Can Help!
Premier Plumbers are dedicated to unclogging and cleaning your pipes and drains and restoring them, so they function like new! Our drain cleaning professionals will clear away the gunk clogging up your home or office plumbing, ensuring that it won’t be affected by standing water or flooding.
We are your local plumbing and drainage specialists serving Longboat Key, FL. We have the latest equipment to fix any size issue in your home or office quickly. Additionally, we offer cable, jetting, floor drains, downspout drains, and main sewer line inspection and cleaning services. Our drain cleaning experts will remove any gunk from bathroom drains, tubs, sinks, dishwasher drains, and showers.
Call us today or get a free quote so we can help get your home’s pipes working again!
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