How to Fix a Slow Draining Bathtub (DIY Fixes That Actually Work)

Nothing can be worse than leaving the pleasant experience of a hot shower only to discover that your bathtub is filled with dirty water. The slow drainage problem is one of the most popular plumbing issues that can be resolved by contacting the services of the plumbing experts. However, in most cases, the problem can be handled by the homeowner without spending any money on the services of professional technicians.

Normally, the reason for the clogging of drains is hair, soap, or minerals. The bathtub drains can be unclogged easily, and it only takes you a couple of minutes to do it. In the case you would like to learn more about the process of unclogging the bathtub drain, read the article, which gives a brief guide of the home remedies that can be applied in this case.

Why Is Your Bathtub Draining So Slowly?

Before attempting to unclog a slow bathtub drain, it is essential that you understand what is causing it. Once you recognize what kind of buildup is restricting the water flow, you will know the best method to clear the drain.

Common reasons why bathtub drains slow down are:

• Hair in the drain
• Soap scum
• Dirt, skin, and body oil
• Hard water minerals
• Foreign objects
• Plumbing issues

Hair and a combination of soap and hair is the most common cause of a slow bathtub drain, and a large portion of bathtub drains are slow because of this. The mixture of these materials restricts the diameter of the pipe, restricting the flow of water.

Signs Your Bathtub Drain Needs Attention

A slow bathtub drain does not appear out of nowhere. These are some of the warning signs that the drain is obstructed:

• Water accumulates around the feet during a shower
• The bathtub takes longer to drain after a fill-up
• Unusual gurgling sounds appear while showering
• Unpleasant odors rise from the drain
• Water drains back up after seemingly draining completely

Recognizing these signs allows you to take action before the situation becomes entirely out of hand.

Tools You’ll Need

Most methods of removing a bathtub drain obstruction do not require any advanced or costly equipment. Here are some standard tools recommended for the task:

• Rubber gloves
• Hair removal tool or drain snake
• Screwdriver
• Plunger
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Hot water
• Bucket
• Flashlight

Most of these items are already found in the home.

Method 1: Remove Visible Hair and Debris

This method is usually the fastest and safest way to unclog a slowly draining pipe. Here are the steps:

Step 1

Put on some rubber gloves and, if you can, take out the stopper from the drain.

Step 2

Use a flashlight to look into the drain.

Step 3

Get rid of the hair from the tube with your hands, pliers, or a plastic cleaning tool. You may be surprised how much there is!

Now take some really hot but not boiling water and run it down the drain for about a minute to see if everything works.

Method 2: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

This is a tried and true method for unclogging a bathtub drain. This method is excellent for removing minor soap buildup and other small obstacles.

Instructions

1. Pour ½ of a cup of baking soda into the drain
2. Follow this with a cup of vinegar
3. Plug the drain and let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes
4. Rinse the drain with hot water

While this method may not clear severe blockages, including hair entangled with soap, it can help loosen it up a bit.

Method 3: Use a Drain Snake

For more serious obstructions, especially those built of hair, a drain snake is an invaluable tool. This mechanical device can often clear a slow drain with minimal effort.

How to Use a Drain Snake

1. Insert the drain snake into the drain
2. Rotate the snake while advancing it into the pipe until you feel resistance
3. Pull the snake out of the drain slowly and remove the mass of hair and gunk that adheres to it
4. Continue this until the snake is no longer covered in debris

Many homeowners are surprised by how much hair a single pass of the snake can remove. Many plumbers recommend this tool as a go-to for bathtub drain issues.

Method 4: Try a Plunger

One of the most accessible tools for removing a blockage from a bathtub drain is a plunger. Plunging can dislodge minor clogs of hair or other soft materials.

Instructions

1. Fill the tub with a few inches of water
2. Wet a towel and plug the overflow hole on the side of the tub
3. Put the plunger on the drain and start pumping up and down
4. Continue for 20-30 seconds, then remove the plunger and test the drain

The force applied by a plunger can often be sufficient to clear a minor blockage. Plunging combined with a drain snake can be particularly effective.

Method 5: Clean the Drain Stopper

Many people neglect the stopper as a possible cause of a slow drain. Hair and soap often accumulate on the stopper and obstruct the drainage.

Take the stopper out of the drain and remove any material that is stuck to it. Rinse the stopper thoroughly and then put it back in the drain. Sometimes just cleaning the stopper can clear the drain.

Should You Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?

Drain cleaners bought at the grocery store can clear a slow drain but are often ineffective or damaging.

Pros

• Fast
• Simple to use
• Effective for certain types of blockages

Cons

• Can damage older pipes
• Toxic fumes
• Irritating to skin and eyes
• Ineffective against some blockages
•  Does not completely remove the obstruction

Mechanical removal of a blockage is often a better option than chemical drain cleaners because it usually removes the obstruction entirely, rather than partially breaking it up and dissolving some of it.

How to Prevent Future Bathtub Clogs

A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to bathtub drains. Here are some recommendations to keep your bathtub from slowing down unexpectedly:

• Use a hair catcher on the drain
• Remove hair from the drain after each shower
• Run hot water down the drain on a weekly basis
• Clean the stopper each month
• Avoid getting dirt, sand, or your pet’s hair in the bathtub
• Clean the drain with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar on a regular basis

Prevention is much easier and less of a hassle than trying to un-clog the drain when it is completely stopped up.

It is probably best to do something about it right away when you start to notice your bathtub is becoming slow.

When It’s Time to Call a Plumber

Most issues related to slow bathtub drains can be resolved with the methods outlined above, but sometimes it is necessary to call in a professional. Here are some examples of situations that require the help of a plumber:

• The drain continues to be slow despite several attempts to clear it
• Multiple drains in the house are running slowly or are plugged
• You smell sewage odors
• Water is backing up in other fixtures such as sinks and toilets
• Gurgling noises emanate from the drains

These issues may indicate a more serious blockage in the main sewer line, rather than an obstruction limited to a bathtub drain.

Final Thoughts

Now you know everything you need to know on how to open a slow bathtub drain. As you can probably tell, it’s not that hard. While bathtub drains can sometimes be pretty bad, usually it’s just a matter of removing the buildup of hair. If it’s a bad blockage, vinegar and baking soda can usually clear it up. Just remember that the faster you clear the blockage once you find it, the less chance of the drain stopping completely the next day.