We’ve all been there before. You’re standing there in the shower, and your feet slowly become covered by the water because your bathtub won’t drain properly.
Unfortunately, this is a problem that impacts all aspects of your bathing. Whether you’re trying to enjoy a nice relaxing bath after a long day or a quick shower following a workout, a clogged bathtub drain will ruin it all. The first step in solving the problem is to identify the root issue.
On the bright side, you can easily fix many of the reasons your bathtub won’t drain. In this blog, we’ll examine some of the most common causes and how our plumbing services in Escondido from Core Plumbing can help you.
How Do I Know If My Bathtub Isn’t Draining Properly?
If you’ve experienced standing water and your bathtub won’t drain, you already know that it’s time for service. However, there are often some other telltale signs that your system is in early decline, and as with many other mechanical issues, you’ll save money when you tackle these issues upfront.
- Let’s take a look at some of the other indications that your drains are developing an issue:
- Excess water appearing in your bathroom sink, toilet, or bath area
- Strange noises coming from your bathroom drains as you run your faucet
- Weak water pressure during showers, when a toilet flushes, or when the faucet runs
- Strange or sour smells from your bathroom drain
- Issues running multiple water-based appliances at the same time
If you find that your system is experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend that you contact a professional plumber to diagnose the problem and learn about potential solutions.
1. Hair Is Clogging the Drain
One of the most common drain clogging suspects is hair. Many don’t realize how much hair falls out and into the drain during a shower, so maintenance drain cleaning is often neglected.
If you notice any of the symptoms we’ve detailed in the earlier section, one of the first things you can do is visually assess your bath area. Cleaning hair away as it appears throughout your tub is a great way to ensure that the hair doesn’t end up in your drain. You can also employ drain covers to catch hair before it causes a problem.
2. Your Drain Has Soap Scum Buildup
This is an especially common problem experienced in our customer’s shower drains. As you continue to use body washes and shampoos on your hair, your drains can become coated with soap scum from these bath products. You may experience slow or clogged drains if the level of soap scum blocks water flow.
You can avoid costly soap scum issues by researching the best body washes and shampoos to use for your plumbing systems. By using more natural-based soaps, you can avoid scum build-ups in your system.
3. There Is a Foreign Object in Your Drain
If you have kids or pets, this might be the cause of your clogged drain. Many plumbing clients often report foreign objects such as toys ending up in their drains following a child’s bath. It’s also very common for jewelry like rings and earrings to become stuck in your drains.
When objects of larger size get stuck in your drain, it is not unusual to notice your water draining slowly and unevenly. If this is the case, we recommend contacting a professional plumber for a proper consultation.
4. Your Drain Is Clogged With Dirt and Grease
A little bit of grease and dirt ending up in your shower is inevitable, but you must provide your shower with proper routine maintenance and care to avoid build-ups that will prevent your system from draining.
If you’re taking a shower or bath following a particularly dirty activity like hiking or yard work, we recommend taking extra time to clean out your bath or shower. While this may seem like extra work, it is a great way to avoid costly repairs or leaks.
5. Your Septic Tank Is Backed-Up
Many rural-based residents often run into this issue. As foreign objects enter your septic system, they can clog the pipe and prevent water from running its course through your drains. You can often tell this is the case by observing water that flows back into your drains from your pipe area.
As septic systems can be more complicated than normal plumbing systems, we recommend ensuring that the professional plumber you consult has experience working with your type of septic system.
What Can I Do to Get My System Unclogged?
We understand how inconvenient it can be to have a clogged bathtub. That’s why we want to recommend some tips and tricks you can try at home to get your system back up and running ASAP.
For drain blockages that are easily accessible, a plumbing snake with at least a 0.25-inch diameter cable can be an efficient method for removing objects like hair and other materials that refuse to move through your system.
Another effective method for removing blockages is to pour a mixture of baking soda into the drain. When you combine a cup of baking soda with half of a cup of white vinegar, you’ll create a mixture that can safely eat through grease, dirt, and other substances. Expert tip: follow this with a pot of boiling water for maximum effect.
However, preventing clogged drains is one of the most effective methods of keeping your plumbing system clean and clear. Our whole house water filters are proven to create better water quality for your house that can ultimately lead to fewer clogs.
Are you at a loss as to why your bathtub won’t drain? Our dedicated plumbers at Core Plumbing are ready to take your call today for all of your plumbing needs. Give us a call at (858) 293-4182 to learn more!
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