A slow bathtub drain can be very annoying. Instead of relaxing, you end up standing in dirty water. This is a common problem in many homes and usually starts small. However, most slow drains are easy to fix if you know the cause.
Hair, soap, and buildup are usually to blame. Sometimes, the issue can be deeper in the plumbing. Read this blog to understand what causes slow drains, helping you fix the problem faster and keep it from coming back.
Common Causes of Slow Bathtub Drains
Here are some common causes of a slow bathtub drain:
Hair Clogs
Hair is one of the top causes of slow bathtub drains. It mixes with soap scum and sticks in the pipe. This can lead to slow drains.
Soap Scum
Soap residue creates a sticky layer that sticks inside the pipes. Over time, this can build up and cause the water to drain slowly.
Mineral Buildup
Hard water contains elements like calcium and magnesium, which are a leading cause of sediment buildup. This buildup can restrict water flow causing slow drainage.
Small Objects
Sometimes small items fall into the drain by accident. Toys, bottle caps, or product labels can get stuck and slow down water drainage in bathtubs.
Signs of Bigger Plumbing Problems
Some clogs can be caused by bigger, more complicated plumbing issues, such as:
Vent Pipe Problems
Blocked vent pipes stop air from flowing properly. This can cause gurgling sounds and slow draining in more than one fixture.
Sewer Line Clogs
If your drainage is slow in multiple fixtures, it can hint at a bigger sewer line clog.
Old or Damaged Pipes
Older pipes can corrode or collapse over time. In rare cases, damaged or misaligned pipes under the floor can interfere with proper drainage.
How Can Professionals Help You Overcome Clogs?
Professionals have the right tools and expertise to overcome clogs that cause slow drainage in fixtures. Small clogs may be fixed manually by drain augers (long flexible metal cable). However, deeper clogs need high-pressure water, i.e., hydro-jetting, to clean pipes. They also provide camera inspection services for clogs that cannot be located directly.
If clogs return frequently or multiple drains are slow, it is time to call a local plumber for help!
How to Prevent Slow Bathtub Drains
Here is how you can prevent slow bathtub drains:
- Use mesh drain covers to catch hair
- Clean drain stoppers weekly
- Never pour grease or oils down the drain
- Flush your drains monthly with hot water
- Install a water softener in hard water areas
Final Thoughts
Slow bathtub drains are common. Hair, soap scum, mineral buildup or small objects are common culprits behind this. Small clogs can be removed manually by drain augers while deeper clogs may need hydrojetting to release. Mesh drain covers, cleaning drain stoppers, flushing, and installing a water softener can prevent slow water drainage.
Slow water drainage in bathtubs or several drains? Call our expert plumbing team at Santana Bros Plumbing at (713) 494-5504 to schedule a visit.