Has your bathtub clogged yet again?
And no matter how much you try to keep it clean, the clogging won’t stop. It keeps coming back like a recurring nightmare– if that is the case, you are not alone! Sometimes, clogging can be more deep-rooted than you realise, and you need a high-pressure jet blaster to solve it.
The issue might be occurring due to an underlying reason you cannot figure out. Lucky for you, we can offer some expertise in the area. If you have been wondering why your bathtub keeps clogging and how to fix it once and for all, this guide contains all the answers.
So, let’s get right to it!
Why Does Your Bathtub Keep Clogging?
Some common factors that often lead to a clogged bathtub drain are:
1. Hair
Hair is the biggest culprit when it comes to blocked bathtub drains, and you will understand it better if you have a thick mane. Some hair will always settle on the drain cover, no matter how hard you try. And the only viable solution to prevent it from forming drain clogs is picking hair strands up after each hair wash.
As tedious as it may sound, hair is so ubiquitous that you can’t do much about it. Wearing shower caps is effective only to some extent. Trimming or shaving body hair can also lead to a clogged drain. As a rule of thumb, clean your bathtub drain after every bath to prevent it from clogging.
2. Soap
Another common reason for a slow bathtub drain is soap scum. Have you ever noticed white marks on your bathtub or shower walls? That’s exactly what scum is. Even though it appears foamy and harmless, it can lead to bigger problems.
Soap scum pools up in your drain and solidifies over time. It sticks to the sides of the shower drain and forms a blockage, thereby clogging your bathtub.
3. Cosmetics
Cosmetic products like hair gels, face masks, shaving creams, and moisturisers are greasy and loaded with chemicals. If allowed to go down the drain, they can coat the shower drain pipe from the inside, leading to clogs.
4. Bath Bombs
No matter how pretty they may be, bath bombs are another reason your bathtub clogs. Ingredients like Epsom salt and baking soda dissolved in water, but other additives, such as essential oils and cornstarch, can pose problems.
5. Damaged Pipelines
Even if the drain opening seems clear, blockages can still be there in your pipelines. Dented pipes can get constricted or completely block the water flow. Similarly, corrosion in the pipes can also lead to clogs in your bathtub drain. Call for professional help to inspect your lines and see the root cause of the blockage. They have the latest equipment, like a CCTV drain camera, to detect and check your pipelines and drains.
How To Fix Blocked Bathtub?
Here’s how you can fix a clogged bathtub drain:
1. Remove The Blockage
One obvious way to unclog a bathtub drain is deep cleaning it to remove blockages. Get rid of any hair or scum build-up, and clean the drain plug thoroughly. You can also use a bathtub filter in your main tub drain to keep debris out of it.
2. Pour Boiling Water
Pouring boiling water can also help unclog a bathtub drain. Hot water melts most grease, emulsions and scum that may obstruct the water flow. So, remove the bathtub drain stopper and let boiling water run for three to five minutes. The blockage will be gone before you know it.
3. Use Baking Soda And Vinegar
Instead of using a chemical drain cleaner in your bathtub, you can use natural ingredients like baking soda and white vinegar. Pouring a mixture of these acidic and basic materials down the drain can instantly help you get rid of bathtub clogs.
You see, drain cleaners are loaded with harmful chemicals which do more harm than good in the long run. They can even permanently damage your bathtub drains, so we suggest using them sparingly.
4. Plunge The Bathtub Drain
Another effective way to remove clogs is plunging them out. Discover the different types of plungers to help you determine what to use. Cover the drain entirely with the cup of the plunger and create suction. Once a vacuum is built, pull the handle and start plunging. The debris will come out within a few minutes, unclogging your bathtub.
How To Prevent Your Bathtub From Clogging?
1. Get A Hair Catcher
Since hair clogs are the number one reason for standing water in bathtubs, you can eliminate the problem by installing a hair catcher over your drain. Hair catchers are cost-effective and readily available in most hardware stores. Not just hair, but they also prevent other debris from entering the drain.
2. Inspect The Plumbing
If the DIY route doesn’t unclog your bathtub drain, it’s time to inspect your plumbing. If your bathtub isn’t getting clogged due to external factors, it indicates a problem in the pipeline and drainage system. We suggest hiring a professional plumber to take up this task. Routine plumbing inspections are a great way to prevent your bathtub from getting clogged.
Keep Your Bathtub From Clogging
Clogged drains occur due to hair accumulation, scum, or undissolvable cosmetics and bath products. No matter what causes blockage in your bathtub drain, you can unclog it in a few simple steps.
However, you can avoid the problem altogether by keeping your bathtub drain clean. Installing a hair catcher, drain cover, or drain stopper will keep hair away from the drain.
Furthermore, you must be careful what you wash off in your bathtub. Cosmetics and non-biodegradable bath bombs are a big no-no. You can prevent your bathtub from clogging by being mindful of these simple things.
And even if it gets clogged or water drains slowly, you can use a plunger, a drain claw or an auger to eliminate blockages. Additionally, you can use baking soda and vinegar to prevent future clogs.
Don’t hesitate to contact our professional drain plumbers from Fixed Fast Plumbing for more severe and stubborn clogs. We’ve got the latest technology, including a CCTV drain camera to inspect the cause of the blockage and a high-pressure jet blaster to unblock them.
