Why do bathtubs clog

If the stopper is damaged, rusted, or simply worn out from excess use, it could get stuck. If you think a broken stopper could be the reason why you cannot drain the bathtub, check to see if the stopper is stuck or blocked.

You can use pliers to gently pull the stopper out of the drain. This may help to unclog the bathtub right away. Over time, nearly all bathtub drains will develop clogs.

These are most commonly caused by a combination of:. These mix with the water during a bath or shower and they can solidify in the drain. Sometimes even small items like shampoo bottle caps or razor shields will sneak through the drain openings. If these clogs are located near the top of the drain opening, you may be able to unclog it on your own. You will likely need to unscrew the drain opening to pull up whatever is clogging it.

However, this needs to be done with care, as you could accidentally push the clog further down the pipe. This also creates hard edges that debris like hair or soap scum will stick to, causing even worse clogging. Over time, mineral deposits can eat away at the metal pipes and lead to severe damage. In this case, it will be impossible to unclog. You may need to have some of the pipes replaced altogether. If the build-up is not too extreme, the pipes can be cleaned out.

You can also install a water softener system that will filter out excess mineral deposits to prevent future build-up. First, you can try to use a sink plunger over the drain to unclog it. This creates a vacuum of air that can dislodge whatever is clogging the pipe, such as a wad of hair. You can also try your hand at using a drain snake, which is a long piece of silicone or wire cable that you weave down into the pipe.

As you pull the drain snake back up, it will attach to items and unclog the drain. This will help to melt soap scum and hair build-up to unclog the drain. But this tactic will only work if the boiling water can be poured directly into the drain opening. You can also try a baking soda and vinegar mixture to clean out clogged bathtub drains.

Nobody wants to stand in a deepening pool of murky water while taking a shower. Read our guide to fixing a clogged tub. There are several possible causes for a slow-draining shower.

A hand-powered snake may also be called a drum auger if you are doing a product search. It can enable you to clear clogs in toilets, sinks, and shower units. This proactive strategy will prevent soap scum and hair from accumulating. If a tub continues to drain slowly even after the basic cleaning described above, the problem might be caused by a clogged vent pipe.

Because a vent pipe is open at the top, it can be clogged by sticks, leaves, and other debris. Blockages can also occur because of insects or animals. If you suspect that a clogged vent is causing household plumbing to drain slowly, you can investigate just like a plumber would:. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from.

By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. But as a homeowner, it can be helpful to understand what causes a bathtub backup in the first place and how to combat them! The most common cause of a clogged bathtub is hair. When you bathe or shower, your hair has nowhere to go but down the drain. When it slithers down the drain, it can get stuck to the sides of the piping, building up over time and attaching to other materials—like dead skin or scum—that went down the pipes.

This prevents proper drainage. Another common cause of clogs in the bathtub is soap scum. Ever noticed white stains on your shower walls? It collects in the same way in your drain over time. As the soap scum washes down the drain, it solidifies , sticking to the sides of piping until it creates a blockage. Just like hair and soap scum, it collects on the sides of piping, building up over time. Once it collects, any tiny debris adds to the clog.

Water with higher pH levels make this problem even worse. This is especially true if your shower does not have particularly strong water flow. Consider rinsing off outside—at a hose or a beach shower—to remove some of the sand and dirt before coming in to shower.

Hard water is especially difficult when combined with a hair or soap scum clog. To use it, place your plunger over the drain, and fill your tub with water until it covers the base of the plunger.

The air below the plunger and the water above creates the pressure needed to help break up clogs. After you plunge, turn on the hot water to flush any remaining debris. To use the snake, remove the overflow drain cover and any stopper assembly. Place the snake down the drain, and fill your tub a quarter full with hot water.