A bathtub usually drains slowly because hair and soap scum have built up around the stopper or in the trap just below the tub. Less often, the cause is a clog further down the drain line or a blocked plumbing vent.
Hair and Soap Scum
Every bath and shower sends hair down the drain. Soap leaves a sticky film that holds the hair in place. Over a few months, this mix forms a mat that catches more debris and slowly narrows the opening. Conditioners and bath oils can make the buildup even thicker.
The Stopper Mechanism
Many tubs have a stopper that is controlled by a lever on the overflow plate. Hair can wrap around the linkage inside the overflow pipe or the stopper itself. Removing the stopper and cleaning it is often the first and easiest fix. A stopper that does not open all the way can also slow drainage.
Deeper Problems
- A deeper clog: if the tub and nearby sink are both slow, the blockage may be in a shared pipe.
- A blocked vent: drains need air. A blocked vent can cause slow draining and gurgling.
- Old pipes: rough or narrowed drain pipes in older homes catch debris more easily.
Clearing It Yourself
Remove and clean the stopper. Use a plastic drain cleaning strip to pull out hair from just below the opening. A plunger can help if you cover the overflow opening with a wet cloth for better suction. Skip harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage tub finishes and older pipes.
A hair catcher over the drain is an easy way to slow down future buildup.
If the tub still drains slowly after cleaning, or other drains are affected, having the drain line cleared can solve the problem at its source. If you are also seeing slow sinks or toilets elsewhere, it may be worth having a plumber check the bigger picture. JPR Plumbing answers at (833) 603-1840.