Is your bathtub slow to drain or completely clogged? When water doesn’t properly drain and begins pooling around your feet, it can feel like you’re taking an involuntary bath while showering. Any water that fails to drain and is left behind in the tub is called standing water.
Standing water can pose several health risks. Any bacteria or debris that is rinsed off your skin lingers in the water left behind in your tub. That can expose you to things that your hygiene routine would otherwise eliminate. Standing water can also cause mold and mildew growth. If left unattended for a long time, it can be a breeding ground for insects.
These are just some of the reasons why proper bathtub drainage is essential.
If your bathtub is clogged, here are some things you can do to try to troubleshoot and resolve the problem on your own.
How to Troubleshoot Clogged Bathtubs: 5 Helpful Tips
The first thing to do whenever you’re ready to troubleshoot tub clogs is to remove any standing water from the tub before proceeding. Once that’s done, try:
- Cleaning the drain catches and plugs: Clear any visible obstructions in and around your bathtub drain to make it as easy as possible for water to flow through it properly. Sometimes, soap scum, hair, and other objects right on top of the drain may be the primary cause of the problem. In those cases, this simple fix can do the trick to restore proper tub drainage.
- Snaking the drain: Clearing clogged drains can also require fishing out blockages beneath the drain cover. If drainage issues persist, remove the overflow cover and use a plumbing snake to try to pull any obstructions from the pipes.
- Plunging the drain: If clearing the drain and snaking the drain doesn’t work, remove the drain cover and plug the hole into the overflow cover with a rag. Plunge the drain hole while keeping the rag over the overflow cover to maintain a proper air seal. This may force the clog to break up, restoring proper drainage.
- Using a homemade cleaning solution: Create a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water and pour it down the drain. This natural solution can help break up certain types of clogs. This is a great alternative to caustic chemical drain cleaners, which can damage your pipes and your plumbing system if you use them too much.
- Taking a proactive approach: While this tip may not be helpful if you already have a clog, once the tub is unclogged, it’s crucial to keep it in mind. Keeping your tub clean is the best way to make sure your pipes remain free and clear. So, consider installing drain covers to catch hair or dirt particles and prevent debris from collecting in the train. Our Glendale drain cleaning services are one of the best ways to prevent clogs!
Bathroom Plumbing Services in Glendale & Phoenix, AZ
If you’re unable to unclog your tub with these tips—or if you would prefer to leave the job to professional plumbers, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Bumble Bee Plumbing!
We provide a complete range of plumbing services in the Glendale and Phoenix, AZ areas, including bathroom plumbing services to remove clogs, restore water pressure, repair toilets, and much more. We can get your tub flowing freely and ready for relaxation in no time!
To schedule clog removal service or any plumbing services for your Maricopa County home, contact Bumble Bee Plumbing online or call 602-710-7981 today.
