A bathtub is a great way to relax and enjoy a hot bath, but nothing ruins the experience more than a slow-draining tub. Fortunately, you can take several easy steps to fix the issue and get your bathtub draining normally again. Read on to learn how.
However, if you need help and are unable to fix the issue yourself, it’s important to call a plumber. They can assess the situation more accurately and provide any necessary repairs safely and quickly.
At Bienvenu Brothers, our experienced team of plumbers can help you with any slow bathtub drain issue. We provide fast, reliable services that will get your bathtub back to draining normally in no time. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you with this problem.
How Do You Fix a Slow Bathtub Drain?
There are several ways to fix a slow-draining bathtub. First, it’s important to inspect the drain and remove any debris that may be causing the issue by hanging above the drain stopper. This can easily be done with your fingers.
If the drain is still slow after removing the visible particles, you may need to remove the drain stopper so that you can inspect and clear out the drain. At this stage, you’ll require the use of tools like a bent wire, a plunger, and an auger or drain snake.
Finally, if the issue persists even after replacing the drain, you may need to look into other possible causes such as damage to the pipes or an improperly vented plumbing system. This is best done by a professional plumber, who can ensure the job is done correctly.
Remove The Drain Stopper to Gain Access
The first step in troubleshooting a slow-draining bathtub is to remove the drain stopper. There are several types of drain stoppers and each type needs to be removed differently. If your drain stopper won’t budge, you can always call a professional plumber for help.
Drop Stopper
The most common type is the drop stopper. It has a small knob at the top that you can turn to open or close the drain. To remove this type of stopper, start by removing the stopper cap and then unscrew the exposed stopper. Then, pull the stopper out of the drain. Once you’ve done this you can reach the drainage crosshairs, which are the main culprit behind a slow-draining bathtub.
Levered Bathtub Stopper
A levered bathtub stopper has a lever that connects to the overflow plate. To remove this type of stopper, start by unscrewing the lever and then removing the stopper from the drain. This will reveal the drain, which you should clean as much as you can and then flush with warm water to make sure it’s clear of any debris.
Push Stopper
A push stopper is one of the toughest stoppers to remove. To do so, start by supporting it at the base before unscrewing the stopper and then pulling it out from the drain. This should be enough to free up any debris that may be blocking the drain.
What Next After Removing The Stopper?
Once the stopper is removed, use a wire, hot water, or plunger to dislodge any clogs in the pipes. If this doesn’t work, you can also use a drain snake to remove the clog.
Use a Bent Wire
Use a bent wire coat hanger to dislodge anything blocking the drain. Start by pushing the wire into the drain, and then moving it around in circles so that it can grab onto any clogs or debris. Once you’ve done this, pull out the wire and check for anything that was caught. Be cautious when attempting to clear the pipe as there is a possibility of pushing debris deeper, which may worsen the clog.
Pour Hot Water
You can also try to pour hot water down the drain. The heat from the water will help to soften and dissolve any buildup in the pipes, allowing them to clean easier. Pour the hot water gently so that it doesn’t splash on you or overflow.
Try a Homemade Flush
There are chemical cleaners you can buy to help flush out a slow bathtub drain, but there are some homemade remedies that can also be effective. These are preferred as they are safer to use and less harmful to your pipes. Try mixing equal parts of baking soda and vinegar together and then pouring it down the drain. Let it sit for about an hour before flushing it with hot water. This should help to clear any clogs or debris in the drain. Examine the drain afterward to ensure that everything has been cleared.
Use a Toilet Plunger
If hot water isn’t enough, you can use a plunger to loosen up any clogs in the pipe. Make sure that the stopper is removed before using the plunger so that air can get into the drain. Start by submerging the cup of the plunger over the drain and then pushing it up and down multiple times. This will help to break apart the clog and allow it to pass through the pipes.
Use a Drain Auger
A drain auger or drain snake is a device used to break apart and remove any clogs in the pipes. To use it, feed the snake down the drain until it comes into contact with the clog. Then, twist and turn the auger handle so that it can grab onto and break up the blockage. When you’re done, pull out the snake and check for any debris that may have been caught.
Contact a Professional Plumber
If none of these steps helped, you may need to call a plumber for further assistance. They have the tools and experience necessary to assess your issue more accurately and can provide any required repairs in no time.
By following these steps, you can easily fix a slow-draining bathtub without the help of a professional plumber. However, if the issue persists or becomes worse, contact Bienvenu Brothers so that we can provide you with a thorough inspection and reliable repair services to get the problem resolved once and for all.
If You Can’t do it on Your Own, Contact Bienvenu Brothers
If you want your bathtub to start running smoothly again, contact the experts at Bienvenu Brothers. We have a team of experienced plumbers that are available 24/7 and can assist you with any plumbing issue you may have. Contact us today at (504) 835-7783 to book an appointment!