There’s nothing relaxing about standing in ankle-deep water during your shower. Or watching the tub slowly drain for 20 minutes after you’ve finished. A slow or clogged tub drain is a common problem—but it’s one that can usually be fixed without too much hassle.
So what should you do when your tub won’t drain properly?
Take a breath. Whether it’s from soap, hair, or something deeper in the pipe, there are a few simple things you can try before calling in a plumber. And if you do need help, we’ll explain what happens next.
Step 1: Try a Safe Drain Cleaner First
If your tub is draining slowly (but not totally blocked), start with a good-quality drain cleaner. We recommend Drift Drain, a cleaner made to break up soap scum and hair buildup—the two most common causes of slow bathtub drains.
Why Drift?
It’s designed to handle the mess that builds up in bathroom drains without using harsh chemicals that might damage your plumbing or irritate your skin.
How to Use It:
- Remove standing water, if there is any.
- Pour the amount suggested on the bottle directly into the drain.
- Let it sit for the recommended time.
- Rinse with hot water.
This might be all you need to clear up minor clogs and speed things up again.
Step 2: Check the Drain Stopper and Clean It Out
If things are still slow, the clog might be sitting just beneath the drain cover. Hair and gunk tend to collect right there where you can’t see it.
Here’s what to do:
- Remove the drain stopper. Some unscrew, while others pull straight out.
- Shine a flashlight down the drain to look for hair or buildup.
- Use a plastic drain snake or a bent coat hanger to pull out debris.
- Flush the drain with hot water again.
This step is usually messy but surprisingly effective. It’s the most common reason tub drains run slow.
Step 3: Call a Pro if It’s Still Not Draining
If you’ve tried the drain cleaner, removed the hair, and your tub is still slow or fully clogged, it’s time to call in a plumber.
At Priority One Plumbing, we’ll figure out exactly where the clog is and clear it the right way—without guesswork or damage to your pipes.
What We Do:
- Snake the drain: We use a professional-grade drain snake to remove blockages deeper in the line.
- Use a camera if needed: For recurring issues, we insert a small camera into the line to see exactly what’s going on.
Most clogs don’t require anything more than this. But if it turns out to be something serious, like a collapsed pipe or tree roots in the line, we’ll show you what we find and walk you through the options.
What Causes a Tub Drain to Get Slow or Clogged?
You’re not alone. Tub drains deal with a lot of junk every day, and over time, it builds up. Common causes include:
- Hair: The biggest offender. It collects easily and traps soap and dirt.
- Soap Scum: Especially from bar soaps, which leave more residue.
- Shampoo and Conditioner: These coat pipes and trap debris.
- Hard Water: Minerals cling to the sides of pipes and narrow them over time.
- Accidental Debris: Razor caps, plastic bits, and small toys can fall into the drain and get stuck.
How to Keep Your Tub Drain Clear
Once you’ve dealt with a slow or clogged tub, you probably want to keep it from happening again. Try these steps:
Use a Drain Hair Catcher
Install one over or inside your drain. Clean it out once a week to prevent most clogs.
Flush With Hot Water Weekly
Pour a pot of hot (not boiling) water down the drain weekly to rinse out buildup.
Use Drift Drain Monthly
A monthly treatment helps clear soap and hair before they form a full blockage.
Don’t Rinse Big Messes Down the Drain
Wipe off paint, grease, and mud with paper towels before showering or bathing.
Get Routine Maintenance
We offer maintenance plans that include inspections and cleanouts. These are especially helpful in older homes or if you deal with frequent clogs.
FAQs About Slow or Clogged Tub Drains
Can I use boiling water to fix a slow drain?
It’s risky. Boiling water can damage plastic pipes. Stick to very hot tap water unless you’re sure your pipes can take it.
Will chemical drain cleaners damage my pipes?
Some can. Harsh products may corrode pipes over time. That’s why we recommend Drift Drain, which is safer and designed for hair and soap scum.
Can I plunge my tub drain?
You can try, but it may not help much. Tubs often have stoppers or crossbars that prevent a good seal.
How do I know if it’s a bigger problem?
If the clog keeps coming back or other drains are slow too, it may be a deeper issue. A camera inspection will show you what’s going on.
How much does it cost to have a plumber fix a clogged tub?
Most jobs are affordable and straightforward. We’ll give you a clear price before starting work.
When to Call Priority One Plumbing
A slow or clogged tub isn’t just annoying—it can lead to leaks or water damage if left alone. If the steps above don’t work, or if you’d rather not deal with it yourself, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule service. We’ll clear the clog, explain what caused it, and help you avoid future problems.
