Drains & Clogs

Routine

Easy DIY

Slow Draining Bathtub

Bathtub water drains slowly, often due to hair and soap buildup

Estimated Time

20-45 minutes

Urgency Level

Routine

Tools Required

3 items

Problem Overview

A slow-draining bathtub is a frustrating problem that gradually worsens over time. Water pools around your feet during showers and takes several minutes to drain after baths. This issue almost always results from accumulated hair and soap scum forming a blockage in your drain pipe. Left unaddressed, the slow drain eventually becomes a complete blockage.

Hair is the primary culprit behind bathtub drain clogs. Each shower sends dozens of loose hairs down the drain, where they catch on the drain stopper mechanism, pipe joints, or rough spots inside the drain. As hair accumulates, it forms a tangled mass that traps soap residue, dead skin cells, and other debris. This combination creates a dense blockage that water struggles to pass through.

Soap scum makes hair clogs worse by binding hair together and coating pipe walls. Traditional bar soaps containing animal fats create more buildup than liquid body washes. The combination of hair and soap scum forms a thick, paste-like substance that progressively narrows your drain opening. Bathtubs with older plumbing or corroded pipes accumulate clogs faster because rough interior surfaces catch hair more easily.

Factors That Increase Clog Risk

Households with multiple people with long hair
Bathtubs without drain covers or hair catchers
Regular use of bar soap instead of liquid cleansers
Older homes with galvanized or corroded drain pipes
Pop-up drain stoppers with hair-catching mechanisms that aren't cleaned regularly

Signs & Symptoms

Bathtub drain problems start subtly and worsen gradually. Recognizing early signs helps you address the issue before it becomes a complete blockage requiring professional service.

Progressive Warning Signs

Standing water during showers: Water pools around your ankles instead of draining immediately
Slow drainage after baths: Water takes 5-10 minutes to drain completely after pulling the plug
Gurgling sounds: Air trapped by the blockage creates bubbling noises as water drains
Unpleasant odors: Decomposing hair and soap scum produce musty or sewer-like smells
Water backing up: Water backs up when you use the bathroom sink nearby

Severe Blockage Indicators

Water doesn't drain at all, leaving the tub full after use
Multiple bathroom fixtures drain slowly simultaneously
Dark, murky water sitting in the drain opening
Visible hair clump at the drain opening that won't wash through
Previous DIY clearing attempts provide only temporary relief

DIY Solutions

Tools You'll Need:

Drain snake
Plunger
Screwdriver

Safety First

Wear rubber gloves when working with drain clogs as they contain bacteria and debris. Avoid mixing different drain cleaning products, which can create dangerous chemical reactions. Never use chemical drain cleaners if you've recently used other products or plan to use a plunger afterward, as splashing can cause chemical burns.

Step 1: Remove Visible Hair and Debris

Start by removing the drain cover or stopper. Pop-up stoppers typically unscrew counterclockwise or have a small screw underneath. Trip-lever stoppers require removing the overflow plate and pulling the entire linkage assembly out through the overflow opening. Once exposed, reach into the drain opening and pull out any visible hair or debris using your gloved fingers or needle-nose pliers.

Step 2: Use a Hair Removal Tool

Hair removal tools like Zip-It or drain cleaning sticks cost just a few dollars at hardware stores. These thin, flexible plastic strips have barbed edges that catch hair as you feed them down the drain. Insert the tool slowly into the drain opening, pushing it as far as possible. Pull it back slowly, allowing the barbs to grab accumulated hair. Repeat several times, cleaning the tool between insertions. This method removes hair clogs without chemicals and works remarkably well for typical bathtub blockages.

Step 3: Try Boiling Water

After removing visible hair, boil a large pot of water. Carefully pour the boiling water directly down the drain in stages, allowing it to work for a few seconds between pours. Boiling water melts soap scum and grease that binds hair together. This method works best for metal drain pipes. Skip this step if you have PVC pipes, as boiling water can soften or damage them. Use very hot tap water instead for PVC systems.

Step 4: Plunge the Drain

Fill the tub with 2-3 inches of water to cover the drain opening. Block the overflow opening with a wet washcloth to prevent air from escaping through it. Position a cup plunger firmly over the drain opening. Push down slowly to expel air, then pull up sharply. Repeat with vigorous pumping motions 15-20 times. The suction often dislodges hair clogs that manual removal missed. Remove the overflow cloth and test drainage.

Step 5: Use a Drain Snake or Auger

If previous methods fail, use a drain auger or snake. Feed the cable down through the drain opening, pushing while turning the handle clockwise. When you feel resistance from the clog, continue turning while applying gentle forward pressure to break through the blockage. Once you've penetrated the clog, pull the auger back slowly, which often brings hair and debris with it. Run hot water to flush loosened material.

Natural Drain Cleaning Alternative

For maintenance or minor clogs, try baking soda and vinegar. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz vigorously. Cover the drain opening with a plug or wet cloth and let it work for 30 minutes. Flush with hot water. This method works better for prevention than clearing established clogs, but it's safe for all pipe types and won't damage your plumbing.

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber when DIY methods fail to restore normal drainage after multiple attempts. Repeated slow drainage despite clearing visible clogs suggests the blockage is deep in your drain line, beyond the reach of standard home tools. Professional plumbers have motorized drain snakes that extend 25-50 feet into your pipes, reaching blockages inaccessible to homeowner equipment.

If multiple fixtures in your bathroom drain slowly, the problem extends beyond a simple hair clog. This situation indicates a blockage in the shared drain line serving multiple fixtures or potentially a venting issue. These problems require professional diagnosis with specialized equipment. Attempting to fix shared line problems yourself can make the situation worse or cause damage to pipes.

Hire a professional if you notice water leaking around the drain assembly or tub overflow. These leaks indicate damaged drain components that need replacement. Working on drain assemblies requires accessing pipes below the tub, which often means cutting ceiling openings in rooms below. Plumbers have the tools and experience to minimize damage and ensure proper sealing after repairs.

What a Professional Will Do

Professional plumbers start with a thorough inspection of your drain system. They'll check the bathtub drain, overflow, and related fixtures to determine if the problem is isolated or part of a larger drainage issue. They use specialized drain cameras when necessary to inspect pipe interiors and identify the exact location and cause of stubborn blockages.

For hair clogs beyond the reach of standard tools, plumbers use professional-grade motorized drain snakes with various cutting heads designed specifically for hair removal. These powerful augers cut through even the densest hair accumulations and can reach deep into branch lines where clogs sometimes form. The motorized action breaks up clogs more effectively than hand-cranked drain snakes available to homeowners.

When clogs recur frequently, plumbers investigate underlying causes. They'll inspect your drain assembly for defects that catch hair, check pipe condition for rough interiors that accumulate debris, and evaluate your drain's slope and venting. They can replace problematic drain assemblies with modern designs that resist clogging or recommend preventive measures specific to your situation.

Plumbers also handle repairs when drain clearing reveals damaged pipes or drain components. Corroded drain lines, cracked pipe joints, or failed drain gaskets require replacement to prevent leaks. They'll access pipes through the tub overflow or from below, replace damaged components, and test the system thoroughly before closing walls or ceilings. They ensure all work meets code requirements and prevents future problems.

Prevention Tips

Install a quality drain hair catcher before every shower or bath. Products like TubShroom sit inside the drain opening and trap hair before it enters your pipes. Empty the hair catcher weekly, which takes just seconds. This simple prevention eliminates most bathtub drain clogs before they form. Choose stainless steel or silicone catchers that resist mold and clean easily.

Brush your hair before showering to remove loose strands that would otherwise wash down the drain. This habit significantly reduces the amount of hair entering your drain system. Consider gathering hair that accumulates in the shower or bath and disposing of it in the trash rather than rinsing it down the drain. These small actions prevent the gradual hair buildup that causes slow drains.

Flush your drain weekly with hot water to prevent soap scum and hair from binding together. After your last shower of the day, run hot water for 30 seconds to flush accumulated material through your pipes before it hardens. Monthly treatments with baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water help maintain clear drains between deeper cleanings.

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Remove and clean your drain stopper or cover monthly to prevent hair accumulation
Switch from bar soap to liquid body wash to reduce soap scum formation
Use a hair removal tool quarterly as preventive maintenance, even without slow drainage
Avoid letting bath toys, jewelry, or other objects enter the drain opening
Consider professional drain cleaning every few years if you have long hair or large households

Cost Estimates

Bathtub drain clearing remains one of the most affordable plumbing repairs when handled early. Simple hair clogs respond well to DIY methods, keeping costs minimal. Understanding repair costs helps you decide between DIY attempts and professional service.

DIY Costs

Hair removal tool (Zip-It or similar): $3-8
Basic drain snake (15-25 feet): $15-30
Cup plunger: $5-15
Drain cover or hair catcher: $5-20
Natural cleaning supplies (baking soda, vinegar): $5-10
Total typical DIY cost: $10-50

Professional Service Costs

Basic drain clearing (simple hair clog): $100-250
Motorized drain snaking for stubborn clogs: $150-350
Camera inspection (if needed): $100-300
Emergency or after-hours service: Add $100-200
Multiple fixture drainage problems: $200-500

Drain Assembly Repairs

Drain assembly replacement: $200-400
Overflow assembly repair or replacement: $150-300
Access and ceiling repair (if needed): $200-600
Trip-lever mechanism replacement: $100-250

Prevention Investment

Quality hair catcher (TubShroom or equivalent): $10-25
Annual preventive drain service: $100-200
Professional drain assembly upgrade: $250-500

DIY clearing makes financial sense for typical hair clogs in homes where the problem hasn't persisted long. A simple hair removal tool often solves the problem for less than the cost of a plumber's service call. Professional service becomes worthwhile when DIY methods fail, when you lack confidence working with drain assemblies, or when the problem recurs frequently despite your clearing efforts.

Investing in prevention costs far less than repeated drain clearing. A quality hair catcher at every drain prevents most clogs for years. The initial investment pays for itself after preventing just one professional service call. Regular preventive flushing and occasional use of drain snakes as maintenance extends the time between major clogs.