If your bathtub isn’t draining properly, it can be a huge hassle. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can also lead to serious water damage in your home if left untreated. A clogged bathtub drain can be a major inconvenience. After all, who wants to take a bath in a tub full of dirty water? Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to unclog your bathtub drain and get it working properly again.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at three of the most common bathtub drain problems and how to fix them.
Problem #1: Soap Scum buildup
One of the most common culprits of clogged bathtub drains is soap scum. Soap scum is the film that builds up on your tub from using soap. It can mix with dirt, hair, and other debris to create a gunky mess that’s difficult to remove. You can prevent soap scum buildup by using a non-soap cleanser or by wiping down your tub after each use with a damp cloth. If soap scum has already built up, you can remove it with a plunger or by pouring boiling water down the drain.
Problem #2: Hair
Hair is another common cause of clogged bathtub drains. When hair sheds in the shower, it can become caught in the drain and mix with soap scum to create a clog. You can prevent hair from clogging your drain by using a hair catcher or by wiping down the drain after each use. If the hair has already caused a clog, you can remove it with a plunger or by pouring boiling water down the drain.
Problem #3: Dirt and debris
Dirt and debris can also build up in your bathtub drain, causing a clog. This is especially common if you live in an area with hard water. Hard water leaves mineral deposits on surfaces that can eventually accumulate and cause problems. You can prevent dirt and debris from clogging your drain by wiping it down after each use. If dirt and debris have already caused a clog, you can remove it with a plunger or by pouring boiling water down the drain.
Problem #4: Mold
Mold is another common problem that can cause your bathtub drain to become clogged. Mold thrives in moist environments, so it’s not surprising that it would try to make its way into your bathroom through the drains. You can prevent mold from growing in your drains by ensuring that they are properly ventilated and by using a monthly drain cleaner specifically formulated for mold removal. If mold has already caused a clog, you will need to call a professional to have it removed safely.
Problem #5: Tree roots
If you have trees near your home, their roots could be causing problems for your sewer line—and that means problems for your bathtub drains as well! Tree roots are attracted to moisture and will grow towards sewer lines in search of water. They can then penetrate the sewer line and cause blockages that lead to sewage backup and overflow. You can prevent tree roots from causing problems for your sewer line (and therefore your drains) by having tree roots removed from the sewer line on an annual basis. If tree roots have already caused a blockage, you will need to call a professional plumber to have them removed before they cause any further damage.
Takeaways
Dealing with clogged drains can be a major headache but luckily there are some simple things you can do to fix most problems yourself. If you have any further questions or if your problem persists after trying these solutions, please contact a professional plumber at Tap 2 Drain Plumbing we are ready to help in any way.