How To Clear a Slow Draining Tub

A slow-draining tub is one of those annoyances that sneaks up on you. At first, you don’t notice anything wrong, but soon enough, you’re ankle-deep in soapy water, wondering if your tub has decided to moonlight as a kiddie pool. If your tub is slow to drain, don’t worry! Whether it’s a hair clog or some mystery gunk, we’ve got some simple tips to help you get that water flowing freely again. Failing that, you can always count on Dean’s Home Services for professional sewer and drain services!

Common Causes of a Slow-Draining Tub

Before you can fix the problem, it helps to know what might be causing it. Here are some of the usual suspects behind a sluggish bathtub drain:

• Hair clogs: Hair loves to tangle up in your drain and form clumps, creating a major blockage.
• Soap scum buildup: Over time, soap residue combines with minerals in water, forming a sticky gunk that slows down drainage.
• Foreign objects: Things like jewelry, toys, or even that cap from your shampoo bottle can sneak their way into the drain.
• Grease and oils: From bath oils to moisturizers, these substances can coat the inside of your pipes and slow water flow.
• Hard water deposits: Mineral buildup can narrow the pipes, making it harder for water to pass through.

Simple DIY Methods To Clear a Slow-Draining Tub

Sometimes, you don’t need a toolbox full of fancy equipment to fix a slow drain. These DIY tub drain cleaning methods can often do the trick:

• Remove visible blockages: Start by unscrewing or lifting your tub stopper and looking into the drain. If you see hair or gunk lurking near the surface, grab some rubber gloves or tweezers and pull it out. It might not be glamorous, but it’s effective!
• Plunge the drain: A plunger isn’t just for toilets. Place the plunger over the tub drain, making sure to create a tight seal, and plunge four to five times. Then, run hot water to see if the blockage clears. (Pro tip: Keep a towel handy — it can get messy!)
• Try boiling water: Heat a pot of water until it’s boiling, then carefully pour it down the drain in stages. This can help melt soap scum and loosen minor clogs. Just be cautious if you have PVC pipes, as too much heat can cause damage.
• Use baking soda and vinegar: This natural solution is a favorite for a reason. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for about five minutes, then flush with hot water. It effectively fights clogs and leaves your drain smelling fresh!
• Snake the drain: If the clog is deeper, a drain snake can help. Insert it into the drain, twist to grab the clog, and slowly pull it out.

When To Avoid DIY Methods

As much as we love a good DIY fix, there are times when it’s better to call in the pros. If the clog keeps coming back, none of the above methods work, or you suspect a bigger issue (like a sewer line backup), it’s time to bring in the experts. Trust us, wrestling with a stubborn drain is no fun, and Dean’s team is here to take the stress out of the situation. We’ll get to the root of your drainage issue and have your tub flowing freely again in no time.

Call Dean’s for Professional Drain Cleaning Services

If you’ve tried everything and your tub is still slow to drain, don’t throw in the towel — let Dean’s Home Services handle it! With over 100 combined years of experience and a reputation for outrageously professional service, our team is the go-to choice for drain cleaning in Minneapolis and St. Paul. As a family-owned business, we take pride in serving the Twin Cities with upfront pricing, licensed and insured professionals, and free estimates for installations.

Contact Dean’s today to schedule drain cleaning service in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or the surrounding areas.