Every day, tons of people across the world find that their tub just isn’t draining anymore. For some, this is a sudden change. For others, it’s been a gradually worsening problem. It’s so common, there are even quick fixes available at most stores in the form of drain cleaner. However, what most people don’t know is that drain cleaner is really bad for your plumbing. So, let’s check out what to do and what not to do to fix a tub that won’t drain.
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Find Why the Tub Won’t Drain
The first step to fixing your drain is to figure out the general cause of the draining issue. Generally, there are two branches of things that can cause draining issues: plumbing failures and buildups.
The most common cause is a buildup of stuff like hair and grime. If your tub has gotten gradually worse at draining, the drain probably just needs to be cleaned out.
Plumbing failures can come in many forms. The best way to assume you’ve got a plumbing failure is if the draining issue came on suddenly. If one day your tub was draining just fine and the next it’s barely draining at all, something is very wrong. A pipe underground may have collapsed, or a break in a pipe may have allowed something (previously) alive to get into your drain pipe.
Removing Blockages
When it comes to buildups, clearing the drain is easy.
Drain cleaners will try to get you to buy their chemical solution to do away with the buildup by yourself. While it’s true that chemical drain cleaners may work to remove gunk from your drain, they also remove metal. That is, they eat away at the inside of your pipes. This thins the pipes, making them more susceptible to bursting, breaking, cracking, and so on.
It’s just as easy to use a snake. A snake pulls blockages out of the pipes by screwing into them and then pulling straight out. This method won’t damage your pipes like chemical drain cleaner, and is much more effective. POM Plumbing can give you a visit and have your drain cleared ASAP.
Fixing Broken Pipes
Drain cleaner won’t fix the problem at all if the issue is a plumbing failure. In fact, it will only make it worse. If you’re pretty sure your drain has stopped working because something broke further down, you’ll need a professional from POM Plumbing to take a closer look.
Accessing underground pipes may require digging. Pipes hidden in walls may mean removing sections of drywall. Because of this, we need to investigate before we go directly to the plumbing. Camera inspection of the drain is an easy way for us to take a peek at where the problem is without getting into the thick of things. Once we know, for sure, where the problem is, then we can go about accessing the pipes.
Prevent Plumbing Problems
If your drain was blocked because of a buildup, it might be worth investing in a cheap drain guard. These guards can come in many forms. Some of them are just mesh grates while others are a solid piece of metal with holes drilled into it. The TubShroom is a great choice for most tubs. It’s inserted into the drain and catches hair before it can go any further. You can then dump the contents into the trash when it begins to get full.
If your drain isn’t made to accommodate a guard, you can also get regular drain maintenance by calling us at POM Plumbing.
FAQ about How to Fix a Tub That Won’t Drain
To prevent tub drainage issues, make sure that employees and customers do not dispose of inappropriate materials in the tub, such as hair, soap, or grease. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the tub drain can also help prevent blockages.
In some cases, you may be able to fix a tub that won’t drain on your own by using a plunger or a drain snake. However, if the problem persists or if you suspect there may be a more serious issue with the plumbing system, it’s best to call a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage.
The time it takes to fix a tub that won’t drain can vary depending on the severity of the blockage and the complexity of the plumbing system. In some cases, it may take only a few minutes to clear the blockage, while in others, it may require more time and effort.
The most common causes of a tub that won’t drain are blockages caused by hair, soap, and other debris that can accumulate over time. In some cases, there may also be issues with the plumbing system, such as a damaged or broken pipe, that are causing the problem.
If the tub doesn’t drain even after using a plunger or a drain snake, or if you notice other plumbing issues in your business, such as slow drains or unusual smells, it may be a sign of a larger plumbing issue. In this case, it’s best to call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.
