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What Makes Your Bathtub Drain Clog and How to Stop It

March 02, 2025


A clogged bathtub drain is a big problem. You step into the shower, and instead of water disappearing, it pools around your feet. When you take a bath, the water takes forever to go down. This happens because things like hair, soap, and grease build up inside the pipes. Over time, your tub gets slippery, and a foul smell may fill the bathroom. If the clog gets worse, water might overflow and cause expensive damage. Fixing your drain fast keeps your bathroom clean and safe.

Why Hair Blocks Bathtub Drain and Solution

Hair is one of the biggest causes of bathtub clogs. When you shampoo, hair strands fall out and wash down the drain. At first, a few hairs seem harmless. But over time, hair clumps together, mixing with soap and grease, turning into a thick blockage. To stop this from happening, use a drain cover. It catches loose hairs, so you can throw them away instead of letting them cause clogs. Also, make it a habit to clean your drain often to remove hair before it builds up.

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How Soap and Grease Make Clogs Worse Over Time

Soap may seem harmless, but it can worsen clogs. When soap mixes with the minerals in water, it creates a thick, sticky film inside the pipes. This traps dirt and hair, making clogs even worse. Lotions, oils, and conditioners also leave behind grease.

Dirt and Grime Build Up and Cause Clogs

When you bathe or shower, dirt, sweat, and oils wash off your skin and go down the drain. If soap and grease are already stuck in the pipes, this dirt sticks to them and hardens. Over time, more and more gunk builds up, becoming a significant clog. You can stop this by using a drain brush to clean your drain often. Also, pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain every few weeks can break down dirt.

Small Objects Can Block the Bathtub Drain Completely

Sometimes, small objects accidentally fall into the drain. Small Things sometimes can slip down without you noticing. Unlike soap or hair, these objects don't dissolve. They get stuck, causing a blockage that stops water from draining. If this happens, water will back up quickly, and a plunger or drain snake might not be enough to fix it. To avoid this, be careful when using small items near the drain. If you drop something, remove it right away before it gets lodged inside.

How Hard Water Can Cause Clogs

If you have hard water, your drain might clog more often. It sticks to pipes and forms a chalky layer. This makes the drain smaller, so even a tiny amount of hair or soap can create a clog. To stop this from happening, pour vinegar down the drain every few weeks. Vinegar breaks down mineral buildup, keeping your drain clean and clear.

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Dirty or Broken Drain Stopper Makes Water Drain Slowly

A drain stopper is supposed to help control water flow, but if it's dirty or broken, it can cause slow drainage. Some stoppers don't open fully, so water moves too slowly. Others trap hair and dirt, leading to worse clogs. To prevent this, clean your drain stopper regularly. If it's damaged, replace it with a new one that allows better water flow.

Stop a Bathtub Drain from Clogging

  • Use a drain cover. It is the perfect way to catch hair before it goes down.

  • Clean your drain stopper often.

  • Use hot water down to melt grease and soap.

  • Avoid letting too much dirt and oil go down the drain.

  • Check the drain stopper for damage.

  • Try baking soda & vinegar to clean the drain every few weeks.

  • Install a suitable drain plug to help stop clogs.

  • If the clog is insufficient, use a plunger or drain snake to clear it.

Best Bathtub Drains to Stop Clogs

If your drain is slow, you might need a better drain. A suitable drain lets water flow fast and prevents clogs.

Where to Get Good Bathtub-Drains for a Great Price Ningbo Alife Sanitary Co., LTD. This company sells high-quality -drains at affordable prices. They offer twist, push, and pop-up drains. You can find the right drain without spending too much!

Tips to Keep Your Drain Clean and Free of Clogs

  • Clean your drain often.

  • Remove hair before it goes down.

  • Pour hot water to wash away soap scum.

  • Use a drain cover to catch hair.

  • If the clog is terrible, a plumber can help.

  • Try natural drain cleaners instead of strong chemicals.

  • If your drain clogs a lot, you may need new pipes that are wider.

Fixing clogs early keeps your bathroom fresh and clean!