Why Is My Bathtub Not Draining? 5 Common Causes and How to Fix It

A bathtub that won’t drain is not only annoying, but can leave messy residue on the tub. If you’ve got this ultra-common issue, there’s usually a simple cause. It has to do with your pipes—or more specifically, what’s in them. Here are five reasons your bathtub is not draining and how to fix it.

1. Hair and Soap Scum Buildup

The most common reason a bathtub won’t drain is because a buildup of soap scum and hair blocks the drain pipe. These materials are small enough to slip through most tub strainers and can get stuck in the drain’s trap. 

How to Fix It

Remove the drain cover, and clear away any hair caught around the stopper. For a clog that’s lower in the drain, use a hair snake to pull out the hair. Some people prefer liquid drain cleaners, but these chemicals are not always recommended and can damage pipes if used improperly. 

2.  Foreign Objects

Small foreign objects can accidentally fall down the drain and block the flow of water. This could include things like jewelry, dental floss, toilet paper, or children’s toys. Most of the time, they’ll get stuck in the trap. 

How to Fix It

You may be able to retrieve the foreign object with a drain snake, but you could accidentally push it further into your plumbing. Consider calling a plumber.

3. Broken Drain Stopper

A drain stopper can get jammed in the closed position, completely blocking the drain. If your tub uses a trip lever to open and close the drain, the components can corrode or break. 

How to Fix It

You may need to replace the stopper or repair the trip lever. You should be able to fix the broken component yourself, but it should be a quick job for the plumber.

4. Hard Water Deposits

If you live in an area with hard water, a buildup of minerals such as calcium can accumulate on your pipes. This can make the diameter more narrow, causing them to drain very slowly. 

How to Fix It

You’ll need to treat hard water to get rid of the underlying issue. You can break up the calcium buildup by pouring a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar down the drain. Use the 1:1 ratio for the solution, ideally ½ of each. Wait 30 minutes, then rinse with boiling water. To prevent the issue from recurring, install a water softener.

5. Damaged Pipes

When old metal pipes corrode, a buildup of rust can restrict the flow of water. Pipes, especially sewer pipes, can collapse. This typically happens from age, tree roots, improper installation, or excess weight on top of the piping system. If that’s the case, you’ll have drainage issues throughout your home.

How to Fix It

Unless you have serious DIY renovation skills, fixing damaged pipes is a job for a pro and you’ll need to hire a plumber. 

Signs Your Bathtub Has a Clog

You don’t need to wait for your tub to stop draining to recognize that a clog is in the making. Other signs include the following:

• Water backing up in other fixtures

• Gurgling noises or bubbles as your tub drains 

• Mold or mildew smell coming from the drain (if it’s a blockage of hair)

• Sewer gas odor (if it’s a blockage deeper in your system)

• Standing water

• Visible debris like hair around the stopper

When to Call a Pro

Most of the time, a bathtub won’t drain because of a hair clog. Homeowners can typically unclog a bathtub using a hair snake or a chemical cleaner, both of which can be purchased at a local hardware store or supermarket. Keep in mind, drain cleaners are corrosive and can damage pipes and irritate your skin if they spill. If these solutions don’t resolve the clogging issue, hire a local plumbing repair pro. 

How to Prevent Bathtub Drainage Issues

Once you remove the clog in your bathtub, you’ll want to prevent clogs in the future. The best way is to install a drain protector. If hair is a repeated issue, make sure you get one with small slats that will effectively catch the hair. Larger slats will allow hair to pass through. 

Other ways to prevent bathtub drainage issues include: 

• Clean your drain regularly

• Remove the drain cover and clear out visible debris once a week

• Install a water softener if your house has hard water 

• Make prompt repairs

• Be mindful of what you wash down the drain