The Importance of Drainage Part One: Bathtub Drains

by Sarkinen Plumbing | Nov 12, 2019

Are you tired of slow-draining bathtubs interfering with your morning shower? If so, you may need to call a plumber for assistance. In part one of a two-part blog series on drainage, Sarkinen Plumbing is going to look at bathroom drains: how they get clogged, what you can do about it, and when you need to hire a professional to take care of the problem.

Clogs in Your Bathtub Drains

As gunk accumulates in your bathtub over the years, it may eventually lead to a clog. Most tub/shower combos have a built-in stopper that is used to cut off the flow of water when you turn the shower on. However, this mechanism can get jammed in place after years of wear and tear and build-up. If you are dealing with slow shower drains, make sure this component isn’t stuck. Depending on the kind of tub you have, you may also want to invest in a stopper to catch material as it is going down the drain. Although you will need to clean off this item occasionally, it may go a long way towards preventing drain obstructions. Remember, drainpipe blockage in your tub is not only a huge nuisance, it usually comes with nasty bacteria, which can affect your family’s health and well-being if not dealt with ASAP.

If your bathtub drains are slow, it is possible they are blocked by:

• Hair
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Other hygiene products
• Small bottle caps
• Razor shields
• General grime

Another reason for slow tub drainage could be a blocked vent pipe. This pipe transfers sewer gasses and trapped air from your drainpipes outside through your roof. A blockage in this equipment can force air pressure to push drainage water out through your bathtub drain, causing it to greatly slow down.

How to Get Rid of Tub Clogs

You may be able to flush your tub out by running hot water while pouring some baking soda and vinegar down the drain. For especially tough clogs, you can use a sink or toilet plunger. Store-bought drain cleaners should be avoided, however, since they contain harmful chemicals that may actually eat away at your pipes over time.

If all else fails, give our experienced Vancouver plumbers a call We have the technology to snake out severe clogs, and provide comprehensive drain cleaning to help your tub drain work like new again. Feel free to contact Sarkinen Plumbing 24/7 for emergency service, and remember to check back later this month for the second and final part of our blog series on drainage.

Sarkinen Plumbing is available by phone at (360) 369-3586, or you can request an appointment online. Make sure to ask about available coupons and promotions!