Drain Problems? How Knowing Your Tub's Layout Prevents Clogs

Does your bathtub drain slowly or not at all? Clogged drains are a common annoyance that can make bathing a hassle. But armed with an understanding of your tub's drain system, you can often clear or prevent clogs yourself.

Knowing the layout and function of each component makes it easier to pinpoint and fix drain issues. Read on to learn how to locate, unclog, and maintain your tub drain to stop clogs in their tracks.

Overview of the Bathtub Drain System

Let's start by looking at how a standard bathtub drain is constructed. There are a few key parts that work together to let water flow out of the tub.

Main Drain Opening and Stopper

At the bottom of the tub is the main drain opening. This is where water exits the basin. There is usually a pivotable stopper that seals off the opening when the tub is in use. Pulling up on the stopper activates the drain and allows water to flow out.

Many stoppers use a spring-loaded mechanism connected to a linkage arm. Some simply plug the drain until manually removed. The stopper style depends on the age and style of the tub.

Connecting Drain Pipe and P-Trap

Below the visible drain is a tailpiece that connects to a drain pipe running to the house's wastewater plumbing. This pipe is usually PVC plastic or chromed metal.

The first curve of the drain pipe forms a P-trap. This U-shaped bend holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering through the drain. Proper slope and ventilation are needed for it to work correctly.

How the Drain System Works

When bathing, the drain stopper seals off the opening to allow the tub to fill. To empty the tub, the stopper is removed, allowing water to flow down through the tailpiece, then the P-trap and drain pipe.

The drain pipe connects to the main house drain and vent stack to carry away wastewater. Knowing this basic layout makes it easier to tackle drain issues.

Causes of Bathtub Drain Clogs

Now that you understand how the drain functions, what causes it to clog? Here are some of the most common culprits of sluggish or blocked bathtub drains:

Hair and Debris

Stray hairs easily wash down the drain and wind up packed into the inner mechanisms of the stopper. Hair and soap scum also stick to P-trap pipe walls. Over time, this debris accumulates and impedes water flow.

Mineral Buildup and Corrosion

Minerals in water gradually leave lime and calcium deposits inside drains. This hard water buildup accumulates over years. Corrosion also eats away at metal pipes and joints, causing leaks and blockages.

Improper Drain Slope

Drain pipes need the right downward pitch to keep water moving. If installed incorrectly or shifted over time, sections may slope backwards and allow water to pool.

Cracked or Damaged Drain Pipes

Age, soil movement, freezing temperatures, and chemical corrosion can all cause cracks or breaks in drain pipes. Gaps let debris and roots infiltrate, leading to major clogs.

Locating the Bathtub Drain

Before attempting to clear a clogged drain, you'll need access to the drain itself. Here are tips for locating the various components:

Accessing Drain from Overflow Plate

On many tubs, a small metal plate covers the overflow drain on the wall above the tub. Unscrewing this provides access to the linkage arm and other inner drain parts.

Removing Drain Cover/Stopper

You can also access the drain area by unscrewing the decorative drain cover from inside the tub. Pry off any stopper caps and use pliers to grip and turn the stopper itself.

Using a Mirror to Inspect Drain

Once uncovered, use a small mirror and flashlight to peer down into the drain opening. This lets you visually inspect for any obstructions or damage before using drain tools.

Clearing Simple Drain Clogs

For minor bathtub drain clogs, a few homemade remedies can help dissolve or dislodge the blockage without chemicals or disassembly:

Trying a Plunger

A forceful plunge can sometimes clear debris around the stopper and upper drain. Cover the overflow plate tightly with a wet rag before plunging.

Using a Zip-It Tool

Insert this barbed plastic stick down the drain to hook and extract hair. Twist slightly while removing to wind hair around tool.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour 1 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let fizz for 10-15 minutes then rinse with boiling water.

Removing and Cleaning Drain Stopper

Disassemble the stopper to clean out any packed hair or gunk around linkage arms. Soak in white vinegar then use pipe cleaners to clear small openings.

Fixing Stubborn Drain Clogs

For more severe clogs, you may need to bring in the big guns. Here are some methods for tough obstructions:

Using a Drain Auger/Snake

Feed this steel coil down the drain to grab debris and push through blockages. Angle auger to work through P-trap bends.

Taking Apart P-Trap

Unscrew P-trap joints to disconnect and clean out the curved pipe. Inspect rubber gaskets and replace if worn.

Replacing Corroded/Damaged Drain Sections

Use PVC primer and cement to swap out corroded metal pipes with new plastic ones. Repair any leaks or cracks.

Installing a Hair Catcher

Adding a hair stopper catcher prevents shed hair from washing down to clog inner drain parts. Empty it periodically.

Preventing Future Drain Clogs

Routine drain maintenance keeps things flowing freely. Try these tips to avoid clogs:

Remove Hair from Drain

Use a Zip-It tool once a week to pull out accumulated hair before it can clog. Take hair out of stoppers.

Periodically Flush with Boiling Water

Flush drains weekly by pouring a kettle of boiling water down them. This melts grease and clears soap scum.

Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain

Grease solidifies and sticks to pipes. Catch and discard food grease instead of washing down drains.

Use Drain Cleaners Monthly

Enzymatic drain cleaners or baking soda and vinegar help dissolve buildup when used monthly to keep drains clear.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While many drain issues can be DIY fixes, sometimes it's best to call in a pro. Seek professional help if:

DIY Methods Fail

If you've tried everything and the clog persists, a pro has specialized tools and access to clear it.

For Overhead or Basement Drains

Plumbers have experience with tricky drains in overhead showers or basement tubs you can't reach.

Pipes are Severely Damaged

Pros can replace corroded or cracked pipes and recommend permanent repiping if needed.

For Permanent Solutions

A plumber can reroute drains, install hair catchers, or provide drain relining for a long-term fix.

Knowing the anatomy and operation of your bathtub's drain system provides valuable insight for clearing and preventing clogs. Locate the drain components, try DIY remedies first, then call a plumber for complex drain repairs.

By understanding what causes clogs and learning basic drain maintenance, you can keep your tub flowing freely and avoid the hassle of a backed-up bathtub.