Why won’t my tub drain? Are the pipes leaking? Is the line too deteriorated to service? Here’s how to recognize and solve common problems with bathtubs and bathroom plumbing.
Leaky pipes and faucets are a problem for any bathtub, but it can be especially irritating with cast iron tubs. If your tub is newer and not much of a drain problem, then it’s probably just the faucet that’s leaking. If it’s an older tub with lots of wear and tear on the parts, it’s likely that the pipes are the culprit. To save on repairs or to make sure you don’t need to replace the whole bathtub, consider following these quick fixes:
Turn off the main water supply to the home and check the pipes around the tub. If there’s water dripping, there’s a likely drain problem. Check for leaks around the drain opening as well. If you have to repair the pipe, you’ll want to work from the outside to avoid damaging the interior of the tub.
Sometimes your bathtub drain gets clogged with hair, skin, and other debris. If this is the case, you might need to clean out the tub and drain accordingly. The first thing to try is vacuuming all of the debris out of the tub. If that doesn’t clear it up, then use a mild dish detergent to clean out the drain.
Occasionally, a bathtub drain may simply become completely clogged. This can be the result of a buildup of calcium and iron within the pipe. To unclog it, you’ll first need to turn on the regular water supply to the home and then go through the tub, making sure no items are stuck inside. Use drain snake or a plunger to remove the blockage. Again, you’ll want to work from the outside to avoid damaging the interior of the tub.
A clogged bathtub drain can be very inconvenient, but fortunately it’s usually easy to fix. Often you’ll be able to clear out the blockage by cleaning it out, removing any clogs, and replacing the pipes, or even just having someone else do it. Sometimes though, depending on its location, it may be necessary to drain and replace the entire bathtub. When this happens, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use the correct tool for the job.
If you’re dealing with a bathtub repair, it’s important to know that you don’t have to call in a professional to take care of the job for you. In fact, doing the job yourself is much safer, especially if you have experience doing plumbing work. Many online videos and guides can help walk you through the process step-by-step. As long as you have a strong and sturdy base, and the proper tools, plumbing can be done by anyone. Even those who are not very skilled at plumbing can sometimes perform this task successfully.
The first thing you should do if your bathtub won’t drain? Check all plumbing issues to make sure they aren’t causing the issue in the first place. You may not be able to fix everything on your own, but you should be able to isolate the problem and then find a solution to it. This way, you will get the bathtub running at full capacity again and avoid a large bill from replacing it!
