How Do I Know If My Bathtub Is Clogged?

Nothing compares to a relaxing bath at the end of a hectic day. Put on soothing music, light your favourite scented candle, and you’re good to go.

Now imagine the horror if your bathtub won’t drain at the end of it all. Instead of rushing to find a local plumber or pulling up your sleeves and trying some likely-to-fail internet hacks, it is better to watch out for the early warning signs of a blocked drain.

We’re sure you’d agree that prevention is better than cure. So, let us take you through a few sure-shot signs of a clogged drain.

Signs Of A Blocked Bath

Blocked drains are a common part of any plumbing system, and there can be several reasons for it, be it food scraps, soap scum or hair. The good news is it is usually quite easy to locate a malfunctioning drain once you know what you are looking for.

Here are three early signs of a blocked drain:

1. Gurgling Sounds

If you hear a bubbling or gurgling noise from your bathtub, it is one of the most obvious signs of a blockage in the pipe. Over time, gunk build-up leads to slow drainage as the water struggles to go down through the pipe, resulting in a blocked drain.

2. Foul Odours

The foul smell emanating from your bathtub is not only unpleasant but also harmful. Clogged debris decomposes slowly and, when left untreated, results in dirty water overflowing from your bathtub. So, the small problem you happily underestimated may become an overnight emergency.

3. Slow Drainage

When you notice the wastewater from the bathtub draining at a slow rate, chances are that you have a blocked drain to deal with.

How To Identify A Main Sewer Drain Clog?

Sometimes, the problem may be way bigger than a blocked bathtub. If you notice slow draining of water in your toilet bowl or kitchen sink as well, then the problem is with the main sewer drain and not just your bathtub’s drainage pipe.

Watch out for the following signs:

A. Frequent Backups

If you notice water backing in your bathtub, toilets, and sinks, you likely have a blocked sewer.

B. Unpleasant Smell

Not just your bathtub but your kitchen and toilet drains will emit the most revolting smell if there is a problem with the main sewer. You will also hear a gurgling sound.

C. Rise In Water Level

If you notice water backing up in the bathtub or shower drain when you flush the toilet, it is a definitive sign of a main drain blockage. Likewise, if you run the washing machine, your toilet or kitchen sink might begin to overflow.

A clog in the sewer lines means the raw sewage has no place to exit and is forced to back up the other drainage lines. So, make sure you test all the plumbing fixtures of your house and see if the drains are backing up wastewater.

The Solution

When your bathtub drains slowly, you may be tempted to put on a worker’s hat and deal with the problem. Now, you can use DIY solutions to clear the clog. For instance, pouring boiling water down the drain is a quick but temporary solution. Similarly, you can use a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear the clog. Or, simply pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar before flushing it down with water.

However, even though blocked drains are a common plumbing issue, it is best to get professional help to fix them. We say this because there can be bigger reasons for blocked bathroom drains, such as entangled tree roots or foundational damages.

If the problem seems more severe, you should contact a professional plumbing company that can detect the issue and solve it quickly.

Don’t Get Flooded By A Blocked Bath

Ideally, the plumbing company you hire should be equipped to deal with emergency blocked drains and use the latest technology to fix your drains and pipes, from CCTV cameras to professional-grade machines.

In addition, they should be able to handle various plumbing tasks, be it blocked drains, pipe relining, or installation of hot water systems.

At WP Plumbing, we can help unclog your bathtub and handle all your plumbing problems. You can quickly contact us through our website, and we will send over a licensed plumber to inspect your bathtub for any possible blockage. Rest assured, we will provide the best possible blocked drain solution after a thorough analysis of the problem at hand.