How To Fix A Slow Draining Bath

A slow-draining bath is a common plumbing problem that’s often ignored. Left alone a slow draining bath will eventually turn into a full blockage.

You’ll have a bath full of dirty water that won’t drain; the blockage will be tough to remove with 180+ litres of water over the top of it. Always deal with a slow draining bath before it entirely blocks.

In most cases, this is something you can do yourself without the need of a Plumber.

The main culprit of a slow draining bath is hair. Longer hair causes more significant and more frequent blockages. If you have ladies at home (or men with long hair), it’s inevitable your baths going to block. It’s not only hair a build-up of soap, grease and dirt can block baths.

You’ll know if your bath is partially blocked, it’ll take forever to drain.

As soon as you notice a blockage attempt to remove it.

Here’s how

The Plunger

Most households have a Plunger for emergencies (if you haven’t got one, get one). A plunger generally doesn’t work on blockages caused by hair but will remove other obstructions, it’s quick, and you probably have one already, so it’s worth giving a go.

Cover the plug hole with the plunger and push down and pull up, do this for around 30 seconds if the blockage moves great, if not try again before moving onto another method.

Baking Soda & Vinegar The Natural Drain Unblocker

Get some baking soda and white vinegar measure out 100ml of each. Pour the baking soda down the drain first followed by the vinegar. Leave for 10 minutes then run some hot water down the drain for a couple of minutes. Add some water to the bath and test the draining speed to establish if it’s worked.

Another option is chemical drain unblockers off the shelf which can work. We don’t recommend them for various reasons. Please read Reasons Not To Use Chemical Drain Unblockers for more information.

Drain Clearing Coil

A Drain Clearing Coil (also known as a Plumber’s snake) can be pushed down the drain to break up blockages. First of all, get a screwdriver to unscrew the plug stopper. Push the coil gently down the drain do not force it as you could dislodge pipework.

Aftwer some distance you may have to turn the coil to get further down the pipes. Once you reach the blockage, turn the handle clockwise and anti-clockwise while pulling and pushing slightly.

Pull up the coil and remove parts of the blockage by hand if you have to. Once you feel it’s clear run some water down the drain, if it’s not fully cleared repeat the process.

If The 3 Methods Above Don’t Work?

Pipework will have to be taken apart to get to the blockage, you may attempt this yourself if you posess good DIY skills or if you’re unsure hire a professional Plumber to do it for you.