My bathtub drains very sslow?

Question

I used a snake, hair clog remover and it still drains slow.

Answer 1

Kirks answer may be correct. Remove the cover plate as he said and check to see that the drain works correctly. If it doesn't I would bet it's a hair clog. Don't use Liquid Plumber or Draino, they aren't very effective for bad clogs. I'd recommend getting some drain cleaner that contains either concentrated sulphuric or virgin sulphuric acid it is 10 times stronger. It can be found at Lowe's that's usually where I get it from. Follow the directions on the label carefully, this stuff is strong.

You may also want to try plunging it first after you remove the cover plate, stuff a wet washcloth in the overflow hole and plunge the heck out of it. If this also fails to move the blockage, I'd go with the acid. Unless there is another underlying problem with your drain, this will work. In the event that it doesn't and you end up calling a professional, make sure you inform him there is drain cleaner in the drain. We appreciate that kind of stuff. =)

Answer 2

First off you can try removing the U-trap under the sink, and see if the clog is there. You will need a good pipe wrench or Channel Lock pliers to break the nuts loose. When you get it off, you will most likely have to replace the seals, as they are most likely old and dry now, Those are cheap, and most hardware stores carry them. Just take the old ones, down and they will show you were the new ones are located. However, before you do all that work, I suggest you buy a toilet plunger or the sink plunger, also available at any hard ware store, and even in some Drug Stores and are also inexpensive. Fill up the sink, about half way, and use the power of the plunger, a few times, and hopefully, you will dislodge what is plugging up the sink. It may take a few tries, but with what you have done already, it should do the trick for you.

Answer 3

If the clog is only in the tub and you have tried other things then I bet it is your tub-stop, (this is what kirk was talking about) it is set too low, thus when you think it is open all the way it is not. Next question, is the tub draining slow and retaining water during a shower? If so, it could be that you just need a 'low flow' shower head and your slow drain problem could be solved. Stay away from chemical drain cleans especially if you are on a septic system.

Answer 4

Is the problem with the one drain? If so, it's likely that the clog is just at the end of the "snake" you used. Try Drano with HOT water. You might pull the strainer off and see if there is a clog on the drain shut-off that can be manually removed.
Good luck.

Answer 5

If your tube is the type that has a lever on the overfill to activate the stopper there is a good chance there is hair and soap built up on the lower part of the mechanism it is easy to remove first take the stopper out then remove the overflow cover you will see what looks like a wire with a loop in it pull it to the opening and pull it out sometimes you will have to turn it once if it hangs up on the way out clean it off (it usually is pretty disgusting) and put it together in a reverse manner.

Answer 6

We had this problem. In our case we had a drain that was controlled by the lever. Apparently this worked itself out of adjustment over time.

The plumber took the two screws out of the cover plate, used a wrench to put the mechanism back in the original place (you could see where it used to be, was not as rusty as the other side). Just a threaded rod. Truly a 5 minute job including putting the cover back on!

Hope this works for you.

Answer 7

It may be plugged with old soap. Hardware stores including Home Depot sell a bacterial powder which digests the soap the coats the walls of the drainpipe. Read and follow directions. Good luck.

Answer 8

try pouring a bottle of Draino in-- let it sit for several minutes-
Sometimes the clogs are at the very bottom of the piping-If you are in an apartment-- call the landlord- the clog may be in the OUTSIDE piping. I have that problem--Good luck!

Answer 9

it may be the way the pipe is angled underneath the house. It also be build up in the drain, try RID, it helps cut clogs and deteriate the waste in your septic tank.