We know it happens all the time. You’ve just completed your bath and you’re ready to move on with your day or settle in for the evening. As you step out, you start to notice your tub isn’t draining. Before you know it, your tub is filled with murky water, and you’re left to figure out what happened. Nothing ruins a relaxing bath faster than a clog.
While this is a frustrating predicament, you can easily avoid it with a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll take you through all the steps you need to take to keep your tub clog-free and running smoothly.
Use a Bathtub Drain Cover
When you take a bath or shower, hair, soap, and other debris can easily get washed down the drain and accumulate over time. This buildup can lead to clogs that can be difficult and unpleasant to clear out. That’s where a bathtub drain cover comes in.
A drain cover is a small device that fits over your bathtub drain to catch debris before it can enter the drain and cause a clog. The cover is designed to allow water to flow through while trapping the hair, soap scum, and other materials that can contribute to clogs. Using a drain cover can significantly reduce the amount of debris that goes down your drain, helping to prevent clogs from forming in the first place.
Using a bathtub drain cover is a simple and effective way to keep your bathtub drain clear and prevent clogs. It’s also an inexpensive solution that can save you time and money in the long run by avoiding costly plumbing bills or the need for harsh chemicals to clear out clogs.
Drain covers are available in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can choose one that fits your bathtub drain and suits your personal style.
Turn Up the Heat
Believe it or not, turning up the water temperature in your bathtub can help prevent clogs. Hot water can help dissolve soap scum and other debris that can accumulate in your pipes and cause clogs. This is because hot water has a higher solubility than cold water, which means it can dissolve more substances.
To use this method, simply turn up the temperature of your hot water heater a few degrees higher than usual when you take a bath or shower. However, be careful not to make the water too hot, as this can be dangerous and cause burns. You should also avoid using this method if you have PVC pipes, as hot water can damage them.
Reassess Your Toiletries
Many common toiletries can contribute to bathtub clogs, so it’s important to take a close look at the products you’re using and make some changes if necessary.
For example, hair products like shampoo, conditioner, and hair gel can leave behind a sticky residue that can cling to the inside of your pipes and contribute to clogs. Similarly, bar soap can leave behind a residue that can build up over time.
To prevent these issues, consider switching to hair care products that are specifically formulated to be gentle on your plumbing. Look for products that are labeled as “septic-safe” or “plumbing-friendly.” You might also want to consider using liquid soap instead of bar soap, which tends to be less likely to leave behind a residue.
Use Your Bathtub for Bathing Only
Many people use their bathtub as a multi-purpose tool, such as washing their pets or soaking their clothes. However, using your bathtub for anything other than bathing can increase the risk of clogs. For example, pet hair, dirt, and other debris can easily get washed down the drain and create a clog.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to limit your bathtub’s use to bathing only. Consider using a separate basin or sink if you need to wash your pet or clothes. This simple change can go a long way in preventing bathtub clogs and saving you time and money on costly plumbing repairs.
Bathtub clogs are annoying and inconvenient, but luckily, there are many ways to help prevent them. From using a drain cover to turning up the temperature of your hot water heater to reassessing your toiletries, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of a clog forming in your bathtub.
Taking the time to implement these strategies now can save you a lot of money and hassle in the future.