Ask a Plumber - How Do I Fix A Slow Draining Tub?

A common plumbing question: My tub drains really slowly, what can I do to clear it?  

I don't really recommend putting drain cleaners into the drains when they are slow. The first thing to try is clearing any buildup. A lot of hair and debris can get stuck in the drain over time. Remove the tub stopper and pull out any visible hair. I like to use a needle nose pliers to reach in and get the hair out.

If the drain looks clean but is still draining slow you can try using a snake to clear it. You can rent a top snake and clear the drain through the tub overflow. Snakes are cheap to rent and pretty easy to use. Running the snake down the overflow, usually no more than 10 feet or so, should clear the buildup and hair. Do not run the snake down through the bottom drain of the tub because the snake will not make the bend.

Once your tub is draining again, keep the drain clear by cleaning out the buildup regularly.

Feel free to ask questions on the forum and I will answer them to the best of my ability.