Shower and tub drains

Hair and soap are behind nearly every slow shower. The exception is when the tub fills up while someone flushes a toilet.

(000) 000-0000Typical $125–$275

Sounds familiar?

Water pools around your feet while showering
The tub takes minutes to drain
A gurgle from the drain after water runs
Water rises in the tub when a toilet flushes or the washer drains
A musty or sewer smell from the drain

Why bath drains slow down

Hair tangles with soap scum and conditioner and catches on the stopper or the crossbars inside the drain. Over time, the mass grows and slows the water. Hard water adds mineral scale that narrows the trap and gives hair more to grip. Bath products with oils and clays add to the buildup.

When the tub is a warning sign

In many homes, the tub or shower is the lowest fixture on a floor, and it connects close to where the main drain leaves the house. When the main line narrows, the tub is often where water appears first. If it rises when a toilet flushes or the washing machine drains, stop using water and call; that's a main line problem, not a hair clog.

What a plumber does

1
Remove the stopper
Many clogs are within reach once the stopper or strainer is off.
2
Clear the trap
A small auger through the drain or the overflow clears the trap and branch.
3
Check the vent
A blocked vent can make drains slow and gurgle even without a clog.
4
Test
Run water at full flow to confirm the drain keeps up.

Typical costs

Job	Typical range
Shower or tub drain cleared	$125–$275
Tub drain with a stuck stopper	$150–$300
Main line if the tub is backing up	$200–$600

Job

Typical range

Shower or tub drain cleared

$125–$275

Tub drain with a stuck stopper

$150–$300

Main line if the tub is backing up

$200–$600

Keeping bath drains clear

Use a hair catcher and empty it after showers
Run hot water for a minute after a bath
Remove and clean the stopper every few months
Avoid pouring bath clay or oily products down the drain

Shower and tub drains: common questions

Can I use baking soda and vinegar?+

It may freshen a drain but rarely clears a real clog. A plastic drain stick or small hand auger is more effective for hair.

Why does my shower smell like sewer?+

A dry or partially dry trap, a vent problem or a developing main line clog can all cause odors. If it persists, have it checked.

Why is only one shower slow?+

That usually means a clog in that shower's trap or branch, most often hair.

Do drain chemicals work on hair?+

Some dissolve hair slowly, but they can damage older pipes and finishes. Mechanical removal is safer.