Solving Slow Bathroom Drains: Identifying and Clearing the Root Cause

After pouring 1/2 bottle of Drano, baking soda, and vinegar into your bathtub weekly and plunging to no avail, you are left with a slow-draining bathtub that takes 2 days to drain. To address this issue, you might want to consider the possibility that tree roots, solid objects, or a combination of factors could be the cause. In this article, we will explore the common reasons for slow drains and provide practical solutions.

The Culprit: Tree Roots or Solid Objects

Many times, the cause of a slow drain is a non-organic/solid object like a toy or tool, which may be cleared or pushed further along by using a “snake” tool, a long flexible metal rod intended to turn corners in plumbing and toilet fixtures. However, if the snake tool does not fix the issue, there might be tree roots blocking the drain.

Tree Roots Interfering with Drainage

Tree/plant roots can grow into pipes and block drainage. If this is the case, you will need to call a plumber to drill through the blockage with a flexible tool designed for this purpose. In some cases, plumbers may use radioactive substances to locate the exact position of the blockage for more precise work.

Common Causes and Solutions

Based on the information provided, it is conceivable that the issue is related to non-organic matter. Here are some common causes and practical solutions:

Organic Matter Buildup

Bathroom pipes often back up due to the accumulation of oils and fats from hair and skin over years. This buildup can cement the pipes, causing them to become clogged. One of the most effective solutions is to use large amounts of dish soap. A plumber often uses this method to clear pipes. Pour a cup of dish soap down the drain and flush with warm water until it backs up too much. Repeat this process until the drain flows normally.

Removing Hair and Debris

After trying liquids to pour down the drain, you might need to physically remove a lot of hair from the pipes by removing the stopper. A snake tool might come in handy for this process. As Tom Hinkles mentions, using a large bottle of dish soap is an effective way to clear clogs that are caused by organic matter.

Other Considerations

You have not mentioned your living situation (apartment, condo, private house/apartment), whether this issue is specific to your bathtub or affects other areas of your home. Here are some steps to take:

Contacting Maintenance or the HOA

If you live in an apartment complex, you should call the Maintenance office. If you live in a condo, contact the Homeowners Association (HOA). They will either send someone to address the issue or provide guidance on who is responsible for the repair.

Or, if you are a tenant or renter, you can ask your current landlord to call a plumber, stating that if the plumber determines it is your fault, you will gladly pay for the repair.

Conclusion

Addressing a slow drain requires careful consideration of the cause. It could be a solid object, tree roots, or a buildup of organic matter. By using appropriate tools and techniques, you can often resolve the issue yourself. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to involve professional help. Always consider your living situation and potential liability before proceeding.