If your bathtub is clogged, chances are you’ll notice it right away. Your bathtub might start draining more slowly until eventually standing water in the tub just won’t go away. It’s hard to feel clean when you’re standing in dirty water, and some clogged bathtubs can be a sign of a bigger issue with your septic tank in San Francisco. There are a number of potential reasons why you have a clogged bathtub, so keep reading to find out what they are and how to handle them.
Hair
Hair is one of the most common causes of a clogged bathtub. As you and your family bathe, hair goes down the drain and can stick to the walls of your plumbing pipes. Other materials that go down the drain can get caught by the hair, creating a plug that grows steadily larger. Eventually, the plug will get so big that it clogs your drain completely. To prevent this from happening, use a hair trap that keeps debris out of the drain. You’ll need to clean the trap regularly to keep your bathtub draining normally, but this is much easier than dealing with a clogged bathtub.
Soap Scum
While you might think that soap simply washes away down the drain, that’s not quite the case. Soap scum can build up along the inside of pipes and combine with other debris to create clogs. Try not to put any soap chunks down the drain, even if they are small, as this can contribute to the problem.
Septic System Problems
Sometimes, a bathtub clog can actually be a sign of a greater issue with your septic system. If you have wastewater backing up into your bathtub, the clog is most likely located much deeper within your system. Regular septic tank maintenance can help prevent this smelly and hazardous situation from developing in your bathroom. Call your plumbing service immediately if you have wastewater backing up anywhere in your home.