Restore proper drainage to your slow draining bathtub quickly and effectively
Bathtub drains are among the most commonly used drains in your home, and are at risk to threats like hair and soap scum, making them likely to clog more often than other drains. When you shower, do you notice the water level rising another inch up your leg each day? Don’t let a clogged bathtub drain disrupt your daily routine or cause damage to your home.
At John’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning, we provide fast, professional solutions for clogged tub drains throughout the Greater Boston area. Our experienced technicians use specialized drain cleaning equipment to safely clear your drain pipe without damaging your plumbing system.
Common causes of bathtub drain clogs
Tub drains face constant exposure to substances that lead to blockages in your plumbing fixtures:
- Hair: The primary culprit behind most bathtub clogs, creating a net in the shower line that traps other debris
- Soap Scum: Forms a sticky residue that adheres to pipe walls, gradually reducing water flow
- Bath Products: Bath bombs, oils, and bubble bath products leave residue that builds up in your shower line over time
- Mineral Buildup: Hard water in the Boston area can lead to mineral deposits in the bathroom drain that narrow pipes
- Foreign Objects: Small items accidentally going down the tub drain or shower line causes blockages similar to a kitchen sink clog or garbage disposal issue
- Organic Matter: Skin cells and organic debris that accumulate and contribute to a slow draining bathtub
How we unclog your tub
While the causes for a clogged bathtub drain may differ from a sink clog, the methods for drain cleaning are the same. Each of our technicians is equipped with an array of commercial grade electric drain snake machines. These professional plumber tools use a metal cable to enter the line and break through the bathtub clog, scraping the pipe clean. The motor spins the cable as it pushes forward, allowing it to build torque which helps break through tough clogs in your tub drain.
Because bathtub drains aren’t as likely to be obstructed by foreign objects and tougher-to-clear substances like the grease found in a kitchen sink, they don’t typically require as much torque to clear. Therefore, a technician servicing a clogged tub drain in your home will likely use a smaller plumbing snake specifically designed for a bath tub drain, so as to navigate the drain pipe without causing damage to your plumbing fixtures.
Our professional bathtub drain cleaning process
When you call John’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning for a clogged bathtub, our process includes:
- Thorough Assessment: We examine your tub drain and overflow drain to determine the cause and severity of the clog
- Protective Measures: We protect your bathtub faucet and bathroom surfaces during the drain cleaning process
- Drain Cover or Stopper Removal: We carefully remove the drain cover or drain stopper when necessary to access the clog
- Precision Equipment Selection: We select the appropriate drain snake for your specific clogged drain situation
- Complete Clog Removal: We thoroughly clean the pipe walls to prevent quick re-clogging and restore proper water flow
- Overflow Plate Check: We inspect the overflow drain and overflow plate to ensure the entire system is clear
- Flow Testing: We test the bathtub drain to ensure water flows freely and doesn’t create standing water
- Preventative Advice: We provide personalized recommendations for regular maintenance to help prevent future drain clogs
Tips to prevent your home's tub from clogging
- Install screens on your tub drains and shower drain when possible to catch hair before it enters the drain pipe
- Clean drain covers regularly to maintain proper water flow in your bathtub drain
- Brush long hair before bathing to remove loose strands that could create a bathtub clog
- Periodically flush drains with hot water to help dissolve soap scum
Why choose John's for your clogged tub drain?
- Experienced Drain Technicians - Our skilled professional plumbers are trained to diagnose and resolve all types of shower line clogs with precision and care for your home.
- Fast Response Times - We understand the inconvenience of a slow draining bathtub and provide prompt service to restore proper drainage quickly.
- Specialized Equipment - We use professional-grade drain cleaning machines and plumbing snake tools specifically designed for residential tub drains to effectively clear clogs without damaging your plumbing fixtures.
- Better Than Chemical Drain Cleaners - Our professional drain cleaning services are safer and more effective than store-bought chemical drain cleaners that can damage your pipes and plumbing system.
- Preventative Solutions - We don't just fix the current clogged bathtub drain—we help you implement regular maintenance to prevent future issues with expert advice.
- Septic Tank Friendly - Our drain cleaning methods are safe for homes with septic tanks, ensuring your entire plumbing system remains in good condition.










