What do I do if my bathtub doesn't drain properly?

A slow-draining bathtub is one of the most common plumbing complaints, and the good news is that the cause is almost always hair and soap scum buildup in the drain — something you can often address yourself before calling a plumber.

Start with the simplest fix first. Remove the drain stopper or strainer (most unscrew or simply lift out) and clean off any hair and debris wrapped around it. You'd be surprised how often this alone solves the problem. A pair of needle-nose pliers or a drain snake tool (available at any hardware store for under $20) can pull out a surprising amount of buildup from just below the drain opening.

If that doesn't work, try a drain snake or a cup plunger. Fill the tub with a few inches of water, place the plunger firmly over the drain, and plunge vigorously for 30–60 seconds. For deeper clogs, a hand-cranked drain snake fed 2–3 feet into the drain can break up or retrieve the blockage. Avoid chemical drain cleaners — they're harsh on pipes, especially older ones, and rarely solve the root problem.

Know when it's time to call a professional. If the drain is completely blocked, multiple drains in your home are slow at the same time, or you notice gurgling sounds from other fixtures when the tub drains, these are signs of a deeper blockage in your main drain line. A licensed plumber can run a camera inspection to pinpoint the issue and use hydro jetting to clear it properly.

In Ottawa, a professional drain cleaning typically runs $150–$300 for a standard clearing, or $200–$350 if a camera inspection is needed. If the clog is in the main sewer line, expect $300–$500.

If the DIY steps don't resolve it, you can describe your situation through Ottawa Pro Plumbing and get matched with a licensed local plumber — no obligation, and the plumbers in the Ottawa Construction Network (directory here) handle everything from simple drain clearing to full sewer line inspections.

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