Can a Clogged Tub Drain Cause a Leak?

If you’ve noticed a sudden leak or sign of moisture beneath your bathroom, there’s a possibility that a clogged tub drain is to blame. While leaks and the damage they can cause are never fun to deal with, the good news is that there are a few things you can do to try and clear the clog. Here are some of the things you can try before calling a professional to resolve the issue.

What Causes a Bathtub to Clog?

A clogged tub drain is one of the most common causes of bathtub leaks. There are several possible culprits, and often it’s a combination of things that causes a bathtub drain to clog. Some of the most common issues include:

• Hair, which can collect in the drain and eventually clog it up.
• Pet fur, if you bathe your pets in your bathtub.
• Small items such as shampoo caps, small toys, or jewelry.
• Soap scum or small slivers of soap that go down the drain.
• Buildups from hard water deposits, which can slow the flow of water and cause clogs over time.
• Dirt, oils, and other debris.

If you’ve noticed that your tub has started to drain more slowly than normal, this is likely the cause of any new leaks.

Related Topic: Why Is Water Leaking Through the Ceiling After a Shower?

What to Do if a Bathtub Drain Is Leaking

There are several things you can do if a bathtub drain is leaking. Some are DIY options, and others require calling a professional.

• Try to figure out where the clog is. Take a look down your tub drain to see if you can spot anything; clogs that aren’t too far from the drain opening might be the easiest to try to clear yourself. In most cases, the clog isn’t visible, but it never hurts to check and see if it’s something you can easily remove.
• You can try clearing the clog with a drain snake. However, using the drain snake incorrectly means there’s a chance you might push the clog deeper into the drain, which will only make the problem worse.
• If you’ve tried drain cleaners and other tactics and your drain is still clogged, consider calling a professional to clear the drain for you.
• In some cases, the leaks will stop once the drain is clear. If you’re still noticing leaks after clearing the clog, you might have damaged pipes, weakened pipe connections, or plumbing fixtures that are coming loose. Check any connections to make sure they’re still watertight.
• If you’re still noticing a leak, and you’ve tightened and double-checked everything you can think of, call in a professional plumber before the problem gets worse.

If the water leak has caused damage to your drywall, studs, or flooring, contact a local restoration professional to assess and remediate the damage.

Clear Drains Fast and Easy

Sometimes fixing a leaky bathtub is just a matter of clearing a clogged drain. However, if it is a stubborn clog, or if clearing the clog doesn’t resolve the leak, then it’s time to call in a pro for help. Dealing with a leaky tub or shower as quickly as possible could save you from having to deal with extensive water damage. So, if the clog is too much for you to handle on your own, or clearing the clog doesn’t resolve the leak, contact your local Mr. Rooter for help. Our team is trained to identify the problem quickly and offer you the best options to resolve the issue. To learn more, or to get started give us a call or request a job estimate online.