Symptoms
- Water doesn't drain from the tub at all
- Bath water stays at the same level
- Stopper may look closed even when it should be open
- Slow drainage noticed before it stopped completely
Likely causes
- CommonHair wrapped around the internal stopper linkageTub drains often use a trip-lever or pop-up mechanism that catches hair internally, not just at the surface.
- CommonSoap scum and hair mass in the trapSimilar to shower drains but often worse due to standing bath water.
- PossibleStopper mechanism stuck closed or partly blocking flowA misadjusted trip lever can physically restrict the drain opening.
- Less commonDeeper clog in the branch lineWorth considering if other fixtures share the same drain run.
What to do
- Identify the stopper type: a trip-lever (lever near the overflow plate) or a lift-and-turn/push-pull stopper.
- For a trip-lever type, remove the two screws on the overflow plate and pull out the entire linkage assembly to access the strainer and pull out tangled hair.
- For a lift-and-turn or push-pull stopper, unscrew or pull it out per its design and clear hair from around its base.
- Use a plastic zip-style drain tool down the drain opening to pull out additional hair.
- Plunge the drain with the overflow plate's opening covered by a wet rag for good suction.
- If still clogged, feed a hand-crank drain snake down through the overflow opening, which often gives a straighter path to the trap.
- Reassemble the stopper mechanism and run water to test drainage.
- Adjust the trip-lever linkage per any markings if the stopper doesn't open and close properly afterward.
Tools and parts
- Screwdriver
- Plastic zip-style drain tool
- Plunger
- Hand-crank drain snake
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if the internal stopper linkage is corroded or broken, or if the clog is beyond reach of a hand snake.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.