Symptoms
- Water level doesn't go down at all after the tub empties
- Water was draining slowly before and now stopped completely
- Gurgling from other drains when the tub is used
- Standing water even hours later
Likely causes
- CommonHair and soap scum completely blocking the drain or trapA gradual slow drain that finally fully clogs is the most typical scenario.
- PossibleClosed or stuck-shut stopperSometimes the issue isn't a clog at all but a stopper mechanism stuck in the closed position.
- PossibleObject accidentally dropped down the drainSmall toys, bottle caps, or jewelry can lodge in the trap and block flow entirely.
- Less commonBlockage in the shared branch or main drain lineIf other fixtures also back up, the clog is likely further down the shared plumbing.
What to do
- First rule out a stuck stopper by checking whether it's mechanically closed rather than clogged (see the tub stopper guide).
- Remove the stopper or drain cover to access the opening directly.
- Use a flat plunger (or a cup plunger with the overflow plate covered by a wet rag) and plunge vigorously several times.
- If plunging doesn't work, feed a hand auger (drain snake) down the drain, cranking as you push, to break up or hook the clog.
- Pull the auger out slowly to retrieve any hair or debris caught on it.
- Run hot water for several minutes to confirm the tub now drains at a normal rate.
- If water backs up in other fixtures during this process, stop and treat it as a main line issue rather than continuing to plunge.
Tools and parts
- Plunger
- Hand auger (drain snake)
- Wet rag
Hand drain augerSearch: “25 foot hand drain auger”
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if plunging and snaking don't clear it, or if other drains back up too, since that points to a main line blockage.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.