Wednesday, April 20th, 2022
Why isn’t my bathtub holding water?
It’s been a long day, and you’re looking forward to taking a warm bath to unwind. Bath salts have been tossed in the water and you’ve dimmed the lights – maybe you’ve even lit a candle. You’re all set – there’s just one problem, five minutes into your relaxing soak, the water starts to drain. But why?
Bathtubs fail to hold water for a number of reasons. Sometimes the remedy is as simple as changing the drain stopper. Other times, the issue signifies a bigger problem that requires help from a plumbing professional.
Here’s five reasons why your bathtub may not be holding water.
A faulty drain stopper. Sometimes the drain stopper – that works in conjunction with the lever that controls water flow – disconnects from the spring that’s part of the drain system. When this happens water levels will slowly lower in the bathtub.
This is often a quick fix, but one usually done by a professional plumber. That being said, on rare occasions, it is necessary to replace the entire bathtub drain.
An issue with the overflow tube. Do you take regular baths in a tub filled to the edge? If so, the overflow tube may be the culprit. If this tube within the drain system is broken, it can cause the tub to lose water.
The overflow tube plays an important role, as it prevents the bathtub from overflowing, which can cause major water damage to your home. A plumber can tighten the overflow tube to fix the problem, otherwise they will recommend replacing it.
Old pipes. Corrosion may be to blame if your tub isn’t holding water, especially if you live in an older home with outdated plumbing. Once rust builds up inside pipes, it can create leaks where water can escape. Look for water that’s rust colored when you run the bath. If you notice any discoloration, it’s time to call the plumber.
A clogged pipe. Between soap residue and hair, bathtub drains have ample opportunities to clog. Once the pipe leading from the drain clogs, it can create a buildup of water that will start to leak outside of the drain anyway it can.
If you suspect you have a clogged drain, we recommend using a natural drain opener and a plunger to remove the debris. If you can’t open the drain using that method, it’s time to call a plumber. And always remember to clean the bathtub drain after every bath, or at least once a week.
Temperature changes. When there are significant changes in temperature, it can cause your pipes to expand and then contract if they’re exposed to the elements and not in a temperature-controlled area. This can lead to cracks in pipes or loose seals. In turn, this can cause leaks that interrupt water flow and lessen the amount that flows to your tub.
Worried that your bathtub isn’t holding water the way it should? Give us a call or contact us when an issue arises. We’ll address the issue and fix the problem quickly, so you can get back to those soaks in no time. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service. We’re here to help Cincinnati homeowners with all their plumbing needs. You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask questions. We’ll address the issue and fix the problem quickly, so you can get back to those soaks in no time.
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