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We’ve all been there; whether you’ve left the bath running too long or you have a clogged drain, overflowing bath pose a number of problems for homeowners. If it wasn’t your own neglect that caused your tub to overflow then Joe from Staunch and Flow Plumbers says it’s time to get your hands dirty and unclog that congested tub!
The worst kind of plughole blockage?
Bathtubs offer you a relaxing way of cleaning yourself and are generally very easy to clean and maintain. A bathtub is fantastic, except for when it starts to overflow. However, overflow is quite a common issue for many bath owners and the key is knowing how to fix it fast and effectively can be vital before the overflow causes any lasting damage to your bathtub.
If your tub is overflowing, you can usually attribute it to a faulty or clogged bath tub overflow (usually covered with a chrome plated cover above the tub drain near the top of the tub level). It functions to allow water to drain out of the bathtub in the event that the water is left on or the level of water gets too high when someone gets in and the water is displaced. Either that or a clogged drain will likely explain why your bath is failing to drain as it should.
There are a multitude of issues you could be encountering which could explain why your bath might be overflowing. The ideal thing to do is to take out whatever is blocking the tub’s drainage system before the problem gets any worse and you have to call in a plumber.
If you notice that soap suds or water is oozing out of your bath’s overflow as your bath drains out, there are a few things you need to do in order to resolve the issue. Try removing the screen in your tub and use thin pliers to help de-clog what’s wrapped around the metal inside. Usually it will be a thick mass of hair that will have been caught in the overflow mechanisms. You will then need to perform the somewhat disgusting job of removing all of this build-up and if you prefer a less messy way, try to use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
If that fails to work then try using a drain snake. Your clog might be deeper than expected and it can be used to pull out what’s clogging the drain. The final step you can try is to pour a strong acid solution into the clogged overflow, however you have to be careful as most acid will eat away at iron pipes and this step should only be considered if you are confident in the knowledge that your pipes are made from UPVC.
If none of these steps help to make your tub drain as it should, then you may want to consider calling in a plumber to help solve your overflow problems.
Joe Dart writes for Staunch and Flow Plumbers who are plumbers in London, working across the capital.
