How to Stop Water Coming Up Through Bath Plughole?

There’s nothing better than a relaxing bath at the end of a long day – but this can quickly turn distressing when you notice water coming up through the bath plughole! This issue, while common, can be bothersome and may hint at some underlying blockage problems in your drainage system. So, how do you fix it? Tackling this problem requires understanding its root causes and applying effective solutions, so let’s take a closer look at why this occurs, some effective solutions, and how to stop it from recurring.

What causes water to come up through bath plughole?

Before attempting any fixes, it’s crucial to understand why water might be coming up through the bath plughole. The most common reason is a blockage somewhere in the drainage system, and this could be due to any of the following:

Hair and Soap Buildup: Over time, strands of hair and remnants of soap can accumulate, forming a stubborn blockage.
Foreign Objects: Items accidentally dropped down the drain, such as small toys or shampoo bottle caps, can lead to clogging.
Hard Water Scale: In areas with hard water, mineral deposits can accumulate in pipes, restricting water flow.
Grease and Dirt: Oils from our body, combined with dirt and other residues, can stick to pipe walls and lead to obstructions.

While some small drain issues are common and can be resolved without intervention, if you’re facing frequent blockages, it might be time to consider professional drain unblocking services in North-West London for a comprehensive solution.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To tackle the issue at hand yourself at home, you’re going to want to gather the following items:

Rubber gloves
Baking soda and white vinegar
A plunger
A wire coat hanger or specialised drain snake
A bucket and old towels (for any water spillage)
A torch

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Clearing Debris from the Plughole

Wearing your rubber gloves, begin by manually removing any visible debris from the plughole; hair and soap often entangle just beneath the surface, and simply pulling this out can sometimes solve the problem.

Step 2: Using Natural Cleaning Agents to Remove Buildup

Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by an equal amount of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes; this combination will fizz and work to break down minor clogs. After waiting, pour hot (not boiling) water down the drain to rinse away the debris.

Step 3: Examining and Cleaning the Drain Trap

Position your bucket underneath the U-shaped pipe (trap) beneath your bathtub, as this will catch any water or debris. Unscrew or unclip the trap, inspect for blockages, and clean it out, then reattach the trap securely after cleaning.

Step 4: Using a Plunger to Dislodge Blockages

For the plunger method, fill the bath with enough water to cover the plughole, before placing the plunger over the drain and pushing up and down vigorously several times. This can create suction to dislodge any clogs further down the pipe.

Step 5: DIY Methods to Break Down Persistent Clogs

For deeper blockages, straightening a wire coat hanger (leaving a small hook on one end) can help: to do this, insert the hooked end into the drain, moving it around to catch and pull up any obstructions. However, do be careful not to push the debris further down, which can end up making the blockage worse.

Another method involves using a specialised drain snake: insert the tool into the drain, twisting and pushing it to catch onto the blockage and then pull it out. Again, you might want to consult a professional to do this for you to ensure you don’t push debris down further and aggravate the problem.

Step 6: Seeking Professional Assistance for Stubborn Cases

If you’ve tried the above steps and the problem persists, it might be time to call in the experts; persistent blockages could be symptomatic of more complex issues, like tree roots invading pipes or structural problems within the drainage system. Professionals, especially those well-versed in drain unblocking services, will have both the tools and expertise at hand to diagnose and rectify the issues efficiently.

How to Prevent Water Backup in the Future

As with any plumbing problem, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some proactive measures to prevent future blockages:

Regular Cleaning: Monthly, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water, to clear potential buildups.
Install Drain Guards: These are designed to catch hair, soap particles, and other debris, preventing them from going down the drain.
Avoid Dropping Foreign Objects: Be cautious about small items in and around the bath, ensuring they don’t accidentally fall into the drain.
Use Quality Bath Products: Opt for products that dissolve easily in water, reducing the chance of residue buildup.
Routine Professional Inspection: Annual or bi-annual professional inspections can help identify and rectify potential issues before they become severe.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, water coming up through the bath plughole can be a nuisance, but it’s no reason to panic; with the right steps and a little patience, it’s often an issue you can rectify yourself. However, when faced with stubborn blockages or recurring issues, seeking professional assistance is prudent.

Last, don’t forget that regular preventive measures, combined with timely interventions, ensure a smoothly flowing drainage system and stress-free baths!