Picture this: You’re looking forward to a relaxing soak in the tub after a long day. You turn on the water, but instead of draining smoothly, it starts to pool around your ankles. Ugh! A clogged bathtub drain is definitely not what you need right now.
We get it. Dealing with a clogged drain is a pain. It’s icky, inconvenient and can even make you feel a bit stressed, especially if you’re worried about the cost of getting it fixed.
At Instant Plumbing and Rooter, we’ve been helping homeowners in Phoenix and across the Valley tackle their plumbing problems since 2001. We understand the frustration that a clogged bathtub drain can cause, and we’re here to help you understand what causes those clogs, how to prevent them and what it might cost to get that drain flowing freely again.





Clogged Bathtub Drain? Understanding the Problem
Before we dive into costs, let’s talk about what causes those pesky clogs in the first place.
Common Causes of Bathtub Drain Clogs
- Hair, Hair Everywhere: Hair is a major culprit when it comes to clogged bathtub drains. Think about all the hair that goes down the drain every time you wash your hair or take a shower! It can build up over time and create a tangled mess that blocks the water flow. Your drain is having a bad hair day!
- Soap Scum: Soap scum is another common cause of clogs. It’s that sticky, white residue that forms when soap combines with the minerals in your water. It can cling to the sides of your pipes and trap hair and other debris, leading to a clog (and odors).
- Foreign Objects: Sometimes, things that shouldn’t go down the drain end up there anyway. Kids’ toys, jewelry and even cotton balls or Q-Tips can get lodged in your pipes and cause blockages.
Signs You Have a Clogged Bathtub Drain
- Slow Draining: If your bathtub drains slowly, it’s often the first sign of a clog forming.
- Standing Water: If the water doesn’t drain at all, or if it takes a very long time to drain, you definitely have a clog.
- Gurgling Sounds: Gurgling sounds coming from your drain can also indicate a blockage.
- Unpleasant Odors: A foul odor coming from your drain can be a sign of a clog that’s trapping debris and causing bacteria to grow.
The Risks of Ignoring a Clogged Drain
Ignoring a clogged bathtub drain can lead to bigger problems down the line, such as:
- More severe clogs: The clog can worsen, making it more difficult and expensive to clear.
- Overflowing water: This can cause water damage to your bathroom floor and walls.
- Health hazards: Standing water can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Unclogging a Bathtub Drain
The cost of unclogging a bathtub drain can vary depending on a few factors:
Severity of the Clog
A simple clog caused by hair and soap scum will generally be less expensive to clear than a stubborn clog caused by a foreign object or a buildup of debris deep within the pipes.
Location of the Clog
If the clog is located near the drain opening, it will be easier to access and clear, resulting in a lower cost. However, if the clog is deeper within the pipes, or something is broken, it might require specialized parts, tools and techniques, which can increase the cost.
Method of Drain Cleaning
Different drain cleaning methods have different costs. Some common methods include:
- Snaking: This involves using a flexible auger (a “snake”) to break up or retrieve the clog.
- Hydro jetting: This uses high-pressure water to blast away clogs and debris. It’s often used for more stubborn blockages.
Whether You Need Repairs or Replacement Parts
If the clog has caused damage to your pipes or drain components, you might need repairs or replacement parts, which will add to the overall cost. Sometimes the clog is caused by a collapsed pipe or broken piping, as well.
Estimating the Cost: What You Can Expect to Pay
While it’s impossible to give an exact price without assessing the situation, here are some general guidelines:
Typical Costs for Basic Drain Cleaning
At Instant Plumbing and Rooter, our drain cleaning services start at $225. This typically covers simple clogs that can be cleared with basic snaking or other standard methods.
Additional Costs for Complex Clogs or Repairs
If your clog requires more time and extensive work, such as hydro jetting or repairs to your pipes, the cost will increase. We always provide upfront pricing before starting any work, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Instant Plumbing and Rooter’s Upfront Pricing
We believe in transparent and honest pricing. We’ll always give you a clear estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises or hidden fees. If we run into something that will cause the original price to increase, we will call a timeout and discuss our findings immediately.
DIY vs. Professional Drain Cleaning: Is It Worth Doing It Yourself?
You might be tempted to try unclogging your bathtub drain yourself, and for simple clogs, that might be okay. But it’s important to know your limits.
When DIY Drain Cleaning Might Work
- Plunger Power: A plunger can be effective for minor clogs near the drain opening.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: This natural solution can sometimes help break down clogs caused by grease and soap scum.
- Bent Wire Hanger: A straightened wire coat hanger can sometimes help retrieve hair and other debris near the drain opening.
The Risks of DIY Drain Cleaning Gone Wrong
- Damage to your pipes: Using harsh chemical drain cleaners or incorrect snaking techniques can damage your pipes, and in some cases we have come across, get the snake stuck in the drain line.
- Injury: You could injure yourself if you’re not careful.
- Worsening the clog: Improper DIY methods can sometimes push the clog further down the pipe, making it more difficult to clear.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Plumber
- Expertise: Plumbers have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and fix the problem correctly.
- Specialized tools: They have access to professional-grade tools and equipment, such as drain snakes and hydro jetters. Our plumbers will never show up with just a plunger to take care of your drain needs.
- Safety: They know how to work with plumbing safely.
- Peace of mind: You can rest assured that the job will be done right.
Preventing Future Clogs: Keeping Your Bathtub Drain Flowing Freely
The best way to avoid the cost of unclogging a bathtub drain is to prevent clogs in the first place!
Simple Steps to Prevent Clogged Drains
- Use a drain strainer: A strainer will catch hair and other debris before they can go down the drain.
- Flush with hot water: After each use, flush your bathtub drain with hot water to help prevent soap scum buildup.
- Be mindful of what you put down the drain: Avoid pouring grease, oil or other substances that can solidify and cause clogs.
Regular Drain Maintenance
Consider having your drains professionally cleaned periodically to prevent clogs and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
When to Call a Plumber for Preventative Maintenance
If you notice any signs of a slow drain or other plumbing issues, don’t wait for it to become a major problem. Call Instant Plumbing and Rooter for preventative maintenance to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Remember, we’re here to help! If you have any questions or concerns about your plumbing, don’t hesitate to contact Instant Plumbing and Rooter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to snake a bathtub drain?
A: The cost of snaking a bathtub drain can vary depending on the severity of the clog and the location. At Instant Plumbing and Rooter, our drain cleaning services start at $225.
Q: What is hydro jetting, and when is it necessary?
A: Hydro jetting is a powerful drain cleaning method that uses high-pressure water to blast away clogs and debris. It’s often used for stubborn blockages that can’t be cleared with traditional snaking methods. Our hydro jetting services start at $450.
Q: Can I use a chemical drain cleaner to unclog my bathtub drain?
A: While chemical drain cleaners can be effective in some cases, they can also damage your pipes and are harmful to humans, causing bad chemical burns to skin. We recommend trying natural methods or calling a professional plumber for safe and effective drain cleaning.
Q: How can I prevent hair from clogging my bathtub drain?
A: Use a drain strainer to catch hair before it goes down the drain. You can also try flushing your drain with hot water after each use to help prevent hair from getting trapped in soap scum buildup.
Q: How often should I have my drains professionally cleaned?
A: We recommend having your drains professionally cleaned every 1-2 years as part of a preventative maintenance plan. This can help prevent clogs and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.