Slow Draining Bath or Shower
Bath or shower water taking a long time to drain away, sometimes backing up around the plughole.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Hair and soap scum clogging the waste trap
- 2Partial blockage further along the waste pipe
- 3Waste pipe too small or poorly graded
How Urgent Is This?
This is a cosmetic issue. It is not causing damage and can be addressed in your own time.
What Needs to Be Done
A drainage specialist or plumber will clear the waste trap, rod or jet the pipe run, and check the pipe gradient. They may need to replace an undersized waste pipe.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £283 – £913 | Materials: £75 – £318
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Prices are estimates based on typical UK rates. Actual costs depend on the specific issue, accessibility, and your location. All quotes from tradespeople on Tradesfolk are completely free.
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Ask a QuestionHow to Prevent This
Use a hair catcher over the plughole. Clean the trap monthly. Pour boiling water down the waste weekly to dissolve soap residue.
Related Problems
Water drains slowly or not at all from a sink, bath, or shower, often with an unpleasant smell.
Water takes a long time to drain from the bathroom sink, sometimes backing up when running the tap.
Drains making gurgling or bubbling sounds when water runs out of sinks, baths, or toilets.
Other Drainage Specialist Problems
An external drain or manhole cover with standing water, overflowing, or draining very slowly.
A strong sewage or rotten-egg smell around the outside of the property, particularly near drains or manholes.
Sewage or waste water spilling out of a drain, manhole, or inspection chamber, especially during heavy rain.
Drains making gurgling or bubbling sounds when water runs out of sinks, baths, or toilets.