Solving the Mystery of a Non-Draining Tub: Understanding the Problem and Possible Solutions

If you’ve found yourself staring at a bathtub that simply won’t drain, despite your best efforts with Draino and snaking the line, you’re not alone in this frustrating predicament. Often, the culprit behind such persistent drainage issues can be elusive and require a bit of detective work to uncover.

Identifying the Mysterious Object

First things first, let’s address the strange object you’ve discovered. It’s natural to wonder if it’s somehow related to the drainage problem. Here’s how you can investigate:

Inspecting the Object

Take a close look at the object and its location within the tub or drain. Does it seem like a foreign object that could obstruct the drainage path? Is it part of a mechanism that might be malfunctioning?

Checking for Breakage

Consider if the object appears broken or detached from any essential parts of the drain mechanism. This could indicate whether it’s supposed to move or interact with other parts of the drain system.

Comparing with Reference

If possible, compare the object with images or diagrams of typical bathtub drain assemblies. This might help you identify if it’s a missing part or if something else is amiss.

Possible Causes of a Non-Draining Tub

Hidden Clogs

Even if you’ve used Draino and snaked the line, there could still be a hidden or stubborn clog further down the line, such as in the main drainpipe or vent stack.

Mechanical Issues

The drainage mechanism itself, including the stopper, linkage, or overflow plate, could be malfunctioning or misaligned.

Ventilation Problems

Issues with the vent stack can cause air pressure imbalances that prevent proper drainage.

Steps to Troubleshoot and Resolve

Remove and Clean

If the object seems removable, carefully take it out and clean the area around it. This might reveal clues about its purpose and whether it’s contributing to the drainage issue.

Reevaluate Drainage Attempts

Double-check your snaking efforts to ensure you’ve reached far enough into the drain without damaging it. Consider using a different type of drain cleaner or contacting a professional plumber for more advanced techniques.

Inspect the Drain Mechanism

Examine the bathtub’s drain stopper mechanism, including the linkage and overflow plate. Ensure everything is aligned correctly and functioning as intended.

Professional Assessment

If DIY methods haven’t worked, it might be time to call a licensed plumber. They can conduct a thorough inspection using specialized tools and techniques to pinpoint and resolve the issue.

Conclusion

Dealing with a bathtub that refuses to drain can be both puzzling and inconvenient. While discovering a mysterious object adds to the intrigue, focusing on systematic troubleshooting steps—such as identifying the object’s purpose, reevaluating cleaning efforts, and checking drain mechanisms—can help you get closer to a resolution. Whether it involves a straightforward fix or requires professional intervention, taking proactive steps will ensure you can soon enjoy a fully functional bathtub once again.

By staying observant and methodical, you’re on track to solving the mystery of your tub’s drainage issue and restoring comfort to your bathroom routine.

Community Insights

Several experts and experienced homeowners have weighed in on similar issues:

• Plumbermanchris: “That’s a standing tub waste. If you’re still having drainage problems even after using Draino and snaking the line, try running water with the stopper completely out. If it’s still clogged, you might need to snake down the standing waste pipe.”
• Lukyfuq (General Contractor): “I’ve dealt with these in NYC apartments. They can be a headache. Make sure there’s no hidden blockage further down the line, especially if other fixtures like sinks or toilets are also affected.”
• JJRLT23: “This looks like a standing waste and overflow. Snaking it with a hand snake might clear the primary line, but if it’s deeper in the main line, you’ll need something more robust.”
• Myassholealt: “In my experience, these can get clogged with hair over time. Using a hand auger occasionally to pull out accumulated hair usually does the trick.”
• Various-Plant-3698: “Interesting to see this, my grandfather had one in his NYC home too. They seem unique to older NYC buildings.”
• Talltime: “From what I’ve seen, these old systems sometimes have constricted galvanized drains. If other fixtures are also slow, it might be worth checking the main line.”
• Matterhorne84: “Looks like a waste overflow for a Roman tub. The design is pretty cool with it being exterior to the tub.”
• Cowfootstew: “These were quite common in older homes. Even outside NYC, they were used in various places.”
• Infinite_Tax_1178: “If Draino and snaking didn’t work, it might be deeper in the line. Sometimes, build-up further down needs a more powerful snake.”
• Mrchess: “Knowing the type of building might help narrow down potential issues. NYC apartments often have their quirks.”

What do you think? Let us know in the comments!