Are you dealing with a slow draining tub?

Dawn S. • November 29, 2022

If your bathtub is slow to drain, chances are that it’s the fault of far too much hair stuck halfway down the drain...

You can remedy this problem with one of these simple tricks that you can take care of yourself. It’s a good idea to give these a try before you call a Hamilton plumber. Bathtub clogs aren’t as scary as you think they are!

 The most common and easiest way to get rid of that nasty bathtub clog is the using the combination of baking soda and vinegar. It’s super easy and effective. Take these simple steps:


1.      Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain. Immediately pour in a cup of white vinegar. They will start to fizz.

2.      When the fizzing stops, after about 10 minutes, pour 4 cups of boiling water down the drain.

3.      Turn on the bathtub’s water to check if the water is draining is properly.

4.      If by chance, the bathtub is still clogged, repeat the above steps. It’s okay, some clogs are more stubborn other plugged drains.


Some folks have had success repairing slow draining tubs with the use of needle-nose pliers. If you have to purchase a set of these pliers, any hardware store carries them.

Here’s the step-by-step instructions:



1.      Remove the drain stopper manually or use a screwdriver if necessary.

2.      Grab your flashlight and look down the drain in search of the offending clog.

3.      With gloves on for safety, use the needle-nose pliers and pull out the clump of hair.

4.      You may have to use a wire hanger if the pliers won’t reach.

5.      When you remove the clump of hair, flush the drain out with 4 cups of hot water.


There are plungers you can buy that are suitable for bathtub and sink drains but the methods outlined above are the most common ways to remove bathtub clogs. Be sure you use the plunger properly by placing the black plunger cup tightly over the drain and pushing it down quickly at least half a dozen times without breaking the seal. Turn on the tap to check if the water drains. If it doesn’t repeat the plunging process again.


If you like, use chemical drain cleaners. Be sure to read and follow the instructions. Your Hamilton plumbers recommend that you don’t routinely use these chemicals. They are corrosive and can burn your pipes and skin. If you need fast, expert assistance A Rescue Rooter in Hamilton and they will help you with all your plumbing needs, twenty-four hours a day. Their Hamilton plumbers are fully licensed, insured and most importantly a phone call away! No job is too big or too small and we can help you with our state-of-the-art equipment that includes the use of CCTV video for diagnosis and repair. We never charge a premium for your emergency repair.


For all your commercial, domestic and industrial plumbing needs, you can trust A Rescue Rooter. Contact them at (905) 333-6909 or online at www.arescuerooter.ca. We are a family run business who are available to you 24 hours a day. A Rescue Rooter will provide you with a free quote too. We are fully insured and have all your plumbing needs covered. We will assist with any of your plumbing needs. We are ready to help!


Call us in Hamilton at (905) 521-8284 or complete our online form at www.arescuerooter.ca and we call you back.

They are the experienced plumbers in Hamilton that can help with your stubborn slow draining tub and more.

They are your choice for reliable, high-quality commercial, residential and industrial plumbing and drain cleaning services in Hamilton!

7 Warning Signs You Need a Hamilton Plumber Before the Problem Gets Worse

By Chelsey Smith • August 19, 2026
Small Plumbing Problems Rarely Stay Small A slow drain, faint water stain or occasional gurgle may be easy to dismiss when everything still seems to work. Unfortunately, many serious plumbing failures begin with minor symptoms. Water can travel behind walls, blockages can build deeper in a drain line, and damaged components can fail without much warning. Recognizing trouble early gives a plumber an opportunity to identify the cause before it creates extensive water damage, mould, sewage exposure or an unexpected loss of service. Hamilton homeowners and business operators should pay particular attention to the following seven warning signs.

Mid-Summer Plumbing Problems Every Homeowner Should Watch For

August 6, 2026
Summer is in full swing, the kids are home, guests are visiting, gardens are thriving, and your home's plumbing system is likely working harder than it has all year. While most homeowners think about plumbing problems during freezing winter weather, mid-summer can bring its own unique set of challenges. Being aware of common seasonal plumbing issues can help you avoid costly repairs and unexpected emergencies. If you notice signs of trouble, the experienced team at a Rescue Rooter is available to help homeowners throughout Hamilton with fast, professional plumbing services. 1. Clogged Kitchen Drains Summer often means more family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and outdoor entertaining. Unfortunately, all that extra cooking can wreak havoc on your kitchen sink. Grease, cooking oils, coffee grounds, vegetable peels, and food scraps can gradually build up inside your drains. Even if everything appears to be flowing normally, partial blockages can quickly become complete clogs. To help prevent problems: ● Never pour grease down the sink. ● Use drain strainers to catch food particles. ● Run plenty of cold water when using your garbage disposal. 2. Sewer Line Problems Tree roots are especially active during the warm summer months as they search for moisture. Tiny cracks in underground sewer lines can attract roots, eventually leading to blockages, slow drains, unpleasant odours, or even sewage backups. Warning signs include: ● Multiple slow drains throughout the home ● Gurgling toilets ● Water backing up into tubs or showers ● Sewage smells inside or outside your home Professional camera inspections can identify these problems before they become major repairs. a Rescue Rooter offers camera inspections, drain cleaning, hydro flushing, and sewer services for homeowners in Hamilton. 3. Washing Machine Overload With kids home from school, vacations, camping trips, sports, and swimming, many families find themselves doing far more laundry than usual. Extra loads place added strain on: ● Water supply hoses ● Drain lines ● Shut-off valves ● Washing machine connections Inspect hoses regularly for cracks, bulges, or leaks. Replacing an aging hose is far less expensive than cleaning up water damage from a burst line. 4. Outdoor Faucet Leaks Garden watering, pressure washing, filling pools, and washing vehicles all increase demand on outdoor faucets. Watch for: ● Dripping hose bibs ● Low water pressure ● Water pooling around exterior walls ● Leaks where hoses connect Small leaks may seem insignificant but can waste hundreds of litres of water over the course of a summer. 5. Sump Pump Issues Summer thunderstorms can dump large amounts of rain in a short period of time. If your sump pump hasn't been tested recently, you may not discover a problem until your basement begins taking on water. It's a good idea to: ● Test the pump before heavy storms arrive. ● Ensure the discharge line is clear. ● Remove debris from the sump pit. ● Consider a battery backup for power outages. 6. Water Heater Trouble Although your water heater works less during the summer, sediment buildup doesn't take a vacation. Signs your water heater may need attention include: ● Inconsistent hot water ● Strange rumbling noises ● Rust-coloured water ● Water leaking around the tank Routine maintenance can improve efficiency and extend the life of your water heater. 7. Hidden Leaks Summer vacations can leave homes sitting empty for days or even weeks. A small plumbing leak can become a major problem while you're away. Before leaving: ● Check under sinks. ● Inspect toilets for leaks. ● Turn off the main water supply if practical. ● Ask someone to check your home if you'll be away for an extended period. Don't Ignore Small Plumbing Problems One dripping faucet or one slow drain may not seem urgent, but small issues often become much larger—and much more expensive—when ignored. Mid-summer is an excellent time to inspect your home's plumbing before busy fall schedules return. Whether you're dealing with a clogged drain, sewer concerns, leaking pipes, water heater problems, or emergency plumbing repairs, a Rescue Rooter has been serving Hamilton and the surrounding area with residential, commercial, and emergency plumbing services. Their team provides 24/7 emergency service along with drain cleaning, video inspections, water heater repairs, sewer services, and general plumbing repairs. For more information or to schedule service, visit www.arescuerooter.ca . A little preventative maintenance today can help keep your plumbing flowing smoothly for the rest of the summer.

Drain Cleaning Hamilton: Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning Before a Small Clog Becomes a Big Problem

By Chelsey Smith • July 23, 2026
A slow-draining sink or recurring clogged shower might seem like a minor inconvenience, but these issues often point to a much larger plumbing problem. Ignoring blocked drains can lead to unpleasant odours, water damage, sewer backups, and expensive repairs. That's why homeowners and businesses rely on professional Drain Cleaning Hamilton services to keep their plumbing systems flowing properly year-round. At Rescue Rooter, we've been providing trusted plumbing and drain cleaning services throughout Hamilton and Southern Ontario for over 40 years. Whether you're dealing with a stubborn kitchen sink clog or a backed-up sewer line, our experienced team has the tools and expertise to solve the problem quickly and effectively.
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