Blog

A slow or clogged shower drain is one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. Soap scum, hair, and mineral buildup can quickly collect inside the drain, leading to standing water and unpleasant odors. The good news is that learning how to clean a shower drain doesn’t require special tools or harsh chemicals in most cases.

Below are safe, effective methods you can try at home before calling a professional plumber.

Remove the Drain Cover and Visible Debris

Start by removing the drain cover using a screwdriver if needed. Once the cover is off, put on gloves and pull out any visible hair or debris near the surface. This step alone can often restore proper drainage.

Use Boiling Water to Break Up Buildup

Carefully pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain. Hot water helps dissolve soap residue and loosen greasy buildup inside the pipe. This method works best for slow drains rather than fully blocked ones.

Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour about half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and let the mixture sit for 15–30 minutes. This natural reaction helps break down buildup without damaging your pipes. Flush with hot water afterward.

Use a Drain Snake or Zip Tool

A plastic drain snake or zip tool is designed to grab hair and debris deeper in the drain. Insert it slowly, twist, and pull it back out. You may be surprised how much buildup is hiding below the surface.

Avoid Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners can damage your plumbing over time and may not fully remove hair clogs. Frequent use can also weaken pipes, especially in older homes. Natural methods or mechanical tools are safer long-term solutions.

Prevent Future Shower Drain Clogs

To keep your shower drain clean, use a drain cover to catch hair, rinse the drain weekly with hot water, and clean buildup before it becomes a major blockage. Regular maintenance goes a long way in preventing costly plumbing issues.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If your shower drain continues to clog or drains slowly after multiple attempts, the issue may be deeper in your plumbing system. Pacific Rooter provides professional drain cleaning services throughout Orange County to safely clear stubborn clogs and restore proper flow.

Keeping your bathtub clean is essential not only for a fresh-looking bathroom but also for maintaining a healthy, hygienic home. Over time, soap scum, hard water stains, body oils, and mildew can build up on tub surfaces. If ignored, this buildup becomes harder to clean and can even affect your plumbing. Fortunately, with the right products and techniques, you can keep your bathtub spotless with minimal effort. Pacific Rooter created this easy-to-follow guide to help you clean your tub like a pro.

Why Regular Bathtub Cleaning Matters

A clean bathtub does much more than improve your bathroom’s appearance. Regular cleaning helps prevent mold growth, stubborn water stains, and unwanted odors. It also protects the finish of your tub, keeping it smooth, shiny, and free of scratches. When soap, grime, and debris accumulate, they often end up in the drain, leading to slow drainage or blockages. Taking a few minutes each week to clean your tub helps maintain your plumbing system and reduces the risk of costly clogs or repairs.

What You’ll Need

Most bathtubs can be cleaned using items you already have at home. These safe, gentle supplies work well on porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, and enamel tubs.

• Baking soda
  
• White vinegar
  
• Mild dish soap
  
• Soft sponge or non-abrasive scrub brush
  
• Microfiber cloth
  
• Bucket or cup for rinsing
  
• Optional: hydrogen peroxide for stubborn stains or mildew
  

If your tub has a delicate finish, always test cleaners on a small area first.

How to Clean a Bathtub Step-by-Step

1. Rinse the Tub Thoroughly

Start by rinsing the entire tub with warm water. This loosens dirt, soap residue, and hair, making it easier to clean the rest of the surface. Removing the initial layer of grime ensures your cleaning products can work more effectively.

2. Apply a Safe Cleaning Solution

A gentle cleaning mixture works well for most tubs. Combine one cup of white vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and warm water in a spray bottle or small container. Apply the mixture evenly across the tub, especially along the bottom, corners, and around the drain—these areas tend to hold the most buildup.

3. Sprinkle Baking Soda

While the surface is still wet from the cleaning solution, sprinkle baking soda over the tub. The combination of vinegar and baking soda creates a natural foaming action that helps lift stains, soap scum, and grime without damaging the tub’s finish.

4. Scrub Gently but Thoroughly

Using a soft sponge or scrub brush, start scrubbing the tub in circular motions. Focus on areas where grime has hardened, including around the drain, faucet, and anywhere discoloration appears. Take your time to make sure all residue loosens. Avoid steel wool or harsh scrub pads, as they can scratch the surface.

5. Let the Cleaner Work

After scrubbing, allow the vinegar and baking soda mixture to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period helps break down tough stains and gives the solution time to work on deep grime.

6. Rinse Completely

Rinse the tub again with warm water until all cleaner is washed away. Make sure no residue remains, as leftover cleaner can attract dirt or create streaks. Use a cup or bucket if you don’t have a detachable showerhead.

How to Clean Tough Stains

Some tubs have stains that require extra attention. Here are a few safe solutions:

Hard Water Stains

For those chalky, white minerals left behind by hard water, create a paste using baking soda and vinegar. Spread it over the stains, let it sit for 20 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Stubborn Soap Scum

Mix equal parts dish soap and vinegar. Heat the vinegar slightly before combining—it makes the mixture more effective. Apply it, let it sit for 15 minutes, scrub, and rinse clean.

Mildew or Mold

Spray hydrogen peroxide directly on moldy or discolored areas. Let it bubble for about 10 minutes before rinsing. For deeper mildew, repeat the process or scrub with a soft brush.

Rust Spots

Lemon juice mixed with a little salt creates a natural rust remover. Apply the blend to rust stains, let it sit for 30 minutes, scrub lightly, and rinse. This works especially well on older fixtures and tubs.

How to Prevent Bathtub Buildup

Keeping your tub cleaner between deep cleanings is easy with a few simple habits:

• Rinse your tub after every use to prevent soap residue from hardening.
  
• Wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth to reduce water spots.
  
• Use a daily shower spray or vinegar mist to slow buildup.
  
• Remove hair from the drain regularly to avoid slow drainage or clogs.
  
• Keep bathroom humidity low by running a fan to prevent mildew growth.
  

Small habits make a big difference in long-term cleanliness and can help reduce future plumbing issues.

When Your Tub Issues Point to a Plumbing Problem

Sometimes a bathtub that constantly looks dirty or drains slowly is a sign of something else going on behind the scenes. If you notice recurring clogs, foul smells coming from the drain, water backing up, or slow drainage even after cleaning, there may be buildup deeper in your plumbing system. Hair, soap, grease, and mineral deposits can accumulate in pipes over time and restrict water flow.

When that happens, a professional drain cleaning from Pacific Rooter can get things flowing smoothly again. Our team uses safe, effective solutions to clear buildup, improve drainage, and protect your plumbing from future problems.

Need Professional Help? Call Pacific Rooter

Keeping your bathtub clean is easier with the right methods, but if slow drains or stubborn odors keep returning, Pacific Rooter is here to help. We specialize in fast, reliable drain cleaning and plumbing services to keep your bathroom fresh, functional, and worry-free. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged tub or simply want a preventive plumbing check, our team is ready to assist.

A toilet that keeps running is more than an annoyance — it wastes water, increases your utility bills, and can indicate an underlying plumbing issue. Understanding the common causes of a running toilet can help you determine whether a simple DIY fix is possible or if professional help is needed.

At Pacific Rooter, we’ve helped countless homeowners fix running toilets quickly and efficiently. Here are the most common reasons why your toilet keeps running and what you can do about it.

Faulty Flapper

The most common cause of a running toilet is a faulty flapper. The flapper is a rubber seal at the bottom of the toilet tank that controls the flow of water into the bowl. If it’s warped, worn, or misaligned, water will continue to leak from the tank into the bowl.

Replacing a flapper is a simple and inexpensive fix. Ensure you turn off the water supply, drain the tank, and install a new flapper that matches your toilet model.

Chain Issues

The chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper can cause running if it’s too tight, too loose, or tangled. A chain that is too short may keep the flapper partially open, while a chain that is too long can get caught under the flapper. Adjusting or replacing the chain often resolves the issue.

Faulty Fill Valve

The fill valve controls the water entering the toilet tank after a flush. If the fill valve is malfunctioning, it can cause the water to keep running or overflow. Common signs include water continuously trickling into the tank or a noisy fill valve. A replacement fill valve can restore proper function.

Improper Water Level

If the water level in the tank is too high, it may flow into the overflow tube, causing continuous running. Adjusting the fill valve to maintain the correct water level can stop the running and prevent water waste.

Worn or Damaged Flush Valve

A damaged flush valve can allow water to escape from the tank into the bowl. Over time, these valves can deteriorate or crack, causing constant running. Replacement by a professional ensures a secure and watertight seal.

Mineral Buildup

Hard water can cause mineral buildup on the flapper, flush valve, or fill valve. This buildup prevents proper sealing and can lead to continuous running. Cleaning or replacing affected parts can restore normal operation.

Misaligned or Broken Components

Sometimes, multiple components inside the toilet tank can become misaligned or broken. Flapper, chain, fill valve, or flush valve misalignment can all contribute to running water. A full inspection ensures that all components work together properly.

How to Fix a Running Toilet

Many running toilets can be fixed with simple adjustments or part replacements:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
   
2. Drain the tank by flushing.
   
3. Inspect the flapper, chain, fill valve, and flush valve for damage or misalignment.
   
4. Clean or replace faulty parts as needed.
   

If you’re unsure about the problem or want a permanent fix, call Pacific Rooter. Our licensed plumbers can diagnose the cause, replace worn parts, and ensure your toilet operates efficiently.

Preventing Future Running Toilets

Preventing running toilets is mostly about regular maintenance:

• Inspect the flapper and chain periodically for wear or corrosion.
  
• Clean mineral buildup from valves and seals.
  
• Adjust water levels to recommended heights.
  
• Replace parts before they fail completely.
  

Regular maintenance not only prevents running toilets but also extends the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures.

Trust Pacific Rooter for Plumbing Solutions

A constantly running toilet may seem minor, but it can waste hundreds of gallons of water per month. At Pacific Rooter, we provide fast and reliable plumbing services to fix running toilets and other plumbing issues before they become major problems.

Whether it’s a simple flapper replacement or a more complex valve repair, our team ensures your plumbing system operates efficiently, saving you money and preventing water waste. Contact Pacific Rooter today to schedule service or a plumbing inspection.