How to Improve Tub Drainage With a Pump

Bathtubs drain slowly for many reasons. As the pipes age, grease and debris often build up and narrow the opening for water to flow through. There may be a bend in the pipe that slows the water flow as it passes through the drain. A hair clog may also be to blame. If the problem is chronic and drain-clearing remedies aren't helping, speed up the tub-draining process with a water pump. A pump increases the rate at which the tub drains, helping prevent mold growth and other issues caused by standing or slow-draining water.

Water pump
Hoses

Instructions

- 1
  Place the water pump next to the full bathtub. While it is not practical to hook a pump up to the tub permanently, you can store the pump under the sink in the bathroom and bring it out when you need to drain the tub.
- 2
  Connect a hose to the intake valve of the pump and place the other end in the deep end of the tub. The hoses can be left on the pump as long as they're dry so you don't have to reconnect them with each usage.
- 3
  Run a second hose from the outlet valve to the sink. This helps divert some of the water to the sink drain and therefore increases the overall draining speed of the bathtub.
- 4
  Turn on the pump as the tub drains. Monitor the water in the sink to ensure it doesn't fill faster than it drains because then the sink may overflow. Turn off the pump if this happens to give the sink time to clear and then turn it on again.

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