Bathroom drains collect hair, soap, toothpaste, shaving residue and skin-care products. Together these form a sticky, fibrous mass that grips the inside of the trap and pipe.
Because bathroom lines are narrow, even moderate buildup makes a big difference to how fast water drains.
Common signs
- Standing water in the shower during use
- Bathtub taking a long time to empty
- Sink draining slowly with a gurgle
- Unpleasant smell from the overflow or drain
What usually causes it
Hair
The most common cause of shower and tub clogs, especially in busy family bathrooms.
Soap scum
Bar soaps leave fatty residue that binds hair together.
Product buildup
Conditioners, oils and clay masks coat pipe walls.
What to expect when you call
Remove any stopper or drain cover you can easily take out — it often reveals a clog near the top.
If both the tub and toilet are slow together, mention it: that points to a shared branch line.
In Mississauga
Many Mississauga homes have bathrooms on multiple floors. A clog in an upper-floor shower can cause stains or leaks below if it overflows, so it's worth dealing with promptly. See our Mississauga service area for more.