Licensed Plumbing Service in Central Florida
Tub Drain Cleaning in Orlando, FL
A bathtub that won't drain — or drains so slowly it fills up while you're still using it — doesn't have to stay that way. Lapin Services clears tub drain clogs across Orlando quickly and completely, with licensed plumbers and upfront pricing every time.
65+ years serving Central Florida
Licensed local service team
Fast scheduling and clear communication
Service Overview
Tub Drain Cleaning Backed by 65+ Years of Local Experience
Bathtub drains take on everything — hair, soap, bath products, and mineral buildup — and over time, all of it accumulates. The stopper mechanism, the trap directly below the drain, and the drain line further down the pipe are all common spots for clogs to form and grow. Once a partial clog develops, it narrows steadily until one day the tub barely drains at all, or stops draining entirely.
Lapin Services has been clearing bathtub drain clogs across Central Florida since 1958. Our licensed plumbers know where tub drain clogs typically hide and how to get them out completely — not just partially cleared enough to seem better for a few weeks. We explain what we found, fix the problem, and give you practical tips for keeping it clear. That's the kind of service that earns 1,000+ five-star reviews.
Problems We Solve
Common Tub Drain Cleaning Problems We Fix
Here are the issues our team commonly finds and resolves during tub drain cleaning calls across Central Florida.
Hair Clogging the Drain Stopper
Pop-up and trip-lever stopper mechanisms in bathtubs are notorious for collecting hair around the stopper rod and in the overflow assembly. Clearing them requires accessing the stopper mechanism itself — not just the visible drain opening.
Soap Scum Narrowing the Trap
Soap scum coats the inside of the P-trap over years of use, gradually reducing the diameter until water drains noticeably slower. It builds up gradually, which is why the problem seems to appear suddenly when it actually developed over a long time.
Trip-Lever Stopper Malfunction
Older tubs with trip-lever stoppers can develop clogs in the overflow tube where the stopper rod sits. This type of clog isn't reachable from the main drain opening — it requires removing the overflow plate to clear.
Deep Blockage in the Drain Line
If the clog is past the trap and into the drain line, surface-level approaches like plungers or short drain snakes won't reach it. A longer auger or hydro jetting may be needed to clear the line fully.
Shared Drain Line Is Clogged
When both the tub and the toilet or sink in the same bathroom are slow or backed up at the same time, the clog is likely in the shared branch drain line — a more involved clearing that a plumber handles with the right equipment.
When to Call
Signs Your Plumbing System Needs Professional Attention
If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule tub drain cleaning before the problem becomes more disruptive or expensive.
Water Level Rises While You're Bathing
If the tub fills up during use faster than it drains, the drain is significantly restricted. A bath that ends with you stepping out of a full tub of water means it's time to get the drain cleared.
Tub Drains Much More Slowly Than Before
Gradual slowdown is how most tub drain clogs develop — it's easy to get used to and easy to put off. But a slow drain is a partial clog in progress, and it will only continue to narrow until it's completely blocked.
You Hear Gurgling When the Tub Drains
Gurgling from the drain or from a nearby toilet when the tub drains means air is being displaced by water moving past a partial blockage. It's a strong signal that a clearing is overdue.
Drain Smells Like Mildew or Sulfur
Organic material sitting in a partial clog or in the trap decomposes and creates an unpleasant smell. Clearing the drain removes the source of the odor — air fresheners just cover it up.
Plunging Didn't Fix It
A plunger works well for simple clogs close to the surface. If plunging didn't restore normal drainage, the clog is deeper or denser than a plunger can reach — a plumber's snake or auger is the next step.
Our Process
What to Expect From Your Tub Drain Cleaning Visit
Lapin keeps the process straightforward from the first call through final documentation, so you know what is happening at every step.
Step 1
Call or Schedule Online
Call Lapin Services or request service online — we're available 24/7.
Step 2
On-Site Inspection and Diagnosis
We'll schedule your service call — often same-day for drain clogs — and confirm whether your tub has a pop-up, trip-lever, or open stopper so your technician can bring the right tools.
Step 3
Honest Assessment and Recommendations
Your technician inspects the drain opening, stopper mechanism, overflow assembly, and trap, locates the clog, and gives you a clear upfront price before any work starts.
Step 4
Service Completed
We clear the clog completely — whether it's in the stopper, the trap, or deeper in the drain line — using the appropriate tool for the location, then test the drain thoroughly before leaving.
Step 5
Documentation and Follow-Up
We leave you with a full explanation of the work completed, next steps, and any required documentation.
Why Lapin
Why Central Florida Chooses Lapin for Tub Drain Cleaning
Lapin combines licensed expertise, local knowledge, and responsive service for plumbing work throughout Central Florida.
65+ Years of Plumbing Expertise
Lapin has been solving Central Florida's plumbing problems since 1958 — with the deep local knowledge and hands-on experience that only comes from decades of real-world work.
4.9★ Rating · 1,000+ Reviews
The most trusted plumbing company in Central Florida — rated by the homeowners, landlords, and businesses we serve every single day.
Licensed Plumbing Contractor
License CFC1428594. Fully certified, bonded, and insured. You're protected from the moment our technician arrives at your door.
Plain Language, Upfront Pricing
We explain the problem in terms you can understand and tell you exactly what it will cost before any work begins. No surprises, no pressure.
Available 24/7
Plumbing problems don't wait for business hours. Neither do we — call any time, day or night.
Related Services
Related Services
FAQs
Tub Drain Cleaning FAQs
Why won't my bathtub drain even after I removed the stopper and cleaned it?
If cleaning the stopper didn’t help, the clog is deeper — typically in the trap or the drain line. A plumber’s auger can reach these areas; store-bought drain cleaners usually can’t do the job when the clog is this far down.
What's the difference between a pop-up stopper and a trip-lever stopper?
A pop-up stopper seals at the drain opening and is pushed up or down to open and close. A trip-lever stopper uses a lever on the overflow plate to raise and lower a plug inside the overflow tube — this type collects clogs inside the overflow assembly, not at the visible drain.
Can I use drain cleaner in a bathtub?
Chemical drain cleaners can be used for minor hair clogs, but they’re not effective on larger blockages and can damage older metal pipes with repeated use. For stubborn clogs, mechanical clearing is more effective and safer for your pipes.
How do I prevent my bathtub drain from clogging again?
A drain strainer that catches hair before it enters the drain is the most effective prevention. Cleaning it after each bath or shower keeps buildup from reaching the drain line below.
Could a slow tub drain be causing damage to my bathroom?
A slow drain itself isn’t typically causing active damage. But if water is backing up to the point of overflowing onto the floor, or if there’s standing water that’s working into grout or flooring, the situation needs to be addressed promptly.
My toilet gurgles when I drain the bathtub — is that related?
Yes — that usually means the tub drain and toilet share a drain line that’s partially blocked, or the drain vent is obstructed. It’s a sign the issue is beyond just the tub drain, and a plumber should take a look at the full drain system.
How long does tub drain cleaning take?
Most tub drain cleanings take 30 to 60 minutes. Trip-lever stopper mechanisms and deeper clogs may take longer — we’ll let you know once your technician has assessed the situation.
Do you service rental properties and apartment units?
Yes — we work with landlords and property managers throughout Central Florida and can coordinate directly with tenants when needed.
Schedule Service
Schedule Tub Drain Cleaning Today
Call Lapin Services today or request service online — and get your tub drain cleaning handled by Central Florida's most trusted plumbing team.