Why Is My Bathtub Clogging Up Every Time I Give My Dog a Bath?

If you’re a Pittsburgh pet owner, you know the struggle: you give your dog a bath, and suddenly your bathtub is clogged, the water won’t drain, and you’re left with a backed-up, messy tub.

At Revelation Plumbing, we get calls like this all the time — and we’re here to help you understand why it’s happening, how to fix it, and when to call in the pros.

In this article, we’ll explain the causes behind bathtub clogs, why dog hair makes it worse, and what you can do to prevent it. This post is optimized to help anyone searching for:

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Let’s dive in!

Why Is My Bathtub Backing Up After Dog Baths?

The main culprit? Dog hair.

While your drain is designed to handle water and small amounts of soap or debris, it’s not designed to handle large amounts of fur. When you bathe your dog, all that loose hair washes down the drain — but it doesn’t stop there.

Dog hair clumps together with:

• Soap scum

• Dirt

• Shampoo residue

• Existing hair or debris already in your pipes

This creates a dense, sticky clog that builds up right beneath your drain or further down the line. Once the blockage forms, water can’t flow properly — leading to slow drainage, standing water, or a fully clogged bathtub.

Why Won’t My Shower Drain Either?

In many Pittsburgh homes, the bathtub and shower share the same drain line. That means if the tub is clogged, the shower will also back up — or vice versa.

Signs you have a shared clog:

• Slow draining in both the tub and shower

• Gurgling noises from the drain

• Water backing up into the tub when you run the shower

If you see these symptoms, it’s time to address the clog before it causes bigger plumbing problems.

How Can I Prevent Bathtub Clogs From Dog Hair?

✅ Use a drain cover or hair catcher.These inexpensive mesh or silicone covers fit over your drain and catch hair before it goes down.

✅ Brush your dog before bath time.The more loose hair you remove before the bath, the less ends up in your pipes.

✅ Flush your drain regularly.Once a month, pour hot water mixed with baking soda and vinegar down the drain to break up buildup.

✅ Avoid using chemical drain cleaners.They can damage your pipes and often just push the clog deeper.

When Should I Call a Plumber?

If you’ve tried home remedies and your tub or shower still won’t drain, it’s time to call Revelation Plumbing — your trusted Pittsburgh plumbers.

We provide:

• Professional drain snaking to remove stubborn clogs

• Camera inspections to spot deep blockages

• Safe, non-damaging cleaning methods

• Fast, reliable service from a local, family-owned business

Remember: the longer you wait, the worse the clog can get — leading to pipe damage, leaks, or even water backing up into your home.

Why Pittsburgh Homeowners Trust Revelation Plumbing

We’re proud to be one of the top-rated plumbing companies in Pittsburgh, specializing in bathtub and shower drain clogs. Our team is:✅ Licensed and insured✅ Fast and responsive✅ Transparent with pricing✅ Experienced in handling both pet-related and everyday plumbing issues

Schedule Your Service Today

If your bathtub is clogged or your shower won’t drain after giving your dog a bath, don’t wait! Call Revelation Plumbing at (412) 518-7170 or book online today.

We’re here to keep Pittsburgh’s homes (and pets!) happy, clean, and clog-free.