Are you looking for ways to dissolve hair in a shower drain? Hair buildup in your shower drain can lead to slow drainage and unpleasant odors. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to effectively remove hair from your shower drain and get your drain working properly again.
1. The Manual Method (Remove the Clog By Hand Or Tweezers)
The first place to start when trying to remove hair from a drain is with the simplest tools you already have around the house. In this case, gloves and tweezers. While this method can only reach hair near the opening of the drain, sometimes that’s all that’s necessary.
- Put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands.
- Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to reach into the drain and pull out any visible hair clogs.
- Dispose of the removed hair in the trash.
- Flush the drain with hot water to make sure it is clear of any remaining debris.
2. The Plunger & Hand Method
Most people also have a plunger at home. This can be used to try to dislodge the hair clog without having to buy any additional tools or supplies.
- Use a plunger to create suction over the drain opening.
- Pump the plunger up and down vigorously to dislodge the hair clog.
- Once the clog is loosened, use your hand or a glove to pull out any remaining hair from the drain.
- Flush the drain with hot water to remove any remaining debris and ensure proper drainage.
3. The Hair Snake Method
Hair snakes are one of the most effective ways to get hair out of a drain. They’re also inexpensive and easy to use. They generally clean out enough hair to get your drain going again. Sometimes the clog will be deeper down and the snake won’t reach, but this is a good place to start.
- Purchase a hair snake or drain cleaning tool designed specifically for removing hair clogs.
- Insert the hair snake into the drain until you feel resistance.
- Rotate the hair snake and pull it out slowly, removing any hair caught in the drain.
- Repeat the process as needed until the drain is clear of hair and other debris.
4. Vinegar and Baking Soda Drain Cleaner
If the hair snake doesn’t clear your drain, it may be further down the drain. In this case, you can try the vinegar and baking soda method. While it’s not as strong as professional chemical treatments, it can be a great hair clog remover for many situations.
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow with 1/2 cup of vinegar.
- Allow the mixture to fizz and break down any hair and debris in the drain.
- Flush the drain with hot water to rinse away the dissolved hair and residue.
5. The Auger Method (a.k.a “Plumbing Snake”)
If the clog is deep in your drain and too big for the baking soda method, you may need to use a plumbing snake to reach it and effectively remove it.
- Insert a plumbing snake or auger into the drain until you feel resistance.
- Rotate the auger handle to break up and dislodge the hair clog.
- Continue feeding the auger into the drain while rotating until the clog is cleared.
- Flush the drain with hot water to remove any remaining debris.
How to Prevent Hair from Clogging the Drain
Preventing hair from clogging drains in the future requires proactive measures to minimize hair buildup and maintain optimal drainage. Here are some effective ways to prevent hair clogs:
- Use a Drain Cover: Install a drain cover or hair catcher over your shower or bathtub drain to trap hair before it enters the pipes.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the drain cover or hair catcher regularly to remove trapped hair and prevent buildup.
- Hair Removal Techniques: Consider brushing or combing your hair before showering to remove loose hair, reducing the amount that ends up in the drain.
- Limit Product Use: Minimize the use of hair products like gels, mousses, and hair sprays, as these can contribute to hair buildup in drains.
- Routine Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance, such as using vinegar and baking soda treatments or professional drain cleaning, to keep drains clear and prevent clogs from forming.
Frequently Asked Questions: Removing Hair Clogs from Your Drain
Q: How can I remove hair from my shower drain?
You can remove hair from your shower drain using various methods, including using a hair snake, baking soda and vinegar, or manually removing the clog with tweezers.
Q: What is a hair snake, and how does it work?
A hair snake is a flexible tool designed to grab and pull out hair clogs from drains. It works by inserting the snake into the drain and twisting it to catch and remove hair.
Q: Can I use baking soda and vinegar to remove hair from my drain?
Yes, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help remove hair clogs in drains. Pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain, then flush with hot water after 15 minutes.
Q: How often should I clean my shower drain to prevent hair buildup?
It’s recommended to clean your shower drain regularly, at least once a month, to prevent hair buildup and maintain proper drainage.
Q: Can I prevent hair from clogging my shower drain?
Yes, you can prevent hair from clogging your shower drain by using a drain cover or hair catcher, cleaning the drain regularly, and employing hair removal techniques such as brushing or combing before showering.
Q: How do I know if my shower drain is clogged with hair?
Signs of a hair clog in your shower drain include slow drainage, water backing up, or foul odors coming from the drain.
Q: What should I do if my shower drain is still clogged after using home remedies?
If home remedies fail to clear a clogged shower drain, you may need to use a plumbing snake or consult a professional plumber for assistance.
Q: Are there any chemical drain cleaners I can use to remove hair clogs?
While chemical drain cleaners can dissolve hair clogs, they may also damage pipes and pose health risks. It’s generally best to use safer and more environmentally friendly methods to remove hair from shower drains.
Contact Ford’s Plumbing to Clear Hair Clogs from Your Drain
Using these methods should help you get hair out of the shower drain safely and easily. Remember to perform regular maintenance to keep your drains clear and flowing smoothly. If you have a stubborn hair clog, be sure to contact Ford’s Plumbing and we can take care of any drain clog for you.
