Are you tired of dealing with a slow-draining bathtub due to hair buildup? It's a common issue many homeowners face, especially those with long-haired residents. If not addressed promptly, what seems like a minor nuisance can lead to a stubborn clog that disrupts your daily routine and potentially damages your plumbing.
This guide offers several methods for clearing hair clogs from bathtub drains, promoting smooth and efficient water flow.
Why Hair Commonly Causes Drain Blockages
Hair is one of the primary culprits behind clogged drains, particularly in bathrooms. Its unique properties and the way it interacts with other substances in the drain can quickly lead to blockages that disrupt water flow.
These are some reasons why hair frequently leads to this common plumbing issue:
Hair naturally adheres to oils and grease from beauty products, forming sticky, dense masses within the drain. These masses are resistant to water, making them particularly difficult to dislodge and flush away.
Over time, accumulated hair tends to tangle and intertwine, forming large clumps that are tightly bound and challenging to disassemble. These clumps become tenacious blockages that resist simple removal methods.
Hair is insoluble in water, meaning it won't break down and instead accumulates in the drain. Over periods of accumulation, hair can entrap other debris, leading to significant and stubborn clogs.
The pliancy and length of hair make it especially prone to snagging on any slight imperfections inside the plumbing, such as small joins or rough pipe interiors. Once snagged, hair begins to accumulate, creating a focal point for clogs.
Accumulating hair gradually narrows the available space within the drain, limiting the flow of water. This restriction causes further debris to become trapped, compounding the clogging issue and creating a worsening cycle of blockage.
What You'll Need
Before diving into the unclogging process, gather the necessary tools and materials to clear your bathtub drain effectively. This preparation ensures you can handle the clog using your chosen method without needing to pause and search for supplies.
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How to Unclog Bathtub Drain Full of Hair at Home
1. Hair Removal Tool
Wear protective gear to remove the bathtub drain stopper and access the clog safely.
Insert the hair removal tool deeply into the bathtub drain to grasp the hair buildup directly.
Twist and pull the tool gently to extract the hair clogs without damaging the drain trap.
Repeat the process to ensure all accessible hair has been removed from the drain.
Clean the tool after each use to maintain its effectiveness for future clogs.
2. Drain Snake
For stubborn hair deeply embedded in the pipes, using a drain snake can be exceptionally effective.
Select the appropriate type of drain snake—plastic for minor clogs or metal for larger blockages.
Slowly feed the snake into the bathtub drain, navigating through the drain trap to reach the clog.
Rotate the snake to catch and break apart the buildup of hair and soap.
Pull the snake out slowly, bringing with it the debris that was causing the slow drainage.
Rinse the snake and repeat if necessary to ensure complete removal of the blockage.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Natural Drain Cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar can effectively break down clogs without harsh chemicals.
Pour one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar into the bathtub drain to create a fizzing action.
Allow the natural reaction to work through the buildup for about 15 minutes to break down the hair and soap scum.
Boil a kettle of water and pour it down the drain to flush out the loosened material.
If standing water persists, repeat the vinegar method to dissolve the clogs further.
Consider adding lemon juice to enhance the mixture’s effectiveness and provide a fresh scent.
4. Liquid Drain Cleaner
For exceptionally stubborn shower drain clogs, a commercial chemical drain cleaner may be necessary.
Choose a hair-dissolving drain cleaner product suited for bathroom drain use to ensure safety.
Carefully follow the product’s guidelines, wear gloves and ensure good ventilation.
Pour the recommended amount directly into the bathtub drain, bypassing the overflow drain for direct impact.
Wait for the manufacturer’s suggested time for the chemical action to dissolve the clog.
Rinse thoroughly with hot water to remove residual cleaner and dislodged debris.
5. Use a Plunger
Utilizing a plunger can be an effective method for dislodging hair clogs from your bathtub drain using basic household tools.
Select a cup plunger designed for flat surfaces to ensure a good seal around the bathtub drain.
Fill the bathtub with enough water to cover the rubber cup of the plunger. This water provides the necessary force to push through the clog.
Place a wet cloth over the overflow drain to create a vacuum and enhance the plunger's suction power.
Press the plunger firmly against the drain and use a series of rapid, forceful thrusts to create pressure that forces the blockage loose.
Lift the plunger away from the drain to check if the water is draining properly. If not, repeat the plunging process until the clog is cleared.
Once the water begins to drain, rinse down the loosened material with hot water to ensure all debris is flushed away.
6. Call a Professional Plumber
If DIY methods fail, securing professional plumbing help guarantees a permanent solution to the choked drain pipes.
Search for a reputable plumber with specific experience in complicated bathtub drain issues.
Schedule a consultation allowing the plumber to evaluate the extent of the clog and the condition of your plumbing.
Review the proposed approach and the associated cost of drain cleaning before commencing work.
Monitor the cleaning process to understand how to keep your drains clean going forward.
Ask for recommendations on drain guards or regular maintenance to prevent future severe clogs.
Managing a clogged bathtub drain can be cumbersome, but systematic use of these methods will restore proper drainage and maintain the integrity of your household plumbing.
How to Keep Bathtub Drains Hair-Free Longer
Maintaining clean, unclogged drains requires regular attention. Here are some strategies to prevent future hair clogs in your bathtub, ensuring smooth water flow and minimizing plumbing issues.
Regular Cleaning
Make it a habit to clean your bathtub and drain regularly. A quick weekly flush with hot water can prevent hair and soap buildup and maintain optimal drainage performance. Consistency is key to keeping bathtub clogs at bay and ensuring the longevity of your plumbing system.
Install a Drain Cover
A drain cover or shower drain hair catcher placed over the drain can prevent hairs and other debris from entering the pipes. Ensure it fits well and forms a tight seal around the edge to avoid any slip-through. Not only does this prevent hair from going down the drain, but it also makes cleaning out collected debris a breeze.
Limit the Use of Chemical Cleaners
While chemical drain cleaners can offer a quick fix, their frequent use can corrode your plumbing, especially in older systems with PVC pipes. Opt for more natural cleaning solutions regularly, reserving chemical options for more stubborn clogs. Using these less abrasive products will extend the life of your drains while being environmentally friendly.
Brush Hair Before Showering
Brush your hair before jumping into the shower to minimize the loose strands that end up in the drain. This simple act can significantly reduce hair buildup inside your tub drain. Regular brushing not only keeps your drains clearer but also helps maintain healthier hair by reducing breakage.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Even with diligent maintenance, some issues can go beyond the reach of home remedies. Scheduling an annual check-up with professional plumbers can keep your system in prime condition, helping to avoid unexpected and costly plumbing issues. These professionals can also offer additional tips tailored to your specific plumbing system, ensuring its optimal performance throughout the year.
FAQs
What Dissolves Hair in the Shower Drain?
While manual removal is most effective, liquid drain cleaners and homemade concoctions of baking soda and vinegar can dissolve hair accumulations chemically. For a safer alternative, consider enzyme-based drain cleaners that naturally break down hair without harming your pipes.
What Is the Easiest Way to Clean Hair Out of a Shower Drain?
Often, a simple drain snake or a hook fashioned from a wire hanger can effectively remove hair clogs. These tools allow you to reach into the drain and hook out the blockage without resorting to pushed chemicals or professional help.
What Is the Best Tool to Get Hair Out of a Drain?
A drain snake, often referred to as a plumbing snake or drain auger, is highly effective for reaching deeper clogs that cannot be resolved with surface cleaning. Hair removal tools like drain claws are also efficient for pulling out loose hair and preventing more severe blockages.
Need Professional Help Unclogging Your Bathtub Drain? The Plumber is Here to Assist You
Dealing with a clogged bathtub due to hair build-up can disrupt your daily routine and, if left unaddressed, lead to bigger plumbing problems. If you are struggling with persistent or severe clogs and need expert assistance, seek professional help.
At The Plumber is Here, we specialize in tackling even the most stubborn shower and bathtub clogs, making sure your plumbing remains in top condition. Our experienced team uses the latest tools and techniques to quickly and effectively restore proper drainage to your bathtub.
Don't let a clogged bathtub drain slow you down. Contact us today and let our professional plumbers provide the swift, reliable service you deserve.