Effective Methods for Removing Hair Buildup from Drains

Effective Methods for Removing Hair Buildup from Drains

Hair buildup is one of the most common causes of clogged drains, especially in bathrooms. Over time, hair accumulates in your sink, shower, and tub drains, creating a tangled mess that slows water flow and can lead to complete blockages. Fortunately, there are effective methods for removing hair from your drains, many of which are simple and can be done using household tools or basic drain-cleaning supplies.

In this blog, we’ll cover practical DIY techniques to clear hair clogs, tips for preventing buildup, and when it’s time to call in a professional plumber.

Why Does Hair Buildup Cause Clogs?

Hair, whether from showering, shaving, or grooming, doesn’t break down easily in water. When it goes down the drain, it often mixes with soap scum, grease, and other debris to form clumps. These clumps can catch on drain parts or rough surfaces inside pipes, gradually growing into larger blockages that restrict water flow.

While you might notice slow-draining water at first, ignoring hair buildup can lead to fully clogged drains that require more intensive cleaning or professional help. The good news is that removing hair buildup is often straightforward with the right tools and techniques.

DIY Methods for Removing Hair Buildup from Drains

If you’re dealing with a hair-clogged drain, don’t worry. You can often resolve the issue yourself using these effective methods:

1. Use a Drain Snake (Drain Auger)

A drain snake, also known as a drain auger, is one of the most effective tools for clearing hair clogs. It’s a flexible tool with a coiled metal wire that can be inserted into the drain to break up or pull out the clog.

How to Use a Drain Snake:

1. Insert the snake into the drain opening and push it down until you feel resistance (the hair clog).
2. Rotate the handle of the snake to catch the hair on the coil.
3. Slowly pull the snake out, bringing the hair with it.
4. Run hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris.

• Tip: Drain snakes come in various sizes and can be used for sinks, bathtubs, and shower drains. You can find affordable, handheld versions at most hardware stores.

2. Plunger

A plunger isn’t just for toilets—it can also be used to dislodge clogs caused by hair buildup in sinks and tubs. The suction created by a plunger can help break up or shift the clog, allowing it to be washed away.

How to Use a Plunger:

1. Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the bottom of the plunger.
2. Place the plunger over the drain and push it up and down rapidly to create suction.
3. After several plunges, lift the plunger to see if the water drains properly.
4. If the drain clears, run hot water to flush out any remaining debris.

• Tip: Make sure to use a cup-style plunger (flat at the bottom) for sinks and tubs, as it’s more effective on flat surfaces.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar

A natural and chemical-free solution for removing hair clogs is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This combination creates a foaming reaction that can help break down debris and loosen the clog.

How to Use Baking Soda and Vinegar:

1. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
2. Follow it with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
3. Let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes to work on the clog.
4. After waiting, flush the drain with hot water to clear out the loosened debris.

• Tip: This method is most effective for minor clogs and regular drain maintenance, rather than severe blockages.

4. Tweezers or Needle-Nose Pliers

For surface-level hair buildup that hasn’t traveled too far down the drain, tweezers or needle-nose pliers can be very effective. This method works best if you can see the hair clog near the surface of the drain.

How to Remove Hair with Tweezers:

1. Remove the drain cover or stopper (you may need a screwdriver for this).
2. Use tweezers or pliers to grab the visible clump of hair and pull it out.
3. Dispose of the hair and rinse the drain with hot water to remove any remaining debris.

• Tip: After removing the hair, clean the drain cover or stopper thoroughly to prevent more buildup from forming.

5. Drain Cleaning Tools (Plastic Drain Hair Removers)

Plastic drain cleaning tools, such as the Zip-It tool or similar designs, are flexible strips with barbs along the sides that can hook and pull out hair clogs. These tools are inexpensive and designed specifically to remove hair and debris from drains.

How to Use a Plastic Drain Tool:

1. Insert the tool into the drain as far as it will go.
2. Twist and pull the tool out, catching hair and debris on the barbs.
3. Repeat the process if necessary, and run hot water to clear the drain.

Tip: These tools are disposable and should be cleaned after each use.

Preventing Hair Buildup in Drains

The best way to deal with hair clogs is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Here are some simple tips to reduce hair buildup in your drains:

1. Use a Drain Cover or Hair Catcher

Installing a drain cover or hair catcher is an easy way to stop hair from entering your drain. These devices sit over or inside the drain and catch hair before it can enter the pipes. Be sure to clean them regularly to prevent water from backing up.

2. Brush Hair Before Showering

Brushing your hair before showering can help remove loose strands that would otherwise end up in the drain. This simple habit can significantly reduce the amount of hair that goes down the drain, minimizing clogs.

3. Clean Drains Regularly

Performing regular drain maintenance can prevent small buildups from turning into major clogs. Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar once a month to keep your drains clear. You can also run hot water down the drain after each use to help flush away any small amounts of debris or hair.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While most hair clogs can be cleared with DIY methods, there are times when the problem requires professional help. If you’ve tried these techniques and your drain is still slow or completely blocked, it’s time to call a plumber. A plumber can use specialized tools like hydro jetting or a more powerful drain auger to completely clear the blockage and restore your water flow.

Other signs that you may need professional help include:

• Frequent or recurring clogs.
• Multiple drains are backing up at once.
• Unpleasant odors coming from your drains, which could indicate a deeper blockage.
• Gurgling sounds or air bubbles in the toilet when using other drains.

Conclusion: Keeping Your Drains Free from Hair Buildup

Hair buildup is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be a constant issue in your home. By using effective removal methods, such as drain snakes, plungers, and natural solutions, you can keep your drains clear and functional. Implementing simple preventive measures, like using drain covers and regularly cleaning drains, will help minimize hair clogs over time.

Contact Rad Plumbing for Expert Drain Cleaning Services

If you’re dealing with stubborn clogs or recurring issues, Rad Plumbing is here to help! Our expert plumbers can quickly diagnose and remove blockages, ensuring your plumbing system runs smoothly.

Contact Rad Plumbing today for professional drain cleaning services and say goodbye to clogged drains for good!