How to Prevent Hair Drain Clogs

It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t come across the inconvenience of a hair drain clog.

Fortunately, there are various proactive measures you can take to avoid the buildup of hair (and the eventual back up of water).

First, What Causes a Hair Drain Clog?

Hair drain clogs happen when hair, along with other substances like soap scum and dirt, accumulate and obstruct the drain, resulting in water blockage.

The development of a hair clog can vary based on the amount of hair and debris that enters the drain, the frequency of drain usage, the material of the pipes, and the location of the obstruction. It’s possible for a hair drain clog to occur in just a few weeks or up to a few months.

How Do You Know if You Have a Hair Drain Clog?

There are a few telltale problems to watch out for. One common indicator is slow draining water. When hair masses accumulate in the drain, they can restrict the flow of water, causing your shower or sink to drain slower than usual. In severe cases, water may not drain at all, leading to potential water damage to your home.

Another near-surefire sign of a hair drain clog is a foul odor emanating from your bathtub or sink. As hair and other debris accumulate in the pipes, they can begin to decompose over time, resulting in a bad smell. Stagnant water trapped in the drain can also create an environment that fosters the growth of bacteria and other organisms, further intensifying the odor.

Clogs situated near the drain’s surface may form more quickly than those located deeper within the pipes, causing these issues to arise more quickly in some areas than others.

How to Reduce Hair Clogging

Prevention is key! Here are our top tips for preventing pesky hair clogs:

Brush Your Hair or Use a Shower Cap

One way to prevent hair from going down the drain is to wear a shower cap while showering. This is especially helpful if you have long hair that sheds easily. After your shower, remove any visible hair from the sides of the shower or tub to prevent it from going down the drain.

Use a Drain Cover

You can use a drain cover to catch hair and other debris before it goes down the drain. These covers are easy to install and can be found at most home improvement stores.

Avoid Using Too Much Hair Product

Hair products such as gel, mousse, and hairspray can contribute to clogs. When possible, try to use these products sparingly or avoid them altogether.

Flush Your Drains

If you notice that your drain is starting to slow down, you can flush your drain with hot water, vinegar, and baking soda to clear out small clogs.

Just like most things in life, prevention is key with your plumbing. The best way to get rid of a hair drain clog is to not let one accumulate in the first place.

How to Clear Hair Clogs

Sometimes, the best laid plans go awry. If preventative measures aren’t working (or it’s too late), you’ll need to take steps to clear the blockage. Here’s how to do just that:

Use Apply Drain Cleaners

Pour an organic solution or a commercial drain cleaner down the affected drain and let it sit overnight. Flush the drain with hot water to clear any leftover clogs.

Plunge It Away!

Using a plunger can be a simple yet efficient way of breaking up hair clogs. Place the plunger over the drain, push down firmly, and pull up quickly to create suction that breaks up the clog. You’ll likely need to repeat this several times until the clog clears and the water begins to drain.

Regularly Flush Drains

You already know that flushing your drain is a great way to prevent clogs, but you can flush drains to get rid of existing clogs, too! Regularly flushing your bathtub, bathroom sink, or anywhere else that’s prone to hair drain clogs can keep your pipes free and clear of hair clog problems.

Call a Plumber

Plumbing issues can rapidly progress and cause major damage to your pipes. If your hair clog is larger or none of the precautionary measures work for you, calling a plumber is the best option. A plumbing professional like Bell Brothers can get your drains back to working order quickly.

Ring the Bell Brothers and Let’s Get Your Clogs Cleared and Your Drains Flowing!

Drains not draining but DIY draining your wallet? Breaking your back trying to break up a hair drain clog? We can help! At Bell Brothers, we know that having functional plumbing systems is key to keeping your home running smoothly and your sanity intact!

If you’re experiencing a clog that just won’t clear, give us a call today!