Stop Hair From Turning Your Shower Into a Swimming Pool: The Complete Guide to Prevention and Removal
Nothing ruins a relaxing shower quite like standing ankle-deep in murky water because your drain has decided to take a vacation. Hair clogs are one of the most common plumbing headaches homeowners face, but the good news is they’re largely preventable and often manageable with the right approach.
Why Hair Clogs Happen (And Why They’re So Stubborn)
Did you know that it’s normal to shed up to 100 hairs a day? When you shower–and especially when you shampoo–hairs from your head and body fall out and get washed down your drain. Over time, these loose hairs accumulate and create a blockage that prevents water from getting through. Hair of any length sticks around in shower drains thanks to its very structure. Hair naturally has multiple gripping points that can cause it to attach to the wall of a drain pipe even when water is flowing. The longer your hair, the more likely it is to get stuck in a drain.
Finally, hair causes drain clogs because other things stick to it. Soap scum and dirt that would normally flow down a drain with ease can get stuck in the hair that’s already in your drain. When that happens, it’s just a matter of time before a clog forms. This combination creates the perfect storm for slow drainage and standing water.
Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
The most effective way to deal with hair clogs is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Here are the proven strategies that actually work:
Brush Before You Wash
Brushing your hair before hopping in the shower removes loose hairs that would otherwise make their way down the drain. The best way to keep hair out of your shower drains is to keep as much loose hair out of your shower in the first place by brushing before you shampoo. It’s much easier to pick a clump of hair out of your brush than it is to have to pick a plug of hair out of the drain! Note for curly hair: Try brushing your hair when it’s wet but before beginning your shower routine. My wife made sure to let me know that detangling curly hair while wet helps prevent damage.
Install a Hair Catcher
One of the simplest and most effective (and inexpensive) ways to prevent hair clogs is to use a drain screen. Place the screen over the drain before taking a shower, and shake off any collected debris into the trash afterwards. Install a high-quality drain trap cover like TubShroom ($15) that catches hair before it enters your pipes. These devices are game-changers for busy households.
Regular Maintenance
Flushing your drain regularly works wonders to prevent hair buildup. Run hot water at high pressure through your drain, and consider adding baking soda and vinegar as an extra measure of precaution. You can also pour a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let this solution sit for half an hour, then rinse it with boiling water. This mixture can eliminate any clogs in their early development stages.
Safe Removal Techniques When Prevention Fails
Even with the best prevention strategies, hair clogs can still develop. Here’s how to safely remove them without damaging your plumbing:
The Manual Approach
If your drain has a catch right under the stopper, then hair might be caught in that shallow area before the drain starts. In this case, use a screwdriver to remove the tub stopper. You may be able to grab the hair clog with tweezers and then dispose of it in the trash. Simply unravel a wire coat hanger. Bend the end of the coat hanger into a small hook. Stick the hook in the drain and fish around for the clump of hair that’s causing the obstruction.
The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
If you don’t own a drain snake and don’t want to purchase one, you can use a classic science trick to try and unclog your drain. Pour a bit of dish soap into your drain followed by a cup of distilled white vinegar and then a cup of baking soda. Once you’ve poured all of that into the drain, wait five minutes, and then pour a cup or more of boiling water down the drain. After that, to ensure that everything is clear, use a cup plunger (or a flange plunger with the flange pushed inside the bell) to plunge the drain and push the clog all the way through.
Using a Drain Snake
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. 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.
What to Avoid
Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners are harsh on your pipes (and body) and we don’t recommend them. They can actually cause more damage that can lead to corrosion, leaks, and costly water damage. The idea is that the water will loosen up soap and grease that are keeping the hair in the drain. It may work, but it may also loosen your PVC joints, causing more harm than good. If you have PVC piping, proceed with caution!
When to Call the Professionals
Recognizing when a clog is beyond basic home remedies is crucial for preventing further damage. If the clog persists after trying multiple methods, it might be time to call a professional plumber. Signs that you need expert drain cleaning help include water backing up regularly, bad odors emanating from the drain, and unusual gurgling sounds. These symptoms can indicate more severe blockages or underlying plumbing issues that require specialized tools and knowledge.
For residents in Mid-Missouri, MasterTech Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is a local, family-owned company that has been serving Columbia and the Mid-Missouri area since 1991. We are committed to providing our customers with exceptional service, high-quality solutions, and results they can trust. Their experienced team understands that drain cleaning ashland residents need should be both effective and affordable, with a satisfaction guarantee on all of our work. If you’re not happy with our services, we’ll make it right.
The Bottom Line
As a dad who has been knee-deep (sometimes literally) in the battle against hair clogs, I can tell you that prevention is key. If you can get ahead of the issue with hair traps, a good bacteria-based cleaner, and a little extra effort in hair disposal, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches.
Remember, 80% of our drain calls are hair-related! But with the right prevention strategies and safe removal techniques, you can keep your shower drain flowing freely and avoid the frustration of standing water during your morning routine. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber who can address the issue safely and effectively, ensuring your plumbing system stays healthy for years to come.