What clears hair in drains?
Hair clogs in the drains are a pain we’ve all dealt with. They sneak up on you, building up over time until suddenly, your shower turns into a kiddie pool. But don’t worry! We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you clear those pesky clogs, fast! Here are five ways to get your drains flowing freely again.
How to Get Hair Out of Your Drain
1. Use Baking Soda & Vinegar Before Plunging
Let’s start with a DIY solution that’s like a science experiment for your pipes:
- First, pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Make sure it goes down as much as possible.
- Follow it up with 1/2 cup of vinegar. You’ll see it start to fizz and bubble – that’s the magic happening!
- Quickly cover the drain with a plug or a rag. This traps the reaction inside the pipe.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes. The fizzing action helps to break down the hair and gunk.
- Meanwhile, boil some water – about a kettle full should do.
- After the 15 minutes are up, remove the cover and slowly pour the boiling water down the drain.
- Finish up by running hot tap water for a minute or two.
If the clog’s still stubborn, grab a plunger and give it a few good plunges. This combo of chemistry and good old elbow grease often does the trick!
2. Remove Hair with Tweezers or Needle-Nose Pliers
If you can spot the clog, why not try the direct approach? Grab some tweezers or needle-nose pliers and go fishing for that hairball. You might need to pop off the drain cover first. Just be cautious to not push the clog further down.
3. Buy a Snaking Device
It’s time to bring in the big guns when things get tough: a drain snake. These flexible tools are great for reaching deep into your pipes. You’ll feel it when you hit the clog. Then, just twist and pull. It’s like playing a really gross game of Operation!
4. Remove the Drain
Feeling brave? You might need to take the drain apart. You’ll need a special tool to remove the cover for showers. With sinks, you might be looking at removing the P-trap – that’s the U-shaped pipe under your sink. Fair warning: this can get messy, so have a bucket handy!
5. Call a Professional
Look, sometimes a clog is just too stubborn for DIY methods. If you’ve tried everything and that drain’s still not cooperating, it might be time to wave the white flag and call a plumber. They’ve got the tools and know-how to tackle even the toughest clogs.
How to Avoid Hair Clogs
Now, let’s talk about keeping those drains clear in the future. Because who wants to deal with this regularly, right?
Install a Hair Catcher
Think of these as bouncers for your drain. They prevent hair from getting in your pipes in the first place. They’re super cheap and easy to use, so it’s definitely worth picking one up!
Daily Habits
Brush your hair before hopping in the shower. It’ll catch loose hair before it can go down the drain. And if you’re shaving, try not to let all that hair wash straight down. A quick wipe of the drain after your shower can make a big difference, too.
Don’t Pour Chemicals into Your Drains
I know reaching for those heavy-duty drain cleaners is tempting, but trust me, your pipes won’t thank you in the long run. They can cause some serious damage over time. Stick to gentler methods like the ones we talked about earlier.
Run Water Through Your Drains
Let hot water run through your drains for a few minutes every now and then. It’s like giving your pipes a nice cleansing shower!
If you’re in Melbourne, FL, and these tricks aren’t cutting it, don’t sweat it! That’s what we’re here for at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We’ve got your back, whether it’s a stubborn clog or any other plumbing issue. We’ll arrive promptly to tackle all of your drain clearing needs.