No one enjoys removing wet hair from the shower, tub or bathroom sink — it is one of the most dreaded household chores for most. When you’re in the middle of a shower and the water in the tub continues to rise, you let out a dreaded sigh knowing you’ll have to stick your fingers down the drain and remove hair that has been collecting for the past several months.
The best way to avoid digging around the drain for nasty, damp hair is to keep your bathroom drains free from hair. Try these easy ways to keep your shower, tub and sink drains hair-free.
The Shroom
This product is a revolutionary bathtub strainer that catches all your hair. Unlike most bathroom strainers, The Shroom actually fits down into the drain collecting the hair an
keeping it out of sight. To remove the hair, simply pull out the strainer and use a paper towel or your fingers to remove the hair from the strainer.
Brush/Comb
Brushing or combing your hair is the easiest and most cost-effective way to keep all that hair from going down the drain. Before you get in the shower, brush or comb your hair to remove all those loose hair strands that would otherwise make their way down the drain. Doing this is absolutely free and is an easy way to keep your shower or tub drain hair-free.
Beard King
Tired of not only cleaning beard clippings off the counter but also out of the drain? The Beard King is the product for you! Offered in both black and white, this product fits like a bib around the neck and has two suction cups at the bottom of the bib that suction to the mirror — catching all of the hair left behind from shaving and trimming. When finished, you dump the hair in the garbage or outside.
Timeliness
If you have a regular strainer in both your sink and bathtub, you can keep your drains hair-free at no cost to you by acting quickly. Either before or after each shower, remove the hair from the strainer. After trimming your mustache or beard, do the same thing and empty the hair from the strainer into the garbage. That’s all! No special product is needed, and it only takes a few seconds.
Dog Hair Trick
During the winter months, there is no way to avoid bathing your dog than in your bathtub or shower. All that hair is bound to make its way down the drain and cause one serious clog. To prevent this from happening, place a dryer sheet or washcloth over the drain during the bath and when draining the tub. Both the dryer sheet and wash cloth will prevent all that animal hair from going down the drain. The best part about this trick is it's free!
Avoid Using Oily Products
If you want to avoid hair clogs, be mindful of the products you use in your shower. Oils, conditioners and other thick hair treatments can coat your pipes, making it easier for hair to stick and build up over time.
While deep conditioning treatments and body oils may feel great on your skin and hair, they can lead to a clogged shower drain if they mix with hair and soap residue. If you do use these products, rinse your drain with hot water after your shower to help break down any buildup.
Flush Drains Regularly
Even if you take steps to keep hair out of a sink drain, small amounts of hair, soap scum and other debris can still make their way into your pipes. That’s why it’s a good idea to flush your drains regularly to keep things flowing smoothly.
A simple way to do this is by pouring boiling water down your drains once a week. This helps melt away soap residue and other grime that could be holding onto stray hairs. However, it’s always important to double-check that your pipes can handle boiling water; some materials may be more vulnerable to heat damage.
Why It’s Important to Keep Hair Out of Your Drains
Hair may seem harmless, but it’s one of the most common causes of clogged drains. Unlike soap or grease, which can break down over time, hair tangles together, forming dense clumps that trap other debris. Soap residue, shampoo and other grime stick to these clumps, creating a stubborn clog that won’t wash away easily.
If you don’t address hair buildup, it can lead to standing water in your shower or sink. Over time, this moisture can contribute to mold growth, unpleasant odors and even damage to your pipes. In some cases, a severe clog may require professional plumbing services to clear out properly. That’s why it’s important to prevent hair clogs before they become a bigger issue.
Removing Hair Clogs From Your Drains
If you’ve already got a clogged drain, don’t panic! There are several ways to remove hair clogs and get your water flowing again. Try these methods before reaching for harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can damage your pipes over time.
Use a Drain Snake
A drain snake (also called a plumbing snake) is a flexible tool that can reach deep into your drain to pull out hair and other debris. You can find one at a local hardware store, and it’s a great tool to keep on hand for routine drain maintenance.
To use a drain snake, insert it into the drain and twist it while pushing it down. When you pull it back up, it should grab onto hair clumps, which you can then dispose of in the trash. You might need to repeat the process a few times to remove all the hair. If you don't feel comfortable using a drain snake, don't hesitate to call Gillece Services. We offer professional drain cleaning in Pittsburgh, PA and the surrounding areas.
Try Baking Soda and Vinegar
For a natural solution, a mix of baking soda and vinegar can help break up minor hair clogs. Start by pouring one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. The chemical reaction between these ingredients helps loosen hair and soap scum. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then flush the drain with boiling water.
This method works well for minor clogs but may not be effective for severe clogs that have been building up for a long time.
Use Rubber Gloves to Pull Out Hair
If you can see the hair clog near the surface of your drain, you might be able to pull it out manually. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and use your fingers or tweezers to grab the tangled hair. Be prepared — this can be a little gross, but it’s often one of the quickest ways to remove hair clogs.
When to Call a Professional for Drain Cleaning
While it's useful to know how to keep hair out of shower drain pipes and prevent shower drain clogs, there are times when professional help is needed to tackle more serious issues. If you’ve tried these methods and your drain is still clogged, it might be time to call for professional drain cleaning. Some clogs are too deep or stubborn to fix on your own, especially if there’s a lot of hair buildup in your pipes.
Recurring drain clogs could also mean there’s a bigger issue, like buildup in your main sewer line. A plumber can inspect your drains and clear out anything that’s causing the backup.
Keep Your Drains Clear With Gillece Services in Pittsburgh, PA!
Dealing with hair clogs can be frustrating, but with a few simple habits, you can keep your drains clear and avoid costly plumbing problems. The best ways to prevent hair buildup include using a hair catcher, brushing your hair before showering and avoiding thick, oily products that can trap hair in your pipes. By following these easy tips on how to avoid hair clogs, you can keep your plumbing running smoothly and avoid annoying backups in your sink or tub.
If you’re dealing with a clogged drain, turn to Gillece Services for help. Our Pittsburgh plumbing services include professional drain cleaning, so you don’t have to struggle with clogged pipes. Call us today, and let’s get your drains flowing like new!
