Is a slow drain clogged with hair driving you mad? Discover how to expertly remove hair from your drain in just minutes! While I must warn you, this post may not be for the squeamish, the results are worth it. I often find myself both amazed and thoroughly grossed out by what emerges from my drains. If you’re like me and dealing with a lot of hair, you’ll appreciate this straightforward method to clear your drains.
Every six months or so, I notice that my drains start to drain sluggishly. In the past, I used chemical solutions like Draino, but I’ve found a much easier and cost-effective approach to tackle the hair clog issue. All it takes is a $6 tool that you can reuse multiple times, saving you money in the long run by avoiding constant purchases of Draino.
Table of Contents
- What You Need:
- How to Get Hair Out of the Drain
- Insert the Drain Snake
- Twist it Slowly and Pull
- What If My Drain is Still Clogged?
- How to Prevent Drains From Clogging
- 5 Effective Ways to Clear Clogs Without a Drain Snake
- Common FAQs
When you notice your drain is becoming sluggish, just remember this simple trick to clear it and restore normal drainage in no time.
What You Need:
- Plastic Drain Snake: I got mine at Menards during a rebate sale, but you can easily find them on Amazon for around $6. Trust me, this drain snake is worth every penny!
- Gloves: While optional, you’ll be grateful for these when you see what comes out of your drain!
- Alcohol: I like to use this for disinfecting the area after clearing the clogs.
Who wants to keep buying Draino repeatedly? The drain snake has handy little hooks that effectively grab onto hair and pull it out from the drain.
How to Get Hair Out of the Drain
Insert the Drain Snake
Begin by carefully inserting your drain snake into the clogged drain. This part requires some patience as you need to gently guide it through any bends or curves. Once the snake is inserted sufficiently, twist it around a couple of times to ensure it engages with the hair.
Twist it Slowly and Pull
After twisting it a few times, gradually pull the drain snake out. You may experience some resistance as it retrieves hair from the drain. Below, you can see the amount of hair extracted from the drain snake! Make sure to remove all the hair from the snake (rubber gloves are advisable for this part). Then, reinsert the drain snake into the drain to extract more hair. Remember to twist it a couple of times again and gently pull it out.
Clean Drain Snake and Disinfect
It’s clear that my drain is operating much better now! Once finished, ensure you remove all hair from the drain snake. I like to spray mine with some rubbing alcohol to eliminate any lingering germs. After that, you can store it for future use!
What If My Drain is Still Clogged?
If you’ve used the drain snake and didn’t pull out much hair, there may be another issue causing the clog. If you don’t have Draino on hand or prefer a more natural solution for drain clogs, check out my favorite tip for cleaning drains, or you can try this one here. The drain snake works wonders on nearly all bathtub and shower drains. Plus, it’s user-friendly for unclogging a bathroom sink without needing to remove the stopper; it simply slides under the stopper into the drain.
So, the next time you’re battling a hair clog in your drain, skip the Draino and grab one of these reusable drain snakes to swiftly clear your drain. It’s a practical solution for unclogging bathtub, sink, or shower drains. Knowing how to effectively remove hair from your drain can save you both time and money!
How to Prevent Drains From Clogging
To avoid hair accumulation, consider using handy Tub Shrooms. They come in various colors and materials and are excellent at preventing hair from entering your drain.
Additional Tips:
- Rinse the drain after use: After bathing or showering, run hot water down the drain for a few seconds to wash away any residual hair or soap scum.
- Use a natural drain cleaner regularly: To prevent buildup and clogs, try my DIY drain cleaner.
5 Effective Ways to Clear Clogs Without a Drain Snake
Here are some alternative methods to clear drain clogs without resorting to a drain snake:
Plunger
A plunger is a straightforward yet effective tool for clearing clogs. Position the plunger over the drain and create suction by pushing and pulling it up and down. This motion can dislodge the clog, allowing water to flow freely again.
Natural Drain Cleaner
Consider using my DIY drain cleaner to create a natural solution for clogs.
Boiling Water
Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain. This method can help to loosen and dislodge the clog by melting away the buildup around the hair.
Wire Hanger
Straighten a wire hanger and bend one end to create a hook. Insert the hooked end into the drain and use it to extract any hair or debris causing the blockage.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Utilize a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog from the drain. This method can be effective for larger clogs but may not work as well for smaller obstructions.
While these methods can help in clearing drain clogs without a drain snake, I strongly recommend investing in a drain snake for its effectiveness and affordability!
Common FAQs
Will bleach dissolve hair in a bathtub drain?
Bleach may have the ability to dissolve hair in a bathtub drain; however, it is not a recommended method for unclogging drains. As a potent chemical, it can damage pipes and pose risks to human health and the environment.
Moreover, bleach can react with other substances in the drain, potentially releasing toxic fumes.
Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve hair in drains?
Hydrogen peroxide can assist in breaking down hair clogs, but it may not be the most effective solution. Although it is a mild acid that can help decompose hair and other organic materials causing the clog, it is less potent than some other drain cleaners. For stubborn clogs, a drain snake is typically the best option.
Why do plumbers advise against using Drano?
Plumbers commonly discourage the use of Drano and other chemical drain cleaners due to their potential harm. Here are a few reasons:
- Pipe damage: Chemical drain cleaners are highly corrosive and can weaken pipes over time, leading to leaks or even pipe failure. They can also dissolve the glue in PVC pipes, rendering your plumbing system unusable.
- Environmental concerns: The harsh chemicals in drain cleaners can pollute the environment when flushed down the drain.
- Safety risks: Improper use of chemical drain cleaners can lead to skin and eye irritation, toxic fumes when mixed with other chemicals, and severe injuries if ingested.
- Ineffectiveness: In some cases, chemical cleaners may not effectively clear clogs.
Instead of using chemical cleaners like Drano, plumbers recommend safer and more effective natural methods, including plungers, drain snakes, or DIY drain cleaners made from baking soda and vinegar.
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