How to Effectively Remove Hair from Your Shower Drain
Is your shower drain constantly clogged with hair? Discover efficient methods to eliminate hair from your shower drain, restoring proper water flow and preventing complete blockages. Anyone with long hair can attest to the frustration of shampooing and conditioning, only to find that the water drains slowly after turning off the shower. Daily hair loss is common, and this loose hair often washes down the drain, accumulating over time to create significant blockages.
This accumulation of hair forms a fibrous network that entangles around the drain stopper and within the pipes, where soap scum and shampoo residues build up, fostering the growth of bacteria and mold. Many people dread the unpleasant task of digging around in the drain to remove hair. Fortunately, there are various hacks and remedies available for addressing hair clogs in your shower. Whether you prefer a hands-off approach or a natural solution, you’ll find several effective options to clear your shower drain.
Table of Contents
- How to Get Hair Out of a Shower Trap
- Why Does Hair Collect in the Bathtub Drain?
- Signs of a Clogged Drain
- Methods to Remove Hair from the Shower Drain
- Using a Drain Snake to Unclog Pipes
- Vinegar and Baking Soda Drain Cleaner
- Clearing a Drain Clog with Cream of Tartar
- Lemon Juice for Hair Removal
- Ammonia Bathroom Drain Opener
- Essential Oil Shower Drain Solution
- Boric Acid for Dissolving Hair Clogs
- Using Salt for Drain Cleaning
- Combined Drain Cleaner Recipe
- Commercial Cleaners for Clogged Shower Drains
- Preventing Clogs with a Hair Catcher
How to Get Hair Out of a Shower Trap
Figuring out how to remove hair from your shower drain can feel daunting. The thought of pulling wet, slimy hair out of the drain with your fingers is not only unpleasant but unsanitary. Whether your shower drain is emitting foul odors, draining slowly, or completely blocked, removing the hair doesn’t have to be a sensory nightmare. Explore the tips below for effectively clearing hair from your shower drain using various methods, including boiling water, plungers, drain snakes, and natural cleaning agents.
Why Does Hair Collect in the Bathtub Drain?
Underneath your bathtub stopper lies a narrow drain pipe responsible for carrying water away from your home and into the wastewater system. As you shower, loose hair can wash down the drain, where it becomes trapped by soap scum and grime, ultimately forming a clog. This hair clog exacerbates the problem by catching even more hair and shampoo residue, resulting in a progressively larger obstruction until your drain is completely blocked.
All drains, whether in the shower or kitchen sink, are susceptible to clogs, but the issue tends to escalate with hair involved. Whether you’re washing your dog in the utility sink or shampooing your hair in the shower, excess hair contributes to the rapid build-up of blockages. While having hair in your shower drain can be frustrating, the good news is that it can be easily remedied with the right approach.
Signs of a Clogged Drain
The first step in addressing a clogged shower drain is recognizing the signs of a blockage. You may notice clumps of hair protruding from the plug hole, or the water may pool at the bottom of the bathtub as it drains slowly. In severe cases, water may fill the tub and fail to drain entirely, indicating a complete blockage. Additionally, a foul odor from the bathtub drain is often a sign of a clog, as these blockages can harbor bacteria, mold, and decaying organic matter, leading to unpleasant smells.
Methods to Remove Hair from the Shower Drain
Sometimes, a simple solution like boiling water is enough to clear a clog in your shower drain. Give this method a try before attempting more complex solutions. Boiling water can help loosen the clog and give you a better idea of how severe the blockage is. The hot water dissolves soap scum and other residues, potentially allowing the hair to pass through.
Boil water in a kettle and pour it slowly down the drain while wearing gloves to protect your hands from the heat. Be cautious of splashes or backflow. Continue pouring small amounts of boiling water until the kettle is empty. If the water remains stagnant in the bathtub, stop and try another method.
Removing Hair from the Shower Drain
If you have a plunger from fixing your toilet, you can repurpose it to help clear the hair out of your shower drain. While it may be tempting to reach in with pliers to pull out clumps of hair, this method is unlikely to remove all of the blockage.
A plunger creates suction to lift and loosen the clog in the pipe, allowing it to pass. This technique is ideal if you prefer not to touch the decomposing matter directly. Run a small stream of water into your bathtub, place the plunger over the plug hole, and press down firmly three to four times. Then, turn on more water to check if the drain is clear. Repeat this process until the water flows freely or consider trying another method.
Using a Drain Snake to Unclog Pipes
Using a drain snake, also known as a drain claw or auger, is a convenient way to remove deep blockages from your shower drain. Drain snakes are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Insert the end of the snake into the shower drain and slowly unwind it until you feel resistance. Push slightly further to penetrate the clog, then pull the snake back out to remove the obstruction.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Drain Cleaner
A mixture of distilled white vinegar and baking soda creates a natural fizzing cleaner that can effectively unclog drains filled with hair. When combined, these ingredients undergo a chemical reaction that helps dissolve and loosen debris, making it easier to wash away.
Pour half a box of baking soda into your shower drain, followed by two cups of vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for ten minutes to maximize its effect, then rinse with hot water. Repeat the process if necessary to ensure all hair is removed and your shower is ready for use.
Clearing a Drain Clog with Cream of Tartar
It may come as a surprise that cream of tartar, a common cooking ingredient, can also serve as a drain cleaner. Save money on commercial products by creating your own drain-opening paste using cream of tartar, baking soda, and boiling water.
- ½ cup cream of tartar
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 4 cups boiling water
Mix the baking soda and cream of tartar in a bowl, adding just enough water to form a creamy paste. Pour the paste down the drain, followed by half of the boiling water, and let it sit for an hour. Afterward, pour the remaining boiling water down the drain to check the results.
Lemon Juice for Hair Removal
Lemon juice is a well-known natural cleaning agent due to its citric acid content, which can also help dissolve hair clogs in your drain. Using lemon juice not only aids in unclogging but also leaves your shower smelling fresh.
- 1 cup lemon juice
- ½ cup baking soda
- Boiling water
Pour half a cup of baking soda into the shower drain, followed by one cup of lemon juice. Allow this mixture to sit for about an hour, then flush it down with boiling water.
Ammonia Bathroom Drain Opener
Ammonia is a powerful household cleaner that can also serve as a drain opener. Boil a kettle, mix in a cup of cleaning ammonia, and pour the solution down the drain. Remember to wear thick gloves for protection, as ammonia can be harsh and has a strong odor. Make sure to ventilate the area by opening a window. After allowing the ammonia to work for thirty minutes, flush the drain with another kettle of boiling water to clear it.
Essential Oil Shower Drain Solution
If you don’t have fresh lemons or lemon juice, consider using citrus essential oil to help clear hair clogs from your shower drain. This method not only combats bad odors but is also safe for use. It’s most effective for mild blockages where water drains slowly but not completely.
- 20 drops of citrus essential oil
- ¼ cup baking soda
- ½ cup Castile soap
- Basin
Combine the ingredients in a basin, pour the mixture down the clogged shower drain, and let it sit for at least thirty minutes. Follow up with hot water to rinse away the residue and unclog the pipe.
Boric Acid for Dissolving Hair Clogs
Boric acid powder is effective at dissolving hair, soap scum, and hard water deposits in your drain. To use this method, pour half a cup of boric acid down the drain followed by two cups of distilled white vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for about an hour to work on the blockage. Run water afterward to check if the clog has cleared, adding more boric acid if necessary.
Using Salt for Drain Cleaning
Salt is a mildly abrasive antibacterial agent that’s ideal for loosening light hair buildup in your shower. To utilize salt’s cleaning properties, pour half a cup of table salt down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Allow it to sit for an hour, then rinse thoroughly with boiling water. If the drain is still slow, repeat the salt treatment as needed.
Combined Drain Cleaner Recipe
Tackle stubborn blockages with a combined recipe that includes natural drain openers like lemon peels, white vinegar, and baking soda. This cleaner works quickly and leaves your shower smelling delightful. Prepare it in advance, as it requires time to steep.
- Lemon peels
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Boiling water
- Mason jar with lid
Pour the white vinegar over the lemon peels in the Mason jar, seal it, and let it stand for two weeks. To use the cleaner, sprinkle baking soda down the drain and quickly pour on the lemon-infused vinegar. Cover the drain with the plug to contain the fizzing action. After allowing it to work for thirty minutes, flush with boiling water.
Commercial Cleaners for Clogged Shower Drains
If you prefer not to create your own cleaner, there are many commercial products available designed to clear hair clogs from shower pipes. Nevertheless, be cautious, as chemical drain cleaners can be highly corrosive and come with various safety warnings. Always read the label carefully, follow instructions, and heed any safety precautions. Some commercial drain openers may not be suitable for septic systems, so choose wisely based on your specific needs.
Preventing Clogs with a Hair Catcher
If you’re tired of hair getting trapped in your drain, consider using a shower drain cover or hair catcher. This accessory fits directly over your shower drain, allowing water to pass through while trapping hair effectively. Choose a hair catcher that suits the size of your drain and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Remember to empty the hair catcher regularly—ideally once a week or whenever it becomes clogged with hair. Using a hair catcher can significantly reduce hair accumulation in your drain pipes, making maintenance much easier.
Did this article equip you with the necessary knowledge on how to effectively remove hair from your shower drain? You don’t need to resort to expensive plumbing services or chemical drain cleaners when dealing with this common issue. Taking the time to understand how to manage hair clogs can lead to a more pleasant showering experience. Use everyday household items to address hair blockages so you can enjoy a smoothly draining shower once again.
If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it with your friends and family who may also be dealing with hair clogs in their shower drains.