How to Prevent and Remove Hair Clogs in a Drain

Uh oh, your drain is clogged with hair…again. Here’s what to do and how to prevent it from happening over and over.

To Remove Hair Clogs:

Do

Use a Plunger

Your first defense against any kind of clog should be your trusty plunger. A plunger is generally an effective way to remove clogs without causing any harm to your plumbing system. Make sure that your plunger forms a tight seal around the drain, then vigorously push the handle up and down for about 30 seconds to loosen the clog.

Use Plastic Hair Snakes

For more stubborn hair clogs, you can buy disposable plastic drain snakes to lift hair out of the drain. The plastic material makes these a great option because they won’t scratch or damage the inside of your pipes. Simply insert the snake into your drain and gently pull back up–it should bring some hair with it.

Don’t

Use Coat Hangers or Other Metal Tools

Some people think it is a good idea to use an old wire coat hanger or other metal tools to fish hair out of a drain, but these implements can easily scratch the inside of your pipes and cause damage.

Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners are corrosive, which does mean that they can usually eat through a clog, but it also means they can eat through your pipes.

To Prevent Hair Clogs:

Use a Drain Strainer in the Shower

A very simple and affordable way to significantly reduce the amount of hair that goes down the shower drain is to get a drain strainer. Simply pop it into the drain every time you shower, then after your shower empty any collected hair out into the trash bin. Drain strainers can be purchased at most kitchen and hardware stores.

Brush Your Hair Before Taking a Shower or Bath

If you get in the habit of brushing your hair before taking a shower or bath, many of those loose hairs that would otherwise go down the drain will be caught by the brush instead. This is a simple habit that can help your plumbing a lot—and give you healthier hair while you’re at it!

Get Your Drains Professionally Cleaned

Make a habit of having your drains professionally cleaned once a year. This will keep your drains clear of hair and other debris and ensure that they run smoothly.