Hair is a common cause of clogged drains. When it mixes with water and other products, it forms a barrier that prevents waste from passing through the pipes. The wastewater may then back up and flow out of the drain, creating an unpleasant odor and health hazards. Learn proper drain clearing techniques to remove clogs and let water flow freely.
Drain Clearing Tips To Remove Hair Clogs
1. Pour Baking Soda and Vinegar
This method is for people who don’t want to get their hands dirty. It creates a chemical reaction that breaks down hair and other clogs, making them flushable. You need one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by the vinegar. If the clogs are close to the surface, you may notice them fizzing. Wait a few minutes, then run hot water down the drain. If you see some improvement in water flow, repeat the process a few times until the clog is gone. You can use a plunger to help push the clog out of the drain.
2. Get a Hair Drain Snake
A hair drain snake is a long, flexible cable you can insert into the drain and pull out clogs. It has spike-like bristles that can catch hair and other debris, allowing you to pull them out of the drain. You can buy it from your local hardware or home improvement store. To use a hair drain snake, insert it into the drain, pushing it as far as you can and twisting it so that the bristles can catch onto the clogs. Pull the snake out, and you should see clogs attached to the bristles. Remove them and flush the drain with hot water to remove any residue. Repeat the process until the water runs freely.
3. Use Your Hand
This drain clearing method can also work if you are not squeamish about getting your hands dirty. Removing the drain stopper may allow your hand to fit through the opening. You may need gloves for safety because the drain can be quite dirty. Reach as far down as possible and try to feel any hair clogs blocking the water. If you feel something, pull it out and dispose of it. Rinse your hands off afterward and run hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris. If you can’t reach deep enough, you may need a pair of pliers or tongs.
4. Remove the Whole Drain Pipe
If all the other methods fail, you may need to take the drain pipe apart and remove hair clogs manually. Find the slip nut that connects the pipe to the drain to do this. Use an adjustable wrench or pliers and loosen it until the pipe slides out. Once you have done that, look inside the pipe for any clogs and remove them. Put a bucket underneath to contain any debris that falls out. You can use a scrub brush to break down stubborn clogs. Once you have cleaned the pipe, reassemble it and flush it with hot water.
5. Call a Plumbing Professional
You may not have the time, energy, or tools to do effective drain clearing work. If that’s the case, you can always call a plumbing professional to do it for you. Professional drain clearing services have the tools and expertise to identify and remove clogs. Whether the clogs result from hair, solid foods, grease, soap, or another material, a plumbing expert can clear it out and have your drain running freely again. They can also help inspect your plumbing system, identify other areas of concern, and offer preventive maintenance tips.
Here are some tips to prevent hair clogs:
- Do not flush hair down the drain.
- Install a hair catcher to catch hairs and other debris before they can enter the drain.
- Avoid combing your hair in the bathroom or bathtub.
- Inspect your pipes and drains regularly for any signs of clogging.
- Handle any slow drainage issues before they develop into clogs.
Find a Reliable Plumbing Service Today
These methods should help you clear hair out of your drain so that wastewater flows freely. If you need help, contact a plumbing expert. They are the best people to identify and resolve clogs because they’re experienced, knowledgeable, and have the right tools. They may also recommend preventive maintenance tips to keep your drains clear.
