The human head sheds approximately 50 to 100 hairs every day. This is completely normal, but can present some issues for drains, particularly in showers and bathtubs. In bathrooms, our hair will essentially stick to any surface, including drain pipes, where significant buildup can occur.
Experiencing slow drainage can be frustrating and inconvenient, making showers and baths a cumbersome experience, so it’s essential to clean your drains of hair and other product buildup often. Also, hair can create a netting system within your drains that traps other residues, which only exacerbates the problem.
Using DIY methods before calling a plumber can be financially and environmentally beneficial, in addition to offering convenience. So, this article aims to provide you with DIY drain cleaners for hair clogs that are simple, but very effective.
Causes of Hair Clogs
Hair naturally sheds and accumulates in drains over time, as mentioned previously. If this shedding is combined with soap scum, product buildup, and hard water deposits, a stubborn clog can form.
Additionally, longer hair types and thicker textures tend to make the issue worse, so those with hair that falls into those categories might want to consider more regular maintenance of drains.
DIY Drain Cleaners for Hair Clogs
Let’s discuss some DIY methods for drain cleaners that can be easily accessed through your local hardware store or household ingredients. Whether you’re interested in using more natural methods, or you are curious about mechanical approaches, we will cover them all.
Natural Solutions
Natural solutions to drain cleaning usually involve substances that you already have stored in your home such as baking soda, salt, and more. When combining these ingredients, you can create some powerful dislodging agents.
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar is a powerful duo at removing hair-related buildup. When you add your baking soda and vinegar mixture inside of the drain, it essentially dissolves the material. A chemical reaction occurs to create a fizzing byproduct, which loosens hair and organic matter. Just take a quarter cup of salt, half a cup of vinegar, and a full pot of boiling water to wash the mixture down. After treating with baking soda and vinegar, follow up with a hot water flush to remove the residue, washing the clog away.
2. Natural Hair Dissolver
Another natural solution to clearing clogged drains from hair buildup uses baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Take equal parts (½ cup) of baking soda and salt, and add two tablespoons of cream of tartar. Pour this mixture down your drain and then chase it with boiling water, ensuring that you allow it to sit for around an hour.
3. Boiling Water
For the simplest solution among the options, boiling water can be used for soap scum and hair clogs. The heat from the water helps to dissolve soap residue and loosen hair, which eases the flushing process that is intrinsic to the drain. This solution works best for minor clogs and is not safe to use if you have PVC pipes (for PVC pipes, use hot water instead to avoid damage).
4. Baking Soda and Salt
Mixing baking soda and salt, followed by hot water, creates a gently abrasive chemical reaction that can break down hair clogs. To use this method, use half a cup of salt and half a cup of baking soda, followed by boiling or hot water, depending on your pipes. This is especially effective if left overnight and can break up very tough clogs.
Mechanical Methods
If the natural solutions are ineffective for you, you may want to turn to mechanical solutions, such as a drain snake, a wire hanger, or another household contraption.
1. Plunger
Plungers are quite effective for hair clogs due to its suction. You may want to get a smaller plunger that is designed for smaller tub drains, if possible. It is advisable to use a cup plunger on flat surfaces, ensuring that you create a tight seal before using forceful plunging motions to dislodge the hair clog.
2. Drain Snake/Hair Clog Remover Tool
Specialized tools like drain snakes are designed to dislodge hair clogs with ease. These tools reach deep into a drain and snag on a clog, enabling the user to pull it out and remove it from the shower.
There are handheld drain snakes for typical clogs, or drain augers for deeper clogs. All you need to do is feed the snake into the drain opening, turning the handle as you go. Once the clog is attached, pull the snake out of the drain.
3. Bent Wire Hanger (with Caution)
If you don’t have a drain snake on hand, you can use a wire hanger to do the job. All you have to do is straighten the wire, insert the hooked end into the drain, and push the wire down until you feel resistance. Once you are able to hook the log, gently pull the wire up like a drain snake and pull the clog out.
4. Manual Removal (for Visible Clogs)
If there is a clog in the drain that you can visibly see, you may be able to just remove it without any drain tools. Start by removing the drain cover, as it will provide better access to the clog.
Then, use tools for extraction, such as tweezers, needle-nose pliers, or a dedicated hair clog tool to carefully pull out visible hair. Lastly, you might want to use a flashlight for visibility to locate the clog.
Additional Tips
Now that you know a few simple and effective methods for DIY drain cleaning, here are some additional types that you may benefit from following.
During the hair clog removal process, it is always a good idea to wear gloves, as they will protect your hands from bacteria and debris.
To avoid bigger or more stubborn clogs, you can use preventative tools such as drain covers or hair catchers to minimize hair buildup. Finally, periodic cleaning of your drain with baking soda and hot water is recommended to maintain the health of your drain.
When to Call a Plumber
So, when should you call a plumber? Professionals that can assist with drain clearing should be called when you have persistent clogs that do not resolve with natural or mechanical methods, if you experience slow drainage despite regular maintenance, or if there are signs of potential pipe damage (e.g. leaks, strange noises, and more).
It is a good idea to seek professional advice to avoid worsening the issue or causing further damage to your pipes. This is especially true if you are unsure of the material of your pipes, as boiling water can distort the pipes and damage them irrevocably. Overall, it is better to be safe than sorry!
Conclusion
Dealing with the hair build-ups inside your drain is not always an easy job, but it is necessary. Both natural and mechanical methods have benefits, but regularly maintaining your drain is the best way to lessen the amount of time spent unclogging it.
If you would like more details or more avenues to explore with regard to drain cleaning, check out the best drain cleaners for hair clogs, all readily made for you. However, make sure to try these simple solutions before resorting to expensive plumbing services or harsh chemical cleaners.
