How to Prevent Hair Drain Clogs

Did you know that it’s normal to shed up to 100 hairs a day? That’s a lot of hair. Now, think of the soap residue, hair product, dirt, and other debris that wash down your drain.

Unless you take the proper precautions, those hundred hairs can lead to a buildup in your drains, resulting in murky water, a bad odor, and slow-draining water.

Here’s what you need to know about hair drain clogs:

Hair Clogs: How Do They Happen?

When you shower–and especially when you shampoo–hairs from your head and body fall out and get washed down your drain.

Over time, these loose hairs accumulate and create a blockage that prevents water from getting through.  As even more hair gets caught in the drain, the mass begins to attract soap residue, dirt, and other debris that can trap water and lead to the growth of bacteria. This hair buildup often produces an unpleasant odor as it starts decomposing.

How Long Does it Take for a Hair Drain Clog to Form?

How long a hair drain clog takes to form depends on a few different factors.

If you use a lot of products in your hair or if your shower is used frequently, the drain is more likely to clog quickly. But, if you don’t use many products and don’t shower or wash your hair as often as some, it may take longer for a clog to form.

What are the Signs of a Hair Clog?

A hair drain clog is easy to identify. Slow draining water, murky water backed up into your tub, and an unpleasant smell that has musty undertones are a good indication that you’ve got a hair clog.

How Do You Prevent a Hair Drain Clog?

The best way to handle a hair drain clog is to prevent them. Here are four ways to keep hair from collecting in your drains.

Brush Before Showering

Before taking a shower, make sure to thoroughly brush your hair. A pre-shower brush can prevent loose strands from falling onto your shower floor and eventually building up in your drain. After a couple of showers, take a look at your hair brush and see how much hair you’ve prevented from entering your drain!

Use a Drain Screen

One of the simplest and most effective (and inexpensive) ways to prevent hair clogs is to use a drain screen.

Place the screen over the drain before taking a shower, and shake off any collected debris into the trash afterwards. You can easily find drain screens at your local hardware store or big box store.

Flush Your Drains Regularly

Flushing your drain regularly works wonders to prevent hair buildup. Run hot water at high pressure through your drain, and consider adding baking soda and vinegar as an extra measure of precaution.

Keep hair from accumulating in your drain and prevent clogs from occurring in the first place by following these simple tips!

When Prevention Fails: Tips for Dealing with a Hair Drain Clog

If you’ve already got a clogged shower drain, don’t worry! Here are some effective tips for dealing with the issue:

Invest in Drain Cleaner

A bottle of drain cleaner can be a game-changer for clearing out a hair clog. Simply pour the solution down the drain at night, let it sit and work its magic, and flush it out in the morning. You can choose between organic or chemical drain cleaners, but be cautious when using chemical solutions as they can be hazardous.

Use Your Plunger

Plungers aren’t just for toilets; they can also be effective for dislodging clogs in your shower drain. Place the plunger over the drain, create a tight seal by pressing down firmly, and repeat the process until the clog is removed.

Flush Your Shower Drain

Flushing your shower drain with hot water and high water pressure can help to dislodge an existing clog. You can also add baking soda and vinegar to make this method even more effective.

Call a Licensed Plumber for Tough Clogs

If you’ve tried all the DIY methods and the clog persists, it’s time to call a licensed plumber like Service Champions.

Plumbing issues are not something to take lightly, especially when it comes to your shower.

Hair Drain Clog? Not With Service Champions!

Your shower is a high-traffic area in your home. When your shower drain is slow, backed up with murky water, and has a pungent odor, it makes showering less than pleasant.

Our team of licensed plumbing professionals specialize in clearing hair drain clogs quickly and efficiently.

Don’t let a hair drain clog get in your way. If you suspect a hair clog or any other type of blockage in your drains, give our team a call today to schedule an appointment.