08 January

How to Get Hair Out of a Drain

Drains and hair don’t mix. Whether a hair clog is in your bathroom sink drain, shower drain, or tub, it can quickly become quite a nuisance.

If you’re wondering how to unclog a bathtub drain full of hair or how to remove a hair clog from your bathroom sink, we’ve got you covered in this article. We’ll be walking you through three DIY approaches to troubleshoot the issue and prevent hair clogs in your drains!

What You’ll Need to Clear a Hair-Clogged Drain

As strands find their way into pipes, they create a web of obstruction that can lead to slow drainage and even complete blockages. Understanding how to effectively address this issue is key to keeping your plumbing in top shape!

The first step in learning how to get hair out of a drain is ensuring you have the right tools and equipment. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to tackle a hair-clogged drain.

• Safety glasses and rubber gloves
• One hair remover tool
• A drain snake
• Baking soda and vinegar
• One bucket
• One plastic funnel
• A roll of paper towels

Note: At this point, you may be tempted to use chemical drain cleaners. However, these products often contain ingredients that could cause extensive damage to your plumbing, leading to leaks and corrosion. They’re also toxic; they can damage your eyes and skin if you’re not careful when handling them.

How to Get Hair Out of a Drain Using a Removal Tool

A hair removal tool is incredibly effective at addressing hair clogs. It’s a thin, flexible piece of plastic with sharp “teeth” along its edges. They’re cheap, can be bought at your local hardware store, and can be thrown away along with the hair they unclog from the drain.

1. Remove the Drain Stopper and Insert the Tool

Remove the drain stopper and insert the tool into the drain. Once you feel it has hit the blockage, wiggle the tool repeatedly up and down to loosen the clogged hair.

Note: Wear gloves and grip the drain tool from the top to avoid its sharp teeth.

2. Slowly Take Out the Hair Tool

Slowly pull the hair removal tool out of the drain; the hair clog should be clinging to the tool if you’ve done it successfully. Remove the hair using a paper towel.

If no hair is picked up, try again. If the drain is still clogged and the tool can’t go far enough into the pipe, it may be time to enlist the help of a professional plumber.

Image source: Canva

How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Full of Hair Using a Drain Snake

Otherwise known as a “plumber’s snake” these hair removal tools extend further down the drain pipe than a plastic hair removal tool. It’s recommended that homeowners call a plumber if the shower drain clogs as not everyone has access to a drain snake.

1. Remove the Stopper and Standing Water Inside the Tub

The first step is to remove the bathtub stopper as well as the water inside the tub, if any. You can use a bucket or soak it up with towels.

2. Insert the Snake Into the Drain

Insert the corkscrew end of your drain snake into the pipe until you feel resistance, which is your sign to tighten the thumbscrew. Now, with that tightened, you will grab the hair clog by rotating the handle on the snake’s drum.

3. Remove the Hair Clog

With the hair clog attached, slowly pull the cable out of the drain. You’ll then remove it from the corkscrew end of the tool and recoil it into the drum until the hair-clogged drain is clear.

How to Get Hair Out of a Drain With Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are a good alternative to chemical drain cleaners. This powerful combination can help clear hair clogs in your pipes and also disinfect your drain, especially since the latter’s natural disinfectant qualities fight mould and bacteria.

1. Pour the Vinegar and Baking Soda Down the Drain

Start by pouring boiling hot water down the drain. Then, add one cup of baking soda down your clogged drain immediately followed by one cup of vinegar. The chemical reaction it produces should cause a “fizzing” sound.

2. Wait 5 Minutes, Then Pour Boiling Water

Wait around 5 minutes—or at least until the fizzing stops—before pouring one litre of boiling hot water down your hair-clogged drain again.

Image source: Canva

Call PlumbWize to Clear Your Hair-Clogged Drain

There you have it: how to get hair out of a drain. One or a combination of these DIY solutions might be exactly what you need to fix the problem. However, if your drain is stubborn or you simply don’t want to do it yourself, it’s time to call the experts at PlumbWize.

We’ve been in the plumbing business for over 60 years, providing 24/7 repair services for all types of plumbing issues. So, if you’re wondering how to unclog a bathtub drain full of hair or battling a hair clog in your sink, you can count on us.

Don’t wait—make the wise choice and contact us today!

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