Clogs in Bathroom drains are a widespread problem. You often encounter this situation, which can be very hectic at times. The causes of such clogs vary, but one reason is often repetitive. Hair clogs are the most common types of bathroom drain clogs. Even if you have a drain strainer, hair makes its way ahead and forms clogs in pipelines.
Clogs in Bathroom drains are a widespread problem. You often encounter this situation, which can be very hectic at times. The causes of such clogs vary, but one reason is often repetitive. Hair clogs are the most common types of bathroom drain clogs. Even if you have a drain strainer, hair makes its way ahead and forms clogs in pipelines.
5 Proven Ways to Get Hair Out of a Drain:
Number 1: Remove the Drain Stopper.
Hair gathers around the drain stopper in most bathtubs and sink drains. To locate the clog, remove the stopper from the drain. There could be different ways of removing the stopper depending on the type. Try to unscrew it and take the stopper out.
Remove all the hair and debris from around the stopper. Clean it thoroughly. You can use pliers or a metal wire to remove the clogs. When it gets clean, put the stopper back, and you are done.
Number 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar.
It is one of the most effective remedies to get hair out of a drain. Baking soda and vinegar contain excellent cleaning properties. They can break down clogs with a lot more ease. They have disinfectant properties that will also kill germs from the drains and pipes.
In the blocked drain, pour at least a cup of baking powder. Soon after this, put the same quantity of vinegar into the drain. It will result in a fizzing combination of both ingredients. Wait ten minutes for the mixture to settle down. It will start bubbling, and then you can pour enough hot water down the drain.
Observe if the draining has started. If so, it means the clog has been removed. If the problem persists, you may need to repeat the process until no clog hinders the water path. You can also switch to other methods to get the hair out of the drain.
Number 3: Using a Plumbing Snake.
A plumbing snake is a handy tool due to its flexible nature and deep-seeping properties. It is often metallic and sometimes plastic, reaching distances in the pipelines and breaking the clogs. They are also known as augers and are available in markets in a variety of sizes.
Insert the auger in the drain and, with gentle pressure, turn it clockwise. Keep moving ahead until you feel resistance. This is where the clog is. Now rotate the snake and try to get it across the clog to grab the hair. Carefully pull the snake out to get hair out of the drain. After cleaning, run hot water through the drain for the obstruction-free path.
Buying Guide for Drain Snake:
If you drain snake is a new term, you should look forward to this buying guide.
Drain Snake’s Head Structure: They have two main variants based on head design. One is the coil head that keeps a grip on the clog, grabs it, and pulls it out. The second one is cutting heads; it has sharp blades that cut down the clump and free the drain passage.
Wire Length and thickness: Certain standard sizes are available for plumbing snakes. For regular house use, a drain snake of length twenty-five feet with ¼ inches of thickness will be sufficient. Using a fifty-foot snake that can reach long distances is better if you live in a multi-story building or residential apartment.
Electric vs. Manual Drain Snake: Electric plumbing snakes are an advanced option acting with power. Connect the drill to the power source and turn the button on. It will break down the clumps. The manual ones work by putting a snake in the drain and reaching the point of clogs. It either grabs or cuts the clogs there and clears the passage.
Number 4: Using Needle-Nose Pliers.
In case of a removable drain cover, you can use needle-nose pliers to remove hair. Wear rubber gloves on your hands to avoid contact with the debris. With the help of a screwdriver, remove the drain stopper. Now, peek in the drain with a flashlight to spot the clog.
Use pliers to take the hair clog out. You can also use a wire hanger if the pliers do not reach the clump. Straighten the hanger and insert it in the drainer. Tuck it in the clog and pull it out. Flush the drainer with hot water after the clog is gone.
Number 5: Using a Plunger.
You can use a standard plunger for bathroom drain clogs due to hair. Place the plunger over the drain with a plastic head and wooden handle. Submerge the plumber by half-filling the drain area. Push this plunger up and down several times until it loosens the clogs, and they are gone. Run plenty of water to clear the passage when the clog is removed.
Alternate Solution:
Wear a mask and gloves before spilling the solution into the drain. Let the solution sit for a few minutes. It will unclog the hair clogs from the drain. Be watchful about the manufacturer’s instructions for using chemical solutions in your drainer.
You can switch to a professional plumber if none of the above methods suit you. A professional can have an in-depth understanding of the problem and propose a better way.
How do you prevent hair from clogging your drain?
Specific ways can save you in anticipation of such malfunctions. Here is how to prevent hair from clogging your drain.
●Install Drain Strainer: Install a drain strainer over the drain opening to catch hair. They collect hair and prevent them from entering the pipelines and forming clogs.
●Regular Cleaning: If you are using a drain strainer, make sure to clean it regularly. You can clean it by removing the strainer, debris, and hair. After cleaning, please put it back and run water through it.
●Combing Hair Before Shower: The most effective way to prevent hair from clogging your drain is to brush before shower. It will lessen the hair fall during the shower, and the drain will be less likely to get clogged.
●Hot Water: To clean the drain and drain pipes, it is recommended to run hot water through. It will remove accumulating waste and clear the pipelines.
●Using a Fabric softener sheet: These sheets can be an excellent option to prevent hair from clogging drains. Place a sheet above the drain opening. Due to its porous nature, the sheet will catch hair into it. You can remove the sheet and throw it into the trash after use.
Conclusion:
Hair clogs are something that almost everyone comes across. One can go for the above 5 proven ways to fix and prevent hair clogs. Drain strainers are an excellent option and a preventive measure. If installed properly, they can save from most of the clog problems. Hofen Sanitary is a trusted market supplier of drain and sink strainers. You can choose from their options and add value to your kitchens and bathrooms.