There’s almost no one who hasn’t experienced a hair drain clog. Not only does it create an unsightly mess and an unpleasant odor, but it can also lead to some pretty serious plumbing problems if you don’t address it as soon as possible.
To avoid the hassle of dealing with hair drain clogs, there are several preventive measures that you can take. Today, your friends at ASI share our best tips.
What Causes Hair Drain Clogs?
Hair drain clogs occur when hair and other materials like soap scum and dirt become trapped in the buildup of your drain, preventing water from getting through. The formation of a hair clog can vary depending on the quantity of hair and debris that enters the drain, how often the drain is used, the piping material, and the location of the clog. A hair drain clog can form in a couple of months or even as quickly as a couple of weeks.
What Plumbing Issues Does a Hair Drain Clog Cause?
Let’s take a closer look at two significant issues that can arise from hair drain clogs, instead of just splitting hairs over the topic: slow draining and bad smell.
Slow Draining Water
Slow water drainage is a common problem caused by hair clogs, as these masses can obstruct the flow of water. This can lead to a slower draining shower or bathroom sink, and in severe cases, your water may not drain at all. This blockage can cause water to back up into your bathroom and even lead to water damage to your home.
Bad Odors
Unpleasant odor coming from your bathtub or sink? It might be a hair clog. Over time, hair and other debris trapped in your pipes begin to decompose, leading to foul smells. The stagnant water trapped in your drain is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and other organisms, which can exacerbate a bad odor.
Clogs situated near the drain’s surface may form more quickly than those found deeper within the pipes, so depending on where your clog is, you may notice these issues arise faster in some places than others.
How to Reduce Hair Clogging
Preventing hair drain clogs is the best way to deal with them. Here are some measures you can take:
- Brush your hair before bathing or showering: Take a few minutes to brush your hair before stepping into the shower or bathtub to remove any loose hair and prevent it from going down the drain.
- Install drain screens or strainers: These items catch hair and other debris before it enters the drain, are easy to install, and are available at most hardware stores. Once the hair accumulates, you can dispose of it in the trash.
- Remove visible hair: After using the sink or shower, remove any visible hair from the area to prevent it from accumulating in the drain and reducing the risk of clogs.
- Flush your drains regularly: Flushing your drains with hot water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can dissolve any hair buildup and prevent clogs. You can do this once a month or more, depending on the frequency of use and the number of people in your home.
However, if you find yourself with a clog despite taking precautions, you may need to clear it out.
How to Clear Hair Clogs
There are several ways to get rid of hair drain clogs quickly, and many are DIY:
Use Drain Cleaners
Organic or chemical drain cleaners can dissolve hair clogs. Pour the solution down the clogged drain and let it sit overnight. In the morning, flush the drain with very hot water to help clear what’s left of the clog.
Plunge It
A plunger can be surprisingly effective in dissolving hair clogs in your drain. Place the plunger over the drain and push down firmly. Then, pull up quickly to create suction that can break up the clog. Repeat this until the clog clears and water begins to flow.
Flush Your Drains Regularly
Flushing your drains regularly can help prevent clogs and clear existing ones. If you already have a clog, flushing the drain with hot water can help to loosen it and make it easier to remove.
Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all the DIY methods and still can’t clear your clog, it’s time to call in the experts! A professional plumber like ASI has the tools and expertise to clear even the most stubborn clogs, and quickly!
Call ASI and Clear Your Clogs
Everyone needs a plumber you can count on, whether it’s routine maintenance or a plumbing emergency. Your friends at ASI are here for everything from leak detection to sump pumps to drain cleaning.
Call and schedule an appointment with us today and get those clogs cleared!
