4 Easy Ways to Clean Hair Out of the Shower Drain

Author: Abbie Clark
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One of my biggest pet peeves is a slow-draining tub/shower. I’ve found that the most simple and best way to remove nasty hair from the shower drain is to use a drain snake or coat hanger. Simply insert the tool into the drain and wiggle it around to catch the hair and pull it out.

If you’re a parent like me, you know that dealing with hair clogs in the shower drain is just another item on the never-ending to-do list. With kids running around and taking showers, it’s no surprise that hair builds up quickly and causes drainage issues. But fear not, because I’ve got some tips to share with you on how to clean hair out of your shower drain in a jiffy.

What tools do you need to clean hair out of a shower drain?

Okay Mama, you’re going to need a few tools when removing hair from your shower drain. Here’s what you need:

A pair of gloves:

 It’s a good idea to wear rubber gloves when cleaning out a clogged drain to avoid coming into contact with any bacteria or grime.

A drain snake or a wire hanger: 

You can use a drain snake or a wire hanger to fish out any hair or debris that is clogging your shower drain. Simply insert the tool into the drain and wiggle it around to catch the hair and pull it out.

A plunger: 

If the clog is too tough to remove with a drain snake or wire hanger, you can try using a toilet plunger to loosen it up. Make sure you have a good seal around the drain and then push and pull the plunger several times to create suction and dislodge the clog.

Baking soda and vinegar: 

You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to dissolve hair clogs. Simply pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar, and let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes. In this time, the baking soda and vinegar create a chemical reaction that will help to dissolve the hair and soap scum. Then, flush the drain with hot water to clear out the clog.

4 Methods for Removing Hair Out of the Shower Drain:

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1. Drain Snake

Using a drain snake to remove hair from your shower drain is actually pretty simple. You can find a plumbing snake at almost any local hardware store. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Insert the snake: Start by inserting the end of the snake into the drain. Push it down until you feel resistance from the clog.
  2. Twist the snake: Once you’ve reached the clog, twist the snake while pushing it down further. This can help catch the hair and other debris in the clog.
  3. Pull out the snake: Slowly pull the snake out of the drain. As you do this, the hair and debris should come out with it. You may need to repeat this process a few times to completely remove the clog.
  4. Dispose of the hair: Once you’ve removed the clog, dispose of the hair and debris in the trash. You can also flush the drain with hot water to ensure everything is clear.

2. Plunger

If you don’t have a drain snake handy, a plunger can also be a helpful tool to remove hair from your shower drain. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Fill the shower with a few inches of water: Before you start plunging, fill the shower with a few inches of water. This can create suction and help dislodge the clog.
  2. Place the plunger over the drain: Make sure the plunger is centered over the drain and covers it completely.
  3. Create suction: Use a fast, up-and-down motion with the plunger to create suction. You should feel the plunger pull against the drain.
  4. Repeat as necessary: Continue plunging for a minute or two. If the clog doesn’t clear, try repeating the process a few more times.
  5. Flush with water: Once the clog is clear, flush the drain with hot water to ensure everything is flowing smoothly.
Baking Soda and Vinegar

3. Baking Soda & Vinegar

Using baking soda and vinegar is a classic natural cleaning method that can also help dissolve hair clogs in your shower drain. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Pour baking soda down the drain: Start by pouring 1/4 cup of baking soda down the drain. This will help to neutralize odors and begin to break down any hair or other debris.
  2. Pour vinegar down the drain: Next, pour 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a foaming action that can help dissolve the clog.
  3. Let it sit: Allow the mixture to sit in the drain for 30 minutes to an hour. This will give it time to break down the hair and other debris in the clog.
  4. Flush with hot water: After the mixture has had time to work, flush the drain with hot water. This will help to wash away any remaining debris.

4. Hot Water & Dish Soap

Another simple method to remove hair from your shower drain is by using hot water and dish soap. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Boil a pot of water: Start by boiling a pot of water on the stove. This will help to dissolve the hair and other debris in the clog.
  2. Pour dish soap down the drain: While the water is boiling, pour a tablespoon of dish soap down the drain. This can help to lubricate the clog and make it easier to remove.
  3. Pour hot water down the drain: Once the water is boiling, carefully pour it down the drain. The hot water will help to dissolve the clog and wash away any remaining debris.
  4. Repeat if necessary: If the clog doesn’t clear with the first attempt, repeat the process a few more times.

How often should you clean your shower drain?

Keeping your shower drain clean is important to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage. But, how often should you clean it? Well, the answer really depends on how much hair you and your family members shed in the shower.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to clean your shower drain every 1-2 months to prevent any buildup of hair or other debris. However, if you or someone in your household has long hair or sheds a lot, you may want to clean the drain more frequently to avoid clogs.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you notice your shower draining slower than usual, that may be a sign that it’s time to clean the drain. Don’t wait until the drain is completely clogged before taking action!

What are the best methods for preventing hair buildup in the shower drain?

Preventing hair buildup in your shower drain can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. Here are a few methods that can help keep your shower drain clean and flowing smoothly:

  1. Use a drain cover: A drain cover can catch any hair before it goes down the drain. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to prevent hair buildup in your shower drain.
  2. Brush your hair before showering: Brushing your hair before showering can help remove loose hair that might otherwise end up in your drain. This is especially important if you have long hair that sheds easily.
  3. Rinse the drain after showering: After you’re done showering, take a few extra seconds to rinse the drain with hot water. This can help flush out any hair or other debris that may have made its way down the drain.
  4. Use a hair-catching tool: A hair catcher is a great way to prevent buildup in your drain. There are a variety of hair-catching tools available that can be placed over your shower drain to catch any hair that falls out during your shower. Some of these tools can be easily removed and cleaned after use.

How do you remove a hair clog from a shower drain without using chemicals?

As mamas, we want to keep our homes as natural and chemical-free as possible, right? Well, the good news is that there are natural and effective ways to remove a hair clog from your shower drain without using any harsh chemicals. So, if you’re looking for some simple and easy tips to clear your clogged shower drain using ingredients you probably already have at home, then I got you covered!

  1. Use a drain snake: A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can help you pull hair and other debris out of your drain. Simply insert the snake into the drain and wiggle it around until you catch the clog. Then, pull the snake out and dispose of the hair and debris.
  2. Try a plunger: A plunger can also be used to dislodge a hair clog. Place the plunger over the drain and push down and up repeatedly to create suction. This can help loosen the clog and allow it to be flushed away with water.
  3. Baking soda and vinegar: A mixture of baking soda and white vinegar can be an effective way to dissolve a hair clog. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.
  4. Hot water and dish soap: A simple mixture of hot water and dish soap can also help break up a hair clog. Pour a few tablespoons of dish soap down the drain followed by boiling water. The hot water can help dissolve the clog and the soap can act as a lubricant to help it slide down the drain.

What steps should you take to prevent damaging your shower drain while cleaning it?

When it comes to cleaning your shower drain, it’s important to take steps to prevent damaging it in the process. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Use gentle tools: When cleaning your shower drain, avoid using harsh tools that could scratch or damage the surface of the drain. Opt for softer tools like a wire hanger, a plunger, or a drain snake.
  2. Avoid using chemicals: While commercial drain cleaners may seem like an easy solution, they can actually cause damage to your pipes and drain over time. Chemical drain cleaners are typically made with harsh, corrosive chemicals that can eat away at the surface of your drain. Over time, this can cause cracks or leaks in your drain, which can lead to more serious plumbing issues. Stick to natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar or hot water and dish soap.
  3. Be gentle: When using any tool to clean your shower drain, be gentle and avoid using excessive force. This can damage the pipes or cause the tool to get stuck in the drain.
  4. Wear gloves: To protect your hands and prevent any potential cuts or scrapes, it’s a good idea to wear gloves while cleaning your shower drain.

How can you tell if your shower drain is still clogged after cleaning it?

It can be frustrating to clean your shower drain only to find that it’s still clogged. Here are a few signs to look out for that may indicate that your shower drain is still clogged:

  1. Slow drainage: If the water in your shower is still draining slowly, this may be a sign that your drain is still clogged. While it may not be completely blocked, there may still be hair or other debris that is slowing down the drainage.
  2. Water backup: Another sign that your shower drain is still clogged is if you notice water backing up into the shower. This can be a sign that the drain is completely blocked and that water is unable to pass through.
  3. Unpleasant odors: If you notice unpleasant odors coming from your shower drain, this may be a sign that there is still hair or other debris trapped in the drain. This can cause bacteria to grow, leading to a smelly shower drain.

If you notice any of these signs after cleaning your shower drain, it may be necessary to try another cleaning method or to call in a professional plumber to help remove the blockage. Remember, it’s always better to address a clogged shower drain sooner rather than later to prevent more serious plumbing issues down the line.

When should you call a professional plumber to help with a hair clog in your shower drain?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may find that you’re still having trouble removing a hair clog from your shower drain. If all else fails, you can always call in a professional plumber. Here are a few signs that it’s time to seek professional help:

  1. The clog is stubborn: If you’ve tried several methods to remove the hair clog from your shower drain, but it’s still not budging, it’s time to call a plumber.
  2. You’re experiencing slow drainage in other areas: If you’re experiencing slow drainage in other areas of your home, such as your sinks or toilets, it could be a sign of a larger plumbing issue that requires professional attention.
  3. You’re not comfortable with DIY methods: If you’re not comfortable attempting to remove the hair clog yourself, it’s always best to call in a professional. This will ensure that the job is done safely and effectively.
  4. You suspect a larger issue: If you suspect that there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system, such as a broken pipe or sewer line, it’s important to call in a professional plumber as soon as possible.

Remember, mama, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to plumbing issues. If you’re unsure whether you should call in a professional plumber, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek expert advice.

Mama, do you have any tips for cleaning hair out of the drain? If so, please share them in the comments below!

For more cleaning tips, make sure to check out my home hacks!

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