Clogged drains are the most typical household plumbing problems. One of the main clog-causing culprits? Hair.
Hair buildup causes slow drains and messy backups that make your sink, tub, or shower unusable until the drains are cleared. What’s worse, over time these build-ups can cause main line clogs in your sewer pipes, which are much more challenging and expensive to fix than simple drain clogs. Backed-up water also puts more pressure on your waste pipes, stressing them and decreasing their useful lifespan.
The best way to avoid all these nuisances and damage is to stop hair from entering the pipes in the first place. There’s a surprisingly simple and inexpensive way to do it — a drain filter or drain covers.
Install Drain Filter/Cover
- Dome Style Drain Screen – The most common and low-priced type, these look like a colander and fit over the drain. They function with both flat and pop-up drains. Many are now anti-microbial and dishwasher-safe, so it’s easier to keep them fresh and clean. This type of filter needs to be cleaned regularly to keep water flowing smoothly.
- Top Drain Screen – Using one of these is as simple as placing a suitably sized screen over your drain. Top Drain Screen can be purchased at hardware and home goods stores. Place one in each tub and shower that doesn’t have one. For kitchen sinks, use a mesh strainer that fits your drain opening.
- Underneath Drain Screen – There are also drain screens you can install beneath your current drain cover. They’re out of sight and out of mind until it’s time to clean them. Install these filters by removing the drain cover, putting the screen in the middle of the pipe, securing it in place with the plumber’s putty — if needed, and reinstalling the drain cover.
Other Ways To Keep Your Hair Away From Showers and Sinks
- Brush Before Going into the Shower – Give your hair a quick brush or comb before heading into the shower. This method will remove any loose or excess hair from your head, so none will fall to the shower floor and into the drain.
- Keep an Eye Out – Whenever you shower, keep an eye out for any loose hairs on the bathtub or shower floor/walls. If you happen to see any, place them in a pile away from the drain so you can throw them away once your shower is over.
- Run the Water – Shaving is something most men do over the bathroom sink. Even though these hairs are small, work the tap for a minute when you’re done. It will allow the hair to make it all the way through the pipe, rather than getting stuck from the start.
How to Clear Out Hair Clogs
- Do a Homemade Rinse – At least once a month, pour one cup of baking soda directly into the drain you wish to remove. Then, pour a cup of vinegar or apple cider directly into the drain. It’s normal if you see it bubble up so don’t be alarmed! Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then pour one or more cups of boiling water directly into the drain opening to free any broken-up debris.
- Clear It With Your Hands – Use a pair of gloves to pull the hair out. Clear your drain screens every week or so.
- Call Your Local Plumber – You can rely on our professional drain cleaners – Bend plumbers, Eugene plumbers, Portland plumbers, and Salem plumbers in Oregon. Also in Washington – Bellevue plumber, Seattle plumber, Spokane plumber, Tacoma plumber, Vancouver plumber; and our Las Vegas plumber have special techniques and equipment that are needed if the clog is bigger than expected and if it’s further down the pipe.
Hair looks amazing when it’s on your head — not when it’s inside of your drains and plumbing pipes. When you require clogged drain cleaning from your plumbing, contact Einstein Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. Call at 888-671-7767 or email [email protected] if you’re looking for reliable plumbing, heating & cooling, sewer & main line, and water heater services.