Key Takeaways
- Hair is the top reason drains clog in tubs and showers, and small steps at home can fix most cases.
- Simple tools, such as a hook, snake, or wet/dry vacuum, often clear the clog without the need for harsh chemicals.
- Hot water or a baking soda mixture is a safe home remedy for light blockages near the surface.
- If the drain stays slow after these steps, it is time to call Dript Plumbing for expert help.
You see water sitting in your sink or tub. You smell something off. You worry your drain has hair stuck somewhere deep. That is frustrating and messy and you just want a fix.
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues in Kitsilano homes. A big reason is hair buildup that blocks the flow of water. It is noted that 20% of homeowners experience clogged toilets. Also, 9 percent are dealing with a clogged sink.
In this blog Dript will explore how to get hair out of a drain with simple steps.
Use Your Hands or a Wire Hook
You do not need any special tool for this first step.
- Put on a strong pair of rubber gloves. That keeps your hands safe and clean.
- Take off the drain cover with care.
- Look inside the drain. If you see hair near the top, grab it and pull it out. Place the waste in a bag so it does not fall back.
- If your hand cannot reach, use a simple hook. A wire coat hanger works fine.
- Bend one end into a small hook. Slide the hook slowly into the drain. Twist it a bit to catch hair. Pull it out with care.
Try a Drain Snake
A drain snake is one of the best tools for hair clogs. It is cheap and easy to use at home. You can buy a simple plastic one at any hardware shop.
To use it:
- First remove the drain cover.
- Slide the snake into the pipe slowly.
- Push it down until you feel a block. That block is most likely hair.
- Turn the snake a bit so the teeth grab the hair. Then pull it back out. You will see hair and dirt stuck to it.
- Throw that waste into a bag right away.
Pour warm water into the drain. If water flows smooth, you fixed the problem. If it stays slow, repeat the step or call Dript Plumbing to inspect the drain clogged with hair.
You can also check our full guide on how to unclog a bathtub drain for more safe and simple methods.
Pour Boiling Water or Vinegar Mix
Not all clogs need tools. Some blockages clear with simple items from your kitchen. Hot water and natural cleaners can help with hair stuck in soap and dirt.
- Start with hot water.
- Place a pot on the stove and let the water reach a strong boil.
- Once ready, pour the water in slow steps into the drain.
- The heat melts soap and soft dirt. This may push hair loose and send it down.
- If the water drains well after that, the clog is gone.
If hot water does not fix the problem, try baking soda with vinegar.
- First, pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain.
- Next, add one cup of vinegar.
- The mix foams up inside the pipe. That foam breaks down grime that traps hair.
- Leave it for at least ten minutes. Then pour hot water to wash it out.
These steps work best for small blocks near the surface. They may not fix a drain that is fully closed. In that case you need tools or drainage services from Dript.
Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum
A wet and dry vacuum can pull out hair when other steps fail. It works well if the clog sits close to the top.
First, set the vacuum to liquid mode.
- Place the hose over the drain and form a tight seal.
- You can press a wet cloth around the hose for extra grip.
- Turn the vacuum on and let it run for a short time.
- The strong pull can lift hair and dirt from the pipe.
This step is quick and strong. It can save you from more work. If the vacuum does not pull much then try the next step.
Remove and Clean the Drain Stopper
Many clogs hide right under the stopper. Hair wraps around the parts and blocks flow. A simple clean can fix the drain.
- To start, lift the stopper.
- Some stoppers pop up when you pull them. Others twist before they rise.
- If it feels stuck, check for a small screw at the back. Loosen it and then take the stopper out.
- Once the stopper is free check the stem. You will see hair and soap wrapped around it. Pull that out with your hand or a small cloth.
- Rinse the stopper with warm water. Clean the drain opening as well. Then put the stopper back in place and test the flow.
A clean stopper often clears the problem fast. It is a simple and safe method to remove hair from drain. If these fixes do not work, don’t try anything on your own at this point. It’s better to call Dript Plumbing for immediate assistance.
FAQs
Why does hair clog drains so often?
Since most people lose hair when they wash, it is the most common cause of shower and tub clogs.
When should I call a plumber for a clogged drain?
If water does not move after you try hot water or a vacuum then it is time to call a plumber.