It's easy to let our guard down in the shower. We're alone, the water is cascading over our heads, and all our troubles seem far away. But what if we told you that letting your hair down, down the drain, is costing you money? That's right—by not taking a few simple steps to keep your locks out of the sewer system, you're flushing cash down the drain!
If you're ready for a professional drain cleaning, contact us online or give us a call at 847-673-3045 today!
Reasons to Avoid Hairy Drains
Clogged Drains are Bad News
Drains are made to...well, drain, but if you let your hair freely fall into the shower drain, it can quickly become clogged. When your hair goes down the drain, it takes with it a whole bunch of other gunk—soap scum, shampoo residue, and dirt. All of this can slow drainage and even cause backups!
Cleaning clogged drains is a hassle, and it's not a job you want to be regularly doing. Save yourself the trouble, and keep your hair out of it!
It's Expensive to Clean Up Clogged Drains
Not only is it a pain to have to deal with clogged drains, but it's also expensive. Professional plumbers often charge by the hour, so if you constantly have to call them out to unclog your drains, you're going from spending money on water bills to spending money on plumbing bills!
It can be cleaned up with a simple drain catcher, but it's unpleasant and unhygienic to have rotting food and hair in your sink.
You Could Cause Serious Damage
If left unchecked, clogged drains can lead to some serious plumbing problems. When water cannot drain properly, it will start to back up into your home through the pipes. It can cause extensive water damage, which is terrible for your home and wallet.
Water damage can cause severe issues like mold and mildew that can harm your health. So, do yourself a favor and keep your drains clear!
It's Just Gross
No one wants to see hair clogging up their sink or shower—and no one wants to think about where that hair came from. It's much better to keep your drains clear and free of unwanted gunk.
Can you imagine the embarrassment of having a guest come to your house and see hair clogging up your drains? They might end up recommending Grandma's secret hair oil recipe or a treatment at the salon.
Stopping Hair from Getting into Drains
Preventing a hair clog in your plumbing system is far easier than dealing with a clogged sink or a clogged shower drain after the fact. Loose hair, especially from washing or shaving, is a major culprit behind stubborn blockages. Implementing a few simple habits can go a long way in protecting your water drain from clogs.
Sinks
Shaving in the sink might be convenient, but facial hair buildup can quickly create a blocked sink. A drain stopper or mesh screen placed over the drain can effectively catch hair before it enters the plumbing system. Rinsing the sink thoroughly after shaving helps push stray hairs toward the drain stopper, making them easier to remove. It’s also good practice to wipe the sink down with a paper towel or cloth rather than washing the hair down the water drain.
Additionally, using warm water and a small amount of dish soap to rinse down any remaining residue can help prevent soap scum buildup, which can trap hair and lead to clogs. Regularly checking and cleaning the drain stopper prevents debris from accumulating and ensures water continues flowing smoothly.
Showers
A clogged shower drain often starts with hair buildup. Over time, loose hair combines with soap scum and dirt, creating a stubborn blockage. But using stoppers traps hair before it enters the drain. Regularly removing trapped hair from the stopper—and brushing your hair before showering—reduces the amount of hair that falls into the drain.
Another way to prevent shower hair clogs is to install a secondary hair trap inside the drain. These devices fit into most standard shower drains and catch additional loose hair that might slip past an external drain stopper. Cleaning them weekly prevents buildup from getting worse. Regularly flushing the drain with hot water can also help break down the sticky residue that causes hair to cling to pipe walls.
Can Hair Go Down the Toilet?
No. Many people assume flushing hair down the toilet is a safe alternative to washing it down a sink or shower drain. However, hair does not break down in water and can still accumulate in the pipes, leading to potential plumbing system issues. Hair flushed down the toilet can tangle with other debris and create a clog that affects your entire plumbing system. Instead of flushing, discard loose hair in the trash to prevent unnecessary blockages.
Getting Hair Out From Drains
Despite our best efforts, some hair inevitably finds its way into drains. When a blocked sink or clogged shower drain becomes a problem, there are several methods to remove the obstruction and restore proper drainage.
Out of Sinks
Removing hair from a blocked sink depends on the severity of the clog and the tools available. Whether you're using a plunger, a drain snake, or a baking soda flush, the process typically involves a few key steps:
- Loosen the Hair Clog – Pour boiling water down the drain or use a baking soda and vinegar solution to break down sticky buildup.
- Dislodge the Blockage – Whether plunging or using a drain snake, repeatedly apply pressure or twist the tool until hair and debris begin to loosen.
- Extract the Hair – If using a drain snake or wire hanger, carefully pull up the tangled hair clog and dispose of it properly.
- Flush the Drain – Run boiling water to remove any remaining debris and ensure a smooth water drain.
Out of Showers
A clogged shower drain often requires a multi-step approach to remove hair and restore proper drainage. Whether you're using a manual removal tool, a plunger, or a chemical drain cleaner, the process generally follows these steps:
- Prepare the Drain – Remove the shower drain cover (if needed) and check for visible hair buildup. Use gloves or tweezers to pull out as much loose hair as possible.
- Break Down Residue – Pour boiling water or a baking soda and vinegar mixture down the drain to help dissolve soap scum that traps hair.
- Dislodge Deeper Clogs – Use a drain snake or hair removal tool to reach farther into the drain and extract tangled hair clogs.
- Apply Additional Pressure – If necessary, use a plunger with forceful thrusts to dislodge stubborn blockages.
- Flush the System – Run hot water for several minutes to clear out any remaining debris and ensure water drains smoothly.
How Well Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work?
Many homeowners turn to homemade drain cleaners as an alternative to chemical solutions. Apple cider vinegar can help break down minor clogs when used in combination with other natural remedies, but it may not be strong enough for severe hair buildup.
What About Boiling Water? Or Baking Soda?
Boiling water can be a simple and effective way to dissolve soap scum and loosen hair caught in a clogged sink or shower drain. However, it should be used with caution in homes with older plumbing systems or PVC pipes, as extreme heat can weaken the materials. Pouring boiling water in stages, allowing it to work through the drain gradually, yields the best results.
For deeper clogs, baking soda is another useful solution. Sprinkling baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of hot water or vinegar, creates a reaction that loosens hair and other debris. This method is a safe alternative to chemical drain cleaner products and can be repeated as needed for ongoing maintenance.
What If My Shower Smells Like Rotten Eggs?
A clogged shower drain isn’t the only issue homeowners face—sometimes, unpleasant odors can emerge from bathroom plumbing. If your shower smells like rotten eggs, it could indicate a buildup of bacteria, mold, or even a problem with your home's sewer line. In some cases, clogged drains can contribute to these odors by trapping decaying organic matter.
Bottom Line
Hair can be pretty damaging to your pipes. It can cause them to become blocked or even break, clog up the drain field, and cause severe problems with a septic system.
If you detect an issue that Bill's Plumbing & Sewer can assist with, please do not hesitate to contact us right away. Our experts in Wilmette, IL, are here to help you!
