How To Unclog a Bathtub Drain Full Of Hair in the Bathroom

Unless you have a drain plate in your bathtub, you will likely face clogs. This post will help you learn how to easily unclog a drain full of hair. There are few things worse than a slow draining shower or bathtub. You either face standing in rising dirty water in the shower or wait forever after taking a bath for the water to be emptied. We all have experienced the pool of water that develops in a shower with a clogged or partially clogged drain. Ultimately, you are standing in dirty water. Unfortunately, this is a very common problem in both homes, Airbnb properties, community showers, and hotels. If left untreated for a period of time, it becomes unsanitary given that harmful microorganisms start to develop in the stagnant water that fills this area.

Preventing a Bathtub Clog

Prevention of the hair clog is always the best approach to avoid the issue completely. Consider buying an effective drain cap or cover to ensure nothing other than water is able to slip down it. If you have a family with thick curly long hair, you will benefit from a drain cover. With something in place to catch the stray hairs, you won’t have to worry about having to pull out accumulations of organic debris that are simply too large to make their way through your plumbing system in any expedient fashion.

Common Substances that Clog Bathroom Drains

Another important thing to note is that hair is only one substance that can cause slow moving drains in the bathroom. There are a number of small-sized items that can get lodged in this portion of your plumbing system if it is not properly blocked off by an acceptable drain catch plate. For instance, if your children like showering or bathing with small-sized toys, then you should make sure that these are always too large to slip down in this space. Be sure to check toys for small detachable parts. Another common culprit is food. Yes, children and adults both eat in the bathroom.

As a general rule, If the object is a choking hazard, it is also a bathroom drain hazard.

The tops to shampoos and conditions or even various portions of personal razors or shavers are among some of the other things that can get lodged into this space. If you do not have a drain cap currently in place, make sure that this isn’t your problem. If you have a relatively large, hard obstruction in this area, it is best to call a plumber.

Best Way to Remove Hair from a Shower Drain

For soft, organic materials such as hair or food crumbs, reach down into the drain area and see if you can remove the clog yourself. You might try using something relatively narrow to scoop this up, such as a slightly bent wire hanger. Do not, however, attempt to force this deeply down into the plumbing system, as you may do more harm than good. You also want to avoid forcing any blockage or debris deeper into the plumbing system.

There may be a drain cap that is built into the unit. Try unscrewing this by twisting it counter-clockwise. Once it’s off, you should be able to peer fully down into the drain. You can also use a flashlight to get a better look at how the blockage is positioned.

If a clog cannot be removed by hand or with a relatively short and narrow tool, use a simple drain snake to clear the blockage. Again, however, this is only a good idea when dealing with soft, organic debris rather than hard toys or plastic personal hygiene implements. Harder items will only get forced deeper into the plumbing system when a drain snake is used.

Once the area has been cleared, go ahead and clean and freshen your drains. You can do this with a combination of white vinegar and baking soda. The chemical reaction that occurs when these two things are mixed is strong enough to power away soap scum and other build-ups that can contribute to problems with a slow-moving drain. You should avoid, however, the use of store-bought, chemical drain cleaners given that these are highly corrosive and can actually eat through your pipes. When all else fails, go ahead and call a reputable, local plumber in to get the job done right.

Fix It All Plumbing has served the Nashville community for decades ensuring your plumbing is working properly and that you have clean water. Our plumbers are committed to providing you with premium unclogging services at fair rates. We are glad to help you with any questions or issues.

Call or text us at (615) 568-5051

Your Nashville Plumber,

Kevin Sipes