Hair In The Drain? Try These Safe, Easy Methods

Long, lustrous hair is the crowning glory of many women. Unfortunately, the pipes in your bathroom might not be as adoring. Here's three natural ways to try and get a hair-clogged shower drain clear again.

Baking Soda And Vinegar

Remember making a foaming volcano in sixth grade science class? Harness the power of a harmless chemical reaction to power through the clog. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda down the drain, squirt a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent in, and then pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Quickly cover the drain with a heavy pan or brick to keep the foaming bubbles in the drain. Allow it to sit for a half hour, and then repeat with another cup of vinegar and baking soda, covering again. Allow it to sit 30 minutes longer. When the time is up, turn the hot water on and see if the drain is clear.

Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda

If you don't have white vinegar or the baking soda and vinegar method didn't quite take care of the clog, try this. In a 2-cup measuring cup, add one cup of hydrogen peroxide and stir in two tablespoons of baking soda. Pour the mixture down the drain, and allow it to sit for an hour before turning on the water to see if the clog has cleared.

Boiling Water

Fill your teakettle with water and bring to a boil. Once it's ready, carefully pour a cup or two down the drain. Wait a minute, and then pour another cup down. Repeat the process until the teapot is empty. Give the hot water a while to work, and then turn the water on to see if it drains.

Use The Plunger

If you don't want to use any of the other methods, grab your plunger. Just like you use a plunger to create suction and momentum in a clogged toilet, you can do the same thing with the tub drain. Fill the tub with enough water to cover the bottom of the tub. Place the plunger over the drain, quickly pump it several times, and then lift it. Look and listen for signs its draining. You may need to repeat the process several times. 

Don't use a commercial drainer solution as these use extremely caustic chemicals that can damage your pipes, especially if they are old or corroded. They are also damaging to septic systems, the environment, and if you're not careful, can cause severe injuries. Once a plumber clears the clog, he can install a drain guard and trap to help keep your hair from clogging the drain in the future.  

If none of these approaches work, it's time to call a drain cleaning professional. 

Share