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Four Ways to Clear Clogged Hair from a Bathroom Drain

October 11, 2023

Clogged drains are a common household plumbing problem in Solana Beach, CA. Drains can become clogged for several reasons. Kitchen sink clogs can be caused by trying to pass the wrong kinds of material down the drain. Toilet clogs can be caused due to sewer line problems.

Hair is one of the leading causes of bathroom sink, shower, and bathtub clogs. Even with drain traps, hair can still accumulate in your drain lines. Over time, the hair forms into clumps, which can slow or even stop water flow through a drain.

Four DIY Approaches to Cleaning Clogged Hair Out of a Bathroom Drain

Fortunately, there are several ways you can remove the hair from a bathroom drain.

Pull the hair out by hand

For some clogs, it may be possible to remove much of the hair by hand, using tweezers, needle nose pliers, forceps, or similar tools. After you’ve pulled out all the hair you can, rinse the drain with water to ensure any material left behind is washed down the drain.

Drain cleaners

If the manual approach doesn’t yield the desired results, you can always use a drain cleaner. Drain cleaners use chemical reactions to break up and clear a clog. Some over-the-counter drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment and your pipes. If you’re looking for a safer, greener alternative, you can make several effective non-toxic drain cleaners from everyday items like baking soda, vinegar, soap, and salt.

Drain snakes

Drain snakes provide a quick, easy way to remove clogged hair from a bathroom drain. Most drain snakes are long strips of plastic with serrated edges. You push the snake down the drain and the serrated edges catch the hair and other debris as you pull it out.

Plungers

Plungers are effective for larger-sized drains, like the one in a shower. Place the plunger over the drain and create a suction, then start plunging until the hair is removed.

When to Call a Professional

If these approaches don’t work, you may need professional help. This applies to situations where the source of the clog may be too deep within the drain or too thick to clear with DIY fixes. Your pipes may also be damaged.

A professional plumber will have the tools and training to tackle your bathroom clog. Video inspection equipment allows them to quickly locate the source of the clog without having to take your plumbing apart. Hydro jetting and other professional drain cleaning methods can effectively clear even the deepest and thickest of hair clogs. They can also repair any damage done to your pipes.

Your First Choice for Dependable Plumbing Services in Solana Beach

If you’re experiencing a stubborn drain clog or other plumbing problem in Solana Beach, CA, give 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration a call. We’ve been providing reliable plumbing services to homes and businesses in Solana Beach and surrounding communities since 2012. Our licensed Solana Beach plumbers possess the know-how and equipment to address any plumbing problem you may be experiencing.

You can contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration through our website or phone us at 866-437-0205 to schedule a service call from an experienced Solana Beach, CA, plumbing professional. We’re available 24/7 to repair any after-hours plumbing emergency. In most cases, we can be on-site and at work within an hour of your call.