How to Unclog Bathtub Drain Full of Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever stood ankle-deep in shower water, contemplating the growing lake around your feet? You’re not alone. Bathtub drains clogged with hair are a universal plumbing problem, a frustrating consequence of enjoying a hot shower. Those stray strands might seem harmless going down the drain, but over time, they weave together like an underwater tumbleweed, trapping soap scum, conditioner, and other debris, resulting in a slow-draining, or even completely blocked, tub.

Beyond the annoyance of waiting for the water to recede, a clogged drain can actually lead to more serious issues. Stagnant water breeds bacteria and mold, creating an unsanitary environment. Furthermore, ignoring a slow drain can eventually cause complete blockage, potentially requiring expensive professional plumbing services. Taking proactive steps to clear that hair clog is a small investment that saves you time, money, and keeps your bathroom clean.

What are the common causes of hair clogs and how can I fix them myself?

What’s the best tool to physically remove hair from a bathtub drain?

The absolute best tool for physically removing hair from a bathtub drain is a drain snake, specifically a barbed plastic drain snake often referred to as a “Zip-It” tool. These inexpensive tools are designed with small, backward-facing barbs along their length that effectively snag and latch onto hair as you twist and pull them out of the drain.

While chemical drain cleaners are an option, they often contain harsh chemicals that can damage pipes over time and aren’t always effective against large clumps of hair. Plungers can sometimes dislodge minor clogs, but they frequently fail to grab onto and remove the hair itself. A drain snake, on the other hand, is specifically designed for physical hair removal. Its flexible design allows it to navigate the curves of your drainpipe, reaching deep into the plumbing where hair tends to accumulate. The barbs then act like tiny hooks, grabbing onto the hair and allowing you to extract it in a single, disgusting (but satisfying!) pull.

When using a drain snake, it’s crucial to insert it slowly and carefully. Avoid forcing it, as this could potentially damage your pipes. Once you feel resistance, gently twist the snake as you push it further in. This helps the barbs to catch onto the hair. Then, slowly and steadily pull the snake back out, continuing to twist as you do. You’ll likely find a tangled mass of hair, soap scum, and other debris attached to the snake. Dispose of this mess properly, and repeat the process until you’re no longer retrieving significant amounts of hair. Flush the drain with hot water afterward to ensure any remaining debris is cleared.

Can baking soda and vinegar really unclog a hair-clogged drain?

Yes, baking soda and vinegar can often help unclog a hair-clogged drain, especially for minor blockages. The combination creates a fizzing action that can help to break down the hair and other debris causing the clog, while also dislodging it from the drainpipe walls.

While baking soda and vinegar can be effective, it’s important to understand its limitations. This method works best on relatively small clogs that haven’t fully solidified. The chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide, which creates the fizzing action. This can help to loosen the hair and other gunk that’s causing the blockage. For severe clogs, particularly those deep within the plumbing system, stronger methods like a drain snake or chemical drain cleaner may be necessary. Here’s how to use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a hair-clogged drain:

1. Pour about one cup of baking soda down the drain.
2. Follow this with one cup of vinegar.
3. Let the mixture fizz for 30 minutes to an hour.
4. Flush the drain with hot water. Repeat if necessary.

If the clog persists after several attempts, it’s a sign that it’s either too large or too far down the drain for this method to be effective. In such cases, a physical removal method like a drain snake or consulting a professional plumber is recommended to avoid damaging your pipes or making the problem worse.

How often should I clean my drain to prevent hair clogs?

To prevent hair clogs in your bathtub drain, aim to clean it proactively every 1-3 months. This frequency depends on how much hair typically goes down the drain; those with longer hair or multiple household members should clean it more frequently.

Regular cleaning prevents hair from accumulating and binding with soap scum and other debris, which creates stubborn clogs that are much harder to remove. Think of it like flossing your teeth – a little preventative maintenance regularly is far easier than dealing with a major cavity (or in this case, a completely blocked drain). Cleaning doesn’t necessarily mean a deep, extensive cleaning every time; it could simply involve removing any visible hair caught in the drain stopper or using a drain screen to catch hair before it enters the pipes. The best approach is to monitor your drain’s performance. If you notice the water draining slower than usual, that’s a clear sign that hair is starting to accumulate and it’s time to clean the drain. Don’t wait until the drain is completely blocked; a slow drain is much easier to fix. Consider using a drain snake or a hair removal tool to reach down into the drain and pull out any accumulated hair. You can also use enzymatic drain cleaners periodically, as they are designed to break down organic matter like hair, but avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes over time.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe for my pipes and my family?

Generally, chemical drain cleaners are not recommended for your pipes or the safety of your family. While they might offer a quick fix in some situations, the harsh chemicals can corrode pipes over time, leading to leaks and costly repairs. Furthermore, they pose significant risks to your family due to their corrosive nature; accidental splashes can cause severe burns, and the fumes can be harmful if inhaled, especially for children and pets. Safer, more effective alternatives are often available.

Prolonged or repeated use of chemical drain cleaners, particularly those containing strong acids or alkalis, can weaken pipes made of PVC, metal, or even older clay materials. This weakening leads to pinhole leaks, cracks, or even complete pipe failure down the line, which far outweighs the short-term convenience of unclogging a drain. Moreover, if the chemical drain cleaner fails to clear the clog completely, it can sit in the pipe and harden, making the problem even worse and potentially requiring a plumber to cut open the pipe. Safer and more effective methods for dealing with hair clogs in a bathtub drain exist. A drain snake or auger can physically remove the hair, while a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water can often dissolve minor clogs without harming your plumbing or posing a health risk. Consider preventative measures such as using a drain strainer to catch hair before it enters the drain, minimizing the need for any type of drain cleaner in the first place.

How do I remove the drain stopper to access the clog?

Removing the drain stopper is usually the first step in tackling a hair-filled bathtub drain. The method varies depending on the type of stopper you have, but common types include lift-and-turn, pop-up, toe-touch, and push-and-pull stoppers. Identifying your stopper type is crucial for safe and effective removal, usually requiring a screwdriver or needle-nose pliers.

For a lift-and-turn stopper, simply lift the stopper to its highest point and then unscrew the entire stopper mechanism. Some may have a small setscrew on the side that needs loosening first, using a small screwdriver or Allen wrench. Pop-up stoppers generally require you to twist the stopper counter-clockwise to loosen it. You might need to remove an overflow plate, often located just below the faucet on the tub wall, to access a linkage that connects to the stopper. Disconnecting this linkage allows you to lift the stopper out. Toe-touch stoppers and push-and-pull stoppers typically screw in; try unscrewing them directly by firmly gripping and turning counter-clockwise. If it’s stuck, a rubber glove can improve your grip.

If you encounter resistance, avoid forcing the stopper. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions if available, or search online for videos specific to your stopper type. Sometimes, soaking the area around the stopper with hot water or a penetrating oil can help loosen any accumulated grime or corrosion. Once the stopper is removed, use a tool like a bent wire hanger, needle-nose pliers, or a specialized drain snake (also known as a “zip-it” tool) to carefully extract the hair clog. Remember to wear gloves and be prepared for a potentially unpleasant process!

What if I can’t reach the hair clog with a tool?

If your drain snake, bent wire hanger, or other retrieval tool can’t reach the hair clog, your next best option is to try dissolving it with chemical drain cleaners or using a wet/dry vacuum. However, be cautious with chemical drain cleaners as they can damage pipes and are hazardous. A safer alternative may be enzyme-based drain cleaners, which take longer but are gentler on your plumbing.

If plunging and manual removal methods have failed, and your tool simply isn’t long enough or can’t navigate the drain’s bends to reach the blockage, chemical solutions or a wet/dry vacuum become the alternatives. When using chemical drain cleaners, meticulously follow the product instructions, wear appropriate safety gear (gloves and eye protection), and ensure adequate ventilation. Remember that harsh chemicals can corrode pipes, especially older ones, and mixing different types of drain cleaners can create dangerous fumes. For older or more delicate plumbing, enzyme-based cleaners, which rely on natural bacteria to break down organic matter like hair, are a preferable, albeit slower, choice. Alternatively, a wet/dry vacuum can sometimes create enough suction to dislodge a distant clog. Seal the vacuum hose tightly over the drain opening, using a rag or duct tape to create a good seal, and then turn on the vacuum to its highest suction setting. This method works best if there’s some water in the tub, as the water helps to carry the blockage towards the vacuum. If these methods fail, it may be necessary to call a professional plumber who has specialized tools like a motorized drain snake (auger) or hydro-jetting equipment that can reach and clear deep and stubborn clogs.

Is there a way to prevent hair from going down the drain in the first place?

Yes, preventing hair from entering the drain is the most effective long-term solution to avoid clogs. This involves using drain screens or strainers, brushing hair regularly, and being mindful when rinsing hair products.

Effective prevention focuses on physically blocking hair from entering the drainpipe. Drain screens or strainers are inexpensive and easy to install over the drain opening. They catch hair as it washes down, preventing it from accumulating deeper within the pipes. Regularly cleaning these screens is crucial; aim to empty them after each shower or bath to maintain their effectiveness and prevent overflow. Choosing a strainer with small holes or a fine mesh will capture even the smallest strands. Beyond physical barriers, adopting better hair management habits can significantly reduce the amount of hair going down the drain. Brushing your hair thoroughly before showering or bathing removes loose strands that would otherwise end up in the water. When rinsing out shampoo or conditioner, try to minimize the amount of hair that goes down the drain by collecting loose strands as you notice them. Here’s a list of helpful preventative measures:

• Install a drain screen or strainer and clean it regularly.
• Brush your hair before showering or bathing.
• Collect loose hair strands during and after washing your hair.
• Consider a hair catcher that fits over the drain stopper.

By implementing these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of future bathtub drain clogs and the need for inconvenient and sometimes messy unclogging procedures.

And there you have it! Hopefully, your bathtub drain is now happily gulping water again, free from its hairy nemesis. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to bookmark this page in case you ever need a little drain-clearing refresher. We’ll be here with more helpful tips and tricks whenever you need them!