Hair-clogged drains are annoying, messy, smelly, and can slow your entire day down. Whether it’s your shower backing up or your bathroom sink refusing to drain, hair is one of the most common culprits behind household clogs.
At I Fix Pipe, we know just how frustrating a hair clogged drain can be. The good news? There are plenty of simple steps you can take to resolve the issue. And if the problem is particularly stubborn, we’re just a call away. Here’s how to get rid of hair in a drain, and when it’s time to call in the pros.
How to Unclog Hair from a Drain
Even if the drain clog seems minor, it’s best to deal with it sooner than later. If left unchecked, clogs can lead to increased pressure on your pipes, eventually leading to leaks or pipe damage. If a clog gets to this point, call a plumber for water leak repair as soon as possible.
If you’re dealing with a slow drain or standing water, try these trusted methods to clear out the clog.
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
This natural solution is great for light clogs and can help eliminate odors, too. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. You may find different ratios of baking soda to vinegar online depending on your source, but we find a 1:1 solution to work best. Let it fizz and sit for 15–30 minutes, then flush it with hot water. This chemical reaction can help break up hair and soap buildup.
2. Use a Drain Snake or Hair Grabber Tool
You can find these inexpensive tools at most hardware stores. Insert it into the drain and twist or pull to grab hair clumps. It’s a simple way to remove blockages without harsh chemicals or taking apart your plumbing.
3. Try a Plunger
Yes, plungers aren’t just for toilets. A flat-bottomed plunger works best for sinks and tubs. Fill the basin with enough water to cover the plunger’s bottom, then plunge vigorously several times. This can help loosen the clog and move it through the drain. For stubborn clogs, use the baking soda and vinegar method before plunging to help loosen the clog further.
4. Remove and Clean the Stopper
Sometimes hair wraps around the stopper itself. If you can remove it, do so and clear away visible buildup. There are several DIY videos online to help you remove your drain stopper, but if you’re unsure, it’s always better to call a plumber than risk causing damage. Be sure to wear gloves and have a small bag handy—you’ll probably want to toss whatever comes up.
5. Call a Local Professional
If your drain is still blocked after trying these methods, or you simply would rather not mess with it, it’s time to call for a blocked drain service. At I Fix Pipe, we offer expert clogged drain services in Midland and Odessa, and our plumbers use advanced leak detection and clog removal tools to get your pipes flowing again safely and efficiently. Plus, we offer free second opinions, so if you receive an iffy clogged drain quote, give us a call.
How to Prevent Hair Clogged Drains
Once you’ve unclogged your drain, a few preventative habits can help you avoid future frustration.
- Use a drain screen or hair catcher in your tub or shower.
- Brush your hair before showering to reduce the amount that washes down the
drain. - Run hot water for 30 seconds after each use to help move debris through.
- Clean stoppers and drain covers weekly to remove collected hair.
- Avoid flushing anything besides water, soap, and toilet paper. Even “flushable” wipes and excess product residue can create buildup over time.
Preventative maintenance can go a long way, but if you’re dealing with frequent slow drains, persistent backups, or water where it shouldn’t be, don’t ignore the signs. Hair might be the surface-level issue, but deeper plumbing problems could be lurking below.
Plumbing Help in Midland & Odessa
Whether you need help figuring out how to unclog hair from a drain, need expert plumbers for water leak repairs, or are searching for plumber leak detection, I Fix Pipe is ready to help. We provide fast, affordable water leak repair and blocked drain service in Midland and Odessa. And remember—we offer free second opinions to make sure you’re getting the right fix at the right price.
Don’t wait for a minor clog to turn into a major mess. Contact I Fix Pipe today to schedule your drain cleaning or leak detection service.
