Every homeowner or renter can attest to the pesky problem of hair build-up in the shower drain. It’s a nuisance that, over time, can lead to bigger plumbing issues if not addressed. If you’re tired of standing ankle-deep in water during your showers or facing frequent blocked drains, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk through 20 comprehensive tips on how to prevent hair from clogging up your shower drains. We’ll cover ten of those in this section, so let’s get started.
Contents
- 1. Use a Drain Hair Catcher
- 2. Apply Baking Soda and Vinegar
- 3. Install a Water Softening System
- 4. Try a Chemical Drain Cleaner
- 5. Utilize Drain Snakes or Augers
- 6. Maintain Regular Drain Checks
- 7. Brush Hair Before Showering
- 8. Limit Use of Hair Products
- 9. Rinse Shower After Use
- 10. Opt for Regular Hair Trims
- 11. Pour Boiling Water Down Weekly
- 12. Regularly Clean the Drain Plug
- 13. Purchase a Hair Stopper
- 14. Use a Wet-Dry Vacuum
- 15. Minimize Shedding with Healthy Diet
- 16. Try a Disposal Mesh Bag
- 17. Ascertain Tub Shroom for Drain
- 18. Regular Professional Drain Cleaning
- 19. Use Less Conditioner and Oils
- 20. Consider a Lint Trap Filter
- Conclusion: Prevent Hair Build-Up Easily
1. Use a Drain Hair Catcher
A drain hair catcher is a simple and highly effective tool designed to trap hair before it goes down your shower drain. It functions like a sieve, catching hairs while allowing water to flow through. When placed over or inside the drain, it intercepts most of the loose hairs that come off while showering, which can be disposed of in your trash later. This little tool saves a lot of time and hassle in the long run and is easily one of the most effective ways to curb hair buildup.
2. Apply Baking Soda and Vinegar
This natural solution works wonders for keeping your shower drain clean and unclogged. Baking soda and vinegar are two household items that, when combined, create a foaming action that helps break down substances clinging to the ducts in your plumbing installation. To use this method, firstly pour half a cup of baking soda in the drain followed by a cup of vinegar. Wait for about 30 minutes and then rinse with hot water. It’s eco-friendly and very effective.
3. Install a Water Softening System
A water softening system can help with hair build-up indirectly. Hard water contains high mineral content that may cause soap scum or residue, which combines with hair to form a thick and sticky blockage in your shower drain. Install a water-softening system in your home to help reduce the hardness of your water, preventing the buildup of soap scum residue and ultimately reducing the risk of hair clinging to residue within your drain pipes.
4. Try a Chemical Drain Cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners are products specifically designed to unclog drains. They contain chemicals that break down hair, soap scum, and other materials causing the blockage. While this method is usually effective in clearing hair build-up, be careful not to overuse these products as they can corrode your plumbing over time. As such, it’s best to use chemical drain cleaners as a last resort, or when the blockage is severe.
5. Utilize Drain Snakes or Augers
Drain snakes or augers are another tool that can be useful in combating hair clogs in your shower drain. They work by physically dislodging the blockage; you insert the end into the drain and twist it, which hooks into the clog so that it can be pulled out. This method may require a bit more elbow grease than others, but it can be very effective, especially for larger clogs.
6. Maintain Regular Drain Checks
In most cases, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when dealing with hair buildup in shower drains. Regular checks can help you catch minor clogs before they turn into larger issues that may require hydraulic engineering skills to resolve. Regularly remove visible debris from your drain post-shower and consider routine maintenance with a natural cleaner like baking soda and vinegar once every month.
7. Brush Hair Before Showering
This might sound simple, but brushing your hair thoroughly before a shower can greatly reduce the amount of loose hair that goes down your drain. Doing so will also detangle your hair, decreasing the likelihood of shedding during your shower. To keep your bathroom clean, simply dispose of the hair from your brush into a bin.
8. Limit Use of Hair Products
Hair products such as gels, oils, and conditioners can lead to build-up within your drain by causing hair to clump together. They can also create a film over the pipes which attracts more hair. By limiting product usage or making sure to rinse your hair out thoroughly after use, you could save your drain from further clogging.
9. Rinse Shower After Use
Rinsing your shower after use can help wash down any lingering hairs that might stick to the sides of your shower or sit on the shower floor, waiting to clog up your drain. It only takes a minute but it can be a vital step in preventing hair buildup. It also keeps your shower overall cleaner and more hygienic for the next use.
10. Opt for Regular Hair Trims
It’s simple math; less hair equals less chance of it ending up in your shower drain. Regular trims not only rid you of split ends and keep your hairstyle fresh, but they can also limit the overall amount of loose strands falling out during showers. Consider keeping your hair trimmed regularly as a healthy habit with an added plumbing benefit.
Okay! So those are our first ten tips on how to prevent that pesky hair build-up in our shower drains. Stick around for the next batch of wonderfully useful tips we have lined up for you!
11. Pour Boiling Water Down Weekly
One of the simplest methods to prevent hair build-up in your shower drain is to regularly pour boiling water down it. This method can help dissolve and unclog the loose hair and soap scum clinging to the sides of your drain pipes. Just ensure to heat the water until it reaches a rolling boil, then pour slowly and directly into the drain. Try to do this at least once a week for effective results. But, be careful handling hot water, especially if your shower or bathroom floor is made from sensitive materials like plastic or vinyl.
12. Regularly Clean the Drain Plug
Your shower’s drain plug plays a crucial role in preventing hair from finding its way into deeper sections of your plumbing system. But over time, this plug can accumulate grime due to its function of catching solids such as hair. To clean it, simply remove the drain plug and use a brush with stiff bristles or a toothbrush to scrub off any build-up. Make sure to wash it thoroughly before re-installing it in your shower drain.
13. Purchase a Hair Stopper
A hair stopper acts like a shield for your shower drain, catching hair before it enters your plumbing system. These tools are convenient and inexpensive, fitting over most shower drains effortlessly with different shapes and sizes available on the market. They effectively catch hair and substantial particles without disrupting water flow in your shower. Consequently, you save yourself from common plumbing troubles caused by hair clogs.
14. Use a Wet-Dry Vacuum
You might not have thought about using your wet-dry vacuum in the bathroom before, but it’s surprisingly effective at sucking up hair and other debris stuck in your shower drain. Set your vacuum on the appropriate setting, place the hose over the shower drain, and you’ll be surprised at the amount of dirt it clears out. Make this a routine every month to maintain your shower drain hygiene and avoid hair build-up.
15. Minimize Shedding with Healthy Diet
A good diet benefits your whole body, including your hair. Eating healthy, nutrient-rich foods can slow down hair shedding and fall significantly. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and minerals like iron and zinc contribute immensely to hair health. So not only will you be eating for better health, but you’d also be reducing the amount of hair that ends up in your shower drain by mitigating excess shedding.
16. Try a Disposal Mesh Bag
The solution to a clogged shower drain could be as simple as using a disposal mesh bag. These bags are perfect for catching loose hair and can help keep unwanted debris out of your plumbing system. Simple to use and inexpensive, these bags can easily be secured over your shower drain, catching hair before it causes any potentially expensive or irritating problems.
17. Ascertain Tub Shroom for Drain
Available in most home improvement stores, a Tub Shroom is another option to prevent those pesky hair build-ups in your shower drains. Designed in a unique mushroom shape, it’s easy to install and effectively catches any hair running down your drains while still allowing water to flow seamlessly through its small holes.
18. Regular Professional Drain Cleaning
If you’re struggling with recurring drain clogging despite all preventive measures used or have a severely neglected drain issue, sometimes the best solution may be professional help. Qualified plumbers have specific tools and chemicals designed for thorough cleaning of drains which could prove immensely helpful in tackling tenacious debris build-up, including hair. Scheduling routine professional drain cleanings can give your bathroom and entire plumbing system a new lease of life.
19. Use Less Conditioner and Oils
While products like conditioners and oils do wonders for your hair’s texture and sheen, they can contribute significantly to clogging your shower drain. The heavy, greasy nature of such products allows them to bind with loose hairs and create substantial blockages over time. Try cutting down on the use of these products or ensure you rinse thoroughly post-usage to avoid hairy drains in your bathroom.
20. Consider a Lint Trap Filter
Though designed for washing machines, a lint trap filter works miracles when it comes to preventing hair build-up in shower drains. These filters are perfect traps for hair and debris while proving easy to clean once full. Just attach it to your shower drain, and let it do the catching.
Conclusion: Prevent Hair Build-Up Easily
Hair clogs in shower drains can be annoying but are preventable through several simple and effective steps highlighted in this guide. Remember that regular maintenance is crucial for the smooth operation of your plumbing system. Using tools like hair stoppers, vacuuming regularly, utilizing less hair products, and consistent professional cleanings can all help maintain clean and functioning shower drains. Embrace these solutions as a part of your cleaning routine, ensuring you enjoy clog-free showers.
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