Plumbing Pitfalls: How Hair Can Cause Blocked Drains in Bathrooms and Why You Might Need to Call a Plumber

March 28, 2024
Dan's Plumbing

Without a doubt, the bathroom is one of the most frequented spaces in our homes, serving various sanitary and hygiene needs. However, with frequent usage comes a common issue that most homeowners will face at some point—a blocked drain. In this post, we’ll delve deep into how hair can cause blocked drains in bathrooms and unravel potential solutions.

Contents

Hair’s Role in Blocked Drains
Effects of Hair Build-Up
Combating Hair-Caused Clogs
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Common Tools for Dealing with Blockages
Preventing Hair-Related Bathroom Clogs
When to Attempt DIY Solutions
Recognizing Need for Professional Help
Role of Plumbers in Resolving Blockages
The Long-Term Impact of Neglected Clogs
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Hair’s Role in Blocked Drains

Have you ever wondered why your shower drain gets clogged frequently? Hair is one of the top reasons for this annoyance. Each time you shampoo or condition your hair, thousands of strands find their way down the drain. Unlike other substances that can easily dissolve in water, such as soap suds or bath salts, hair does not break down thus eventually causing clogs.

This becomes worse when hair intertwines with other substances going down your drain like soap scum and dead skin cells. Hair traps these particles, forming a dense material that gradually blocks the flow of water.

We lose 50 to 100 strands of hair daily during normal hair-washing routines. For households with occupants who have long or thick hair, the problem intensifies significantly. Even pet hair can add to this problem!

But does this mean that you should stop washing your babies, and pets, or quit having household members with long hair? Not! Let’s explore some of the effects of this tangled mess.

Effects of Hair Build-Up

A shower clogged by a clump of hair creates a menacing hurdle to everyday life. The blockage prevents water from flowing quickly down the drain which can lead to standing water in your shower or sink – not a good start to anyone’s day!

With time, the stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, potentially causing health issues. From an environmental perspective, it’s important to note that frequent use of caustic chemical cleaners can lead to pollution. Such chemicals can persist in local ecosystems and wreak havoc on wildlife.

Apart from health and environmental concerns, constant blockage by hair could possibly lead to expensive plumbing problems. Old pipes can be particularly susceptible to blockages and require professional help to clear out. Overall, hair buildup is more than just a simple inconvenience.

Fortunately for you, our next section will focus on tackling this common household problem head-on with a few straightforward strategies!

Combating Hair-Caused Clogs

The best approach in combating hair-related clogs is prevention, mainly by managing how much hair goes down the drain. A simple yet effective solution is using a hair catcher or strainer, which could considerably reduce how much hair reaches your drain. However, there’s a catch—hair catchers require regular cleaning too!

Not all loose hair can be stopped from going down the drain since the fine strands usually slip past even the most effective strainers. For such cases, regularly treating your drains with enzymatic cleaners proves beneficial. These cleaners break down organic compounds like hairs and soap scum into harmless particles that freely flow down your drainage system.

Cleaning frequency depends heavily on bathroom usage. For high-usage bathrooms, monthly cleaning might be required. For single-person households, routine drain cleaning would require less frequency. Here are some more tips on maintaining healthy hair and a clean shower.

Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

A popular option homeowners turn to for a quick fix to a clogged drain is the chemical drain cleaner. From a convenience point of view, they’re great! However, one must also be aware of the potential drawbacks when using chemical drain cleaners.

A majority of these cleaners contain harsh ingredients that can corrode your pipes over time, especially with persistent usage. Additionally, as mentioned before, these chemicals pose a serious environmental risk, making their runoff harmful to local ecosystems.

Even though the idea of pouring down some liquid and forgetting all about a clog problem does sound appealing, you may prolong your hair-clog situation by opting for other methods like plumbing tools or even calling in a professional.

Common Tools for Dealing with Blockages

When faced with hair-clogged drains, many homeowners will attempt to unblock them independently before hiring professionals. DIY attempts usually involve tools like plungers or hand augers (also known as drain snakes).

The first choice in many households is the trusty plunger. This tool works by creating suction which can often dislodge minor hair blockages. However, stubborn hair clogs may need more than a simple plunger push.

This is where the hand auger comes in—its coiled wire can reach deep into your pipe system, snagging onto and pulling out any obstruction. Nonetheless, they are more effective when deployed by someone with basic plumbing know-how. In fact, incorrect usage can possibly lead to further damage.

If you’re uncomfortable handling these tools or if these DIY trials fail, it’s probably time to call in the experts—a qualified plumber to be exact. Situations such as these are actually why many service calls are made to plumbers.

Preventing Hair-Related Bathroom Clogs

Proactive steps can make a world of difference when it comes to managing hair clogs in the bathroom. Remember, prevention is often easier and cheaper than a cure. Endeavour to reduce the amount of hair going down your drain, boosting the longevity of your plumbing system.

Start by thoroughly brushing your hair before bathing. This dislodges loose strands that would otherwise end up in the drainage. Do this for both people and pets. It’s surprising how much hair you might be leaving behind on your hairbrush instead of allowing it to flow into the drainage.

Whether your household is comprised of members with long, thick hair, pets, or frequent users of bathrooms, it pays to install hair catchers on all drains. Think of these as simple sieves or filters that prevent loose hairs from ever entering your drains. A study by Coastal Drains revealed the usefulness of such strainers in preventing hair-related blockages.

Despite the valuable role they play, remember to cleanse your hair catchers for optimal function regularly. Otherwise, they could become another cause for blocked drains!

When to Attempt DIY Solutions

Clearing a blocked drain at times may not necessarily require professional intervention. Several do-it-yourself techniques exist that help handle relatively minor blockages caused by hair and other substances.

A trusty tool you can always lean on during such situations is the plunger. By creating suction, it effortlessly dislodges minor clogs, enabling water to flow seamlessly down your drain again. But bear in mind that plungers are more suited for less stubborn clogs—moderate or severe blockages may require more muscle.

In instances of formidable hair clogs, a hand auger could serve as a handy companion. This tool, powered by its coiled wire, reaches deep into your drain system to pull out anything hindering the flow of water, including hair. Utilizing these tools correctly can lead to effective results, saving you both time and resources.

Recognizing Need for Professional Help

Whenever an individual faces a repeatedly clogging drain or finds all DIY techniques failing, it may be time for professional assistance. Having a persistent clog cleared by a plumber might cost between $100 to $200 depending on the region and severity of the blockage according to some statistics.

Getting professional help is not in vain. Plumbers are equipped with specialized equipment tailored to deal with even the harshest clogs—something your regular hand auger may not achieve.

A plumber’s skill set also discourages repeat clogging occurrences. A single visit from a certified plumber could bring forth long-term benefits, providing your drain system with the longevity it requires.

Role of Plumbers in Resolving Blockages

Plumbers play a crucial role in maintaining our everyday comfort by ensuring our home’s drainage system functions correctly. They bring along their arsenal of tools and knowledge to battle any drainage issue including hair-clogged drains. They account for significant service calls per year due to this specific issue.

Plumbers’ strategies in dealing with such issues may involve simple drain snaking or advanced video pipe inspection techniques. These efforts offer a non-invasive method that identifies exact problem areas; hence solving your drain problems effectively and quickly without causing any damage to your pipes.

The Long-Term Impact of Neglected Clogs

A common error among homeowners involves trivializing the issue of a blocked drain. Over time, hair and other substances continue accumulating in the drains. The result: increased pressure on your pipes which may lead to leaks, or even worse, pipe bursts.

Dealing with these extensive repairs can set you back financially. Moreover, the encrusted hair serves as a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, potential hazards to your health. Lastly, the continuous use of harmful chemical cleaners affects not only your pipes but also significant environmental ecosystems, causing lasting damage.

Ignoring such an issue contributes to an unhealthy home environment which could have been prevented in the first place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hair leading to blocked drains is a common issue faced by many households. Rather than becoming discouraged by this recurring problem, knowing the cause and implementing preventive measures can make a big difference. At times DIY solutions may prove useful but seeking professional help when necessary should never be overlooked. Remember that small steps taken today in managing drain hygiene can prevent larger problems down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often does hair cause blockages in drains?

Hair is one of the most common causes of blocked drains, particularly in bathrooms. The frequency of blockages will depend on factors such as the number of household members, length and type of hair, and if pets are bathed in the same area.

How can I prevent hair from blocking my drain?

Using a hair catcher or strainer over your drain can help reduce the amount of hair that goes down the drain. Frequently brushing or combing hair before washing can also help remove loose strands that might otherwise find their way down the drain.

Are chemical drain cleaners a good option for handling hair clogs?

Chemical drain cleaners can clear blockages quickly, but they also possess several drawbacks such as potentially corroding pipes and contributing to environmental pollution. Opting for enzymatic cleaners or mechanical methods might be a safer solution.

What are some household tools I can use to clear a hair clog?

Plungers and hand augers, also known as drain snakes are common household tools used to clear minor to moderate hair clogs in the drainage system.

When should I call a professional plumber to clear a hair clog?

If you’ve repeatedly tried to clear a hair clog with no success or are uncomfortable using the necessary tools, it’s a good idea to seek professional help. Unresolved blockages can lead to more expensive damage down the line.

What long-term impact can neglecting hair clogs have?

Ignoring the issue can lead to increased pressure in your pipes, potentially leading to leaks or bursts. Also, hair build-up can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, leading to health concerns. Additionally, continued use of chemical cleaners can significantly harm the environment.

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Dan's Plumbing

Bathroom Tips and Plumbing Content Team at Dan's Plumbing

Dan's Plumbing is one of Australia's leading emergency plumbing services. We deliver rapid plumbing service to many Australian cities including Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

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