Is your water draining slowly? Do you have murky water backing up into your bathtub? Is there a less-than-pleasant smell coming from somewhere in your bathroom?

You could have a hair drain clog.

Hair drain clogs are a pretty common problem, and fortunately, there are ways to prevent (and fix!) them. At JW Plumbing, Heating and Air, we’re your friendly local professional hair-drain-clog busters, and we’re here to help you do just that.

First Things First: What Causes a Hair Drain Clog Anyway?

Hair drain clogs happen when loose hair, either from shampooing or shaving, along with other debris like chunks of soap and dirt, accumulate and block the drain–and subsequently, your water.

How long it takes a hair drain clog to form can vary. The amount of hair and other debris that finds its way into the drain, how often the drain is used, what your pipes are made of, and the location of the obstruction all play a role in how quickly a water-blocking mass can form. Some clogs form over a month or two, while others form in a matter of weeks!

How Do You Know If You Have a Hair Drain Clog?

So, how do you know if you’ve got a mass of your mane down the drain? Here are a couple of telltale signs:

  • Your water is draining slow, slow, slow. When your hair starts to form a mass in your drain, the water will drain more slowly the bigger it grows. So, if you find yourself standing in standing water while you’re trying to rinse off, it’s a sure sign that something is clogging your drain, and it’s likely hair.
  • Not-the-best odors. Bathrooms are known for all kinds of smells, but if you’ve got an unpleasant, musky odor around your sink or shower, you could have a hair drain clog. Not only will hair drain clog eventually decompose, but the mass will trap water that is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms which can make a bad smell even worse.

And, keep in mind that a clog that forms closer to the drain’s surface will typically form more quickly than those further down in the pipes, so depending on where a clog is beginning to develop, you may notice these signs sooner than later.

How to Reduce Hair Clogging

No one wants to pull clumps of decomposing hair out of their drain, so let’s talk prevention. Here’s how you can avoid a pesky hair drain clog:

Go For a Pre-Shower Brush

One way to keep hair out of your drain is to get rid of as much of it as you can beforehand! Tame your mane before hopping into the shower so that your hair sheds less easily. Or, invest in a shower cap if you aren’t going to be washing your hair. After your shower, remove any loose hairs from your shower walls or tub.

Use a Drain Cover

Perhaps one of the best (and most simple!) ways to prevent a hair drain clog is to catch the hairs before they get to the drain itself. A drain cover is inexpensive, easy to use, and most importantly, effective. You can find a drain cover at most home improvement stores or big box stores like Walmart or Target.

Don’t Overdo the ‘Do

Too much hair gel, mousse, or soap can contribute to a drain hairball. Minimizing the use of these products can help keep your drain clean and clear.

Flush Your Drains

If you don’t want to see a slowdown with your drain, flush it with hot water, vinegar, and baking soda as a part of routine maintenance. This can keep a hair drain clog from forming.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to your plumbing systems.

How to Clear Hair Clogs

Haven’t taken preventative measures and drains showing signs of a slowdown? We’ve got several remedies for removing hair drain clogs:

Invest in a Drain Cleaner

Both organic and chemical drain cleaners can help get rid of hair drain clogs. Pour the solution into the drain overnight, and flush it down with hot water in the morning.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to your plumbing systems.

Use Your Plunger

Plungers aren’t just limited to toilets. Place your plunger over the drain and pull up quickly to create suction. This can dislodge and break up a hair drain clog. You may have to repeat this process a few times before you see water beginning to move, similar to plunging a toilet.

Regularly Flush Drains

When it doubt, flush! Flushing is a great preventative measure, but it also works for existing clogs. If you suspect a hair drain clog, flush your drains with hot water to try to break up the mass.

Call a Plumber

DIY just not doing it? It’s time to call the pros. A plumbing issue can get worse–quickly. Especially when it involves something used as frequently as your shower. If the home remedies aren’t working or your water is backed up entirely, a call to the plumber is the best course of action.

Don’t Let Your Drain Have a Bad Hair Day

Got a clog that just won’t budge? We can help! At JW Plumbing, Heating and Air, we pride ourselves on speedy, efficient clog-clearing that doesn’t break the bank. Give us a call today and schedule an appointment!

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