Free-Flowing Sinks:
A Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Hair Clogs Having issues with clogged drains due to hair buildup ?
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to clear hair clogs for free-flowing sinks.
We’ve all been there – you notice the water is draining slower than usual, leaving behind strands of hair.
Before you know it, water starts pooling in the sink with nowhere to go. Hair tends to accumulate over time, sticking to soap scum and grease on the pipes. Fortunately, hair clogs can be prevented and removed with some simple tools and techniques.
So skip the harsh chemicals and expensive plumber calls – this method using common household items will have your sink draining freely again.
Why Do Hair Clogs Happen?
Hair sheds naturally wherever there is frequent grooming – including the bathroom sink. Rubbing against pipe walls, loose hair sticks to any soap scum, toothpaste, or oils that coat the drains. Over time, more loose strands combine to form a tangled mass that blocks water flow.
Preventing Hair Clog Buildup
While some hair shedding is inevitable, you can take steps to prevent excessive clogging :
- Use hair catchers – Strainers of various sizes trap hair before entering pipes.
- Avoid letting hair go down drains – Properly dispose of loose strands after grooming.
- Limit hair products – Oils and conditioners encourage hair to stick.
- Pour boiling water weekly – Helps dissolve oils and keeps pipes clear.
- Use enzyme drain cleaner monthly – Breaks down buildup.
Materials Needed to Remove Hair Clogs Before tackling a clogged drain, assemble these supplies :
- Drain snake/auger – Unclogs tangled hair near the drain opening.
- Zip-It drain cleaning tool – Extracts hair further down pipes.
- Baking soda and vinegar – Chemical reaction dissolves buildup.
- Wet/dry shop vacuum – Sucks up loosened debris.
- Bucket – Catches water when dismantling pipes.
- Wrench – Loosens slip joints if needed.
Try a Drain Snake First
A drain snake is ideal for removing hair clogs close to the drain. Feed several inches of the barbed wire end down the opening and twist clockwise as you push and pull. This will snag the mass of hair and pull it out.
Use a Zip-It Drain Cleaning Tool
If a drain snake doesn’t solve the problem, the clog is likely further down the pipe. A Zip-It tool is designed to latch onto hair and pull it out. Insert it as far as possible into the drain – at least 12 inches – rotate clockwise, then remove. Repeat until water starts flowing.
Use Baking Soda & Vinegar Prior To Plunging It
For stubborn clogs, baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve the mass. Pour 1⁄2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup heated white vinegar – it will fizz and react with buildup. Let sit 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Apply Baking Soda and Vinegar
For stubborn clogs, baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve the mass. Pour 1⁄2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup heated white vinegar – it will fizz and react with buildup. Let sit 30 minutes then flush with hot water.
Try a Drain Plunger
After allowing the baking soda and vinegar treatment to work, use a standard sink plunger to try to dislodge the clog. Plunge vigorously 15-20 times in quick succession. Repeat a few times. This pressure can help push the loosened clog through.
Use a Drain Snake
If plunging fails, a drain snake is ideal for removing hair clogs close to the drain. Feed several inches of the barbed wire end down the opening and twist clockwise as you push and pull. This will snag the mass of hair and pull it out.
Remove It With Tweezers
Step 1: Remove Hair with Tweezers
If you can see hair strands in or near the drain opening, use tweezers to carefully remove the visible hair. This quick fix takes just a few seconds and avoids pushing hair further down into the pipe.
Step 2: Apply Baking Soda and Vinegar
For stubborn clogs deeper than the drain opening, baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve the mass. Pour 1⁄2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup heated white vinegar – it will fizz and react with buildup. Let sit 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Step 3: Try a Drain Plunger
After allowing the baking soda and vinegar treatment to work, use a standard sink plunger to try to dislodge the clog…
When to Call a Professional
While the above techniques work for most simple hair clogs, calling a plumber may be needed if:
- Multiple drains are backed up
- Sink is completely clogged with no drainage
- Clogs persist after following these steps
- Pipes need accessed behind walls
The occasional slow drain is normal. But by understanding what causes hair clogs and learning DIY removal, you can minimize plumbing disasters. With some consistent care, your sinks and pipes will stay free-flowing.
How To Avoid Hair Clogs In Your Drain
What Causes Annoying Hair Clog Buildup ?
It’s normal for hair to shed down bathroom sinks during grooming. But over time, the strands accumulate and get trapped by soap scum and oils lining the pipes. More loose hair gets ensnared, eventually forming a tightly-wound mass that blocks water flow.
While you can’t prevent normal shedding, you can take measures to stop the loose hair from forming nasty clogs.
Daily Tips to Minimize Hair Down the Drain
Adjusting a few daily habits can make a big difference in prevention:
Wipe Out the Sink After Grooming
After brushing hair, shaving, tweezing, etc., take an extra minute to wipe stray strands and residue from the basin using toilet paper or paper towels. Toss hair and debris straight into the trash rather than rinsing down.
Dispose of Loose Hair Properly
Never allow bundles of hair trimmings or strands to be flushed down toilets or sinks. Always place hair waste directly into the garbage.
Limit Hair Product Usage
Oils, gels, mousse and conditioners encourage hair to stick to pipes, making clogs more likely. Go lighter on these products or switch to more natural options when possible.
Use a Hair Catcher Strainer
A hair catcher is a reusable strainer device placed over sink and tub drains to trap shed strands before they go down the pipe. Just empty human-hair accumulations into the trash regularly.