Can Hair Block A Drain?

Introduction to hair and drain clogs

Hair buildup in pipes often leads to blockages and water backup. This common problem can escalate from a minor inconvenience to serious drainage issues if ignored.

When hair strands enter shower and sink drains, they can form blockages over time, impeding water flow.

At Mortdale Plumbing, we recognize the frustrations caused by clogged drains. We use specialised tools, techniques, and occasional drain cleaner products to remove hair buildup and get your water flowing freely again. Trust us to tackle any hair-clogged drain swiftly and efficiently.

Our seasoned plumbers are well-versed in resolving a variety of hair-induced blockages and drainage complications.

This guide will cover the journey of hair into drains, how to spot a hair clog, and strategies to eliminate and prevent these blockages. Continue reading to discover how to keep your drains clear of troublesome hair buildup.

What causes hair to clog drains

Hair is one of the most common causes of clogged drains and whenever it goes down drain, it increases the risk of blockages. What happens when hair falls out naturally or is washed down the drain is, strands can get caught in pipe joints and connections. when hair goes down the drain and accumulates, it tangles and binds together with soap scum, grease, and other debris to form a dense mass that blocks water flow.

Your shower drains and bathroom sink drain are particularly prone to hair build up. Hair clogs can arise even from kitchen activities where hair from cleaning can block drains.

During shampooing, broken strands can enter the drain, where weakened plumbing with aged pipes or those compromised by tree roots and structural damages capture hair more readily.

Even short hair can accumulate and eventually clog your pipes.

Long hair clumps more readily due to its tendency to tangle as it goes down drains.

To prevent costly plumbing repairs, it’s crucial to regularly clear hair from your bathroom sink and drains. Simple steps like using drain screens, avoiding letting hair go down the drain, and regularly flushing pipes with baking soda or vinegar can help get rid of problematic clogs from accumulating in your pipes before they occur.

Signs you have a hair clog

Common indicators of a hair clog in your shower drain include:

• A slowdown in water drainage often indicates hair buildup impeding pipe flow. You’ll notice sinks and tubs draining sluggishly.
• Gurgling noises emanating from drains. The water is trying to force its way past the clog, causing a gurgling noise.
• Water backing up. As the drainage gets blocked, water can start coming back up the drain or overflowing.
• Sinks and tubs not draining at all. This happens when hair, soap scum, and debris create a severe clog, and your drains may stop draining water altogether.
• Unpleasant odours from drains. Excess water and debris sitting in pipes create smells.
• Dripping faucets. Small amounts of water may leak out with a partial clog.

For persistent or severe clogs, Mortdale Plumbing’s expert team is equipped to rapidly clear even the most stubborn hair blockages.

Begin with DIY approaches such as using a drain snake, baking soda with vinegar, or manual extraction to unclog your shower. If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely you have blocked drains forming due to hair. Promptly removing hair from drains is crucial to prevent extensive backup and damage to your bath or shower.

Preventing hair clogs

There are several effective ways prevent hair clogs and keep your drains flowing freely:

• Fit drain screens or covers to intercept hair before it enters your plumbing system. These devices fit over sink and tub drains for effective hair removal before hair can go down the pipe. Just clean them out periodically to prevent hair particles from making their way into your plumbing system.
• Brush or comb your hair before showering to collect loose strands and prevent them from entering the drain.
• Take steps to stop hair from entering your drains to begin with. Collect shed strands with a paper towel or trash can.
• You can also use drain strainers in your hair shower and sinks. They catch debris and are easy to clean.
• Regularly clear pipes by flushing with boiling water and soda vinegar mixtures. This helps clear out accumulated hair.
• Employ mild chemical drain cleaners monthly to dissolve hair and break up oil and soap buildup that binds hair.
• Have a professional drain cleaning regularly, especially if you have recurring clogs. A plumber can thoroughly clean your pipes.

With some diligent hair catching and pipe maintenance, you can help minimise hair blockages. But if a clog does occur, don’t hesitate to call the experts at Mortdale Plumbing. Our skilled technicians have the specialised tools and methods to unclog hair blockages quickly and efficiently.

Removing hair clogs

To tackle a hair clog in your drain, consider these steps:

1. Use a drain snake. Insert a metal drain snake into the drain and twist it to hook onto and pull out trapped hair. Work the snake down the drain until water starts flowing freely again.
2. Try a wire coat hanger. Unbend the hanger and shape one end into a small hook. Reach down the drain as far as you can and try to hook hair clumps and pull them out.
3. Plunge it out. Fill the tub or sink with water, then forcefully plunge up and down to unclog the tub drain.
4. Boil water. Heat a pot of water to boiling, then slowly pour down the drain. This can help dissolve hair and grease buildup.
5. Use baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1⁄2 cup baking soda followed by one cup heated white vinegar to unclog hair drain blockage. The reaction will help break up the hair drain clog.
6. Enlist a pro. For a severe clogged shower drain or recurring clogs, call a professional plumber. They have high-pressure tools to thoroughly clear hair, grime and buildup from your pipes.

With some diligent maintenance and occasional deep cleaning, you can keep hair from accumulating in your hair drains and causing clogs in your bathroom and kitchen pipes. But if you have a stubborn hair clog that resist DIY efforts, the experts at Mortdale Plumbing have all the professional tools and know-how to get your drains flowing freely again.

Household remedies for hair clogs

There are several household items you likely already have on hand that can help dissolve and dislodge hair clogs:

• Baking soda - Pour 1⁄2 cup down the drain followed by 1 cup heated white vinegar. The chemical reaction can break up hair and grease, which is one of the few things you can do to tackle clogs.
• Salt - Pour 1⁄2 cup salt into drain, let sit for a few minutes, then follow with boiling water to help dissolve hair and residue.
• Vinegar - Heat up undiluted white vinegar and slowly pour it down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with hot water.
• Boiling water - Carefully pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to melt hair and grease clogs.

When using household mixtures to clear drains, take safety precautions - wear gloves and eye protection, never mix chemicals, and use proper ventilation. Start with small amounts first to avoid any reactions. You can repeat treatments weekly as part of your drain maintenance.

For severe hair clogs, call in a professional plumber like Mortdale Plumbing. Our experts have industrial strength tools and methods to clear even the toughest hair blockages quickly and effectively.

Using plungers and snakes

Plungers and plumber’s snakes are two common tools homeowners can use to remove hair clogs from drains themselves.

Using a Plunger

Starting with a cup plunger can be an effective method to clear a hair-clogged sink, tub, or shower drain. Here’s how to use one properly to get hair out drain:

1. Make sure to fill the tub or sink with a few inches of water.
2. Firmly place the plunger cup over the drain opening to form a tight seal.
3. Apply vigorous up-and-down plunging motions, 10-15 times, to dislodge the hair and prevent a full clog. This creates suction to help dislodge the clog.
4. Remove the plunger and let the water drain. Rinse with hot water.
5. Repeat until the drain is cleared. It may take several plunging attempts to fully dislodge a stubborn hair mass.

Using a Plumber’s Snake

A metal plumber’s snake (or drain auger) can hook onto hair clumps and remove them. Follow these steps:

1. Insert the end of the snake into the drain opening as far as it will go.
2. Crank the handle clockwise while applying light downward pressure to work the snake further into the pipes.
3. Once you feel resistance, twist the snake to hook into the clog then crank clockwise while pulling up to dislodge hair.
4. Remove any hair or debris from the snake, then repeat the process until water flows freely.

Persistence is key - multiple attempts may be needed to remove a significant hair clog with a snake. Get professional help for drains that won’t unclog. A plumber has powerful motorised snakes that can thoroughly clean out pipes.

Calling a professional plumber

Minor hair clogs can usually be resolved with home remedies, but persistent or serious blockages often necessitate professional intervention. Here are some signs it’s time to call a plumber to handle your drain clog:

• DIY methods haven’t worked. If snakes, plungers, chemicals and boiling water fail to open the drain, the clog is likely too extensive for self-repair.
• Water backups and overflows occur. Serious backup requires powerful equipment to clear.
• You have stubborn clogs that keep returning. There may be a larger issue that needs a pro-grade inspection and repair.
• Leaks, cracks, or other damages become apparent. A clog may have caused pipe issues needing professional service.
• The clog is deep in the main line. Only high-pressure professional drain cleaning can clear this fully.

At Mortdale Plumbing, we have heavy duty power snakes, water jets and suction equipment that can clear even the most severe hair and debris clogs from drains and pipes. Our licenced plumbers will thoroughly clean the drain system and identify any underlying issues to prevent future clogging.

For expert hair clog removal or drain blockage issues, contact Mortdale Plumbing at 1300 349 338 or via email at jobs@mortdaleplumbingservices.com.au. We operate 24/7 for emergency plumbing services. Trust us to get your drains smoothly flowing again.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hair buildup commonly leads to clogged drains and plumbing concerns in your residence. Regular drain maintenance by flushing with hot water, a baking soda vinegar mixture also helps prevent buildup.

Strands of hair can accumulate over time and bind with soap residue and grime to form dense clogs that block water flow. It’s important to be proactive and take measures to catch hair your before it reaches the drain, such as utilising drain screens and hair catchers.

Manual techniques such as drain snakes, plungers and boiling water can effectively extract hair from shower clogs.

For swift and efficient resolution of blocked drains, reach out to us on 1300 349 338.

Understanding the sources of hair clogs, taking preventive actions, and using appropriate removal techniques can help maintain clear drains. Contact Mortdale Plumbing if you have any persistent drain blockages - we’re here to help get your pipes and water flowing freely again.