How to Unclog Bathtub Drain Full of Hair: Easy Solutions

Plumbing

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// Posted by Eco Heating & Air Solutions, Inc.

Do you dread the frustration of a clogged bathtub drain, filled with stubborn hair? You're not alone. Bathtub drains often get clogged by soap scum, bathing products, and hair. But don't worry, there are easy ways to fix this common problem and clear your drain.

Key Takeaways

  • Hair is the main cause of clogged bathtub drains, especially in homes with long-haired people.
  • There are many ways to unclog drains, from DIY methods like baking soda and vinegar to professional help.
  • Using drain traps and cleaning the drain often can prevent future clogs.
  • Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to your plumbing, so natural options are safer.
  • Fixing a slow-draining bathtub quickly can stop it from getting worse.

Clean the Drain Stopper

Start by cleaning the drain stopper if your bathtub drain is clogged with hair. This part is often the main cause of the blockage. Remove the stopper and check it for hair and debris.

Remove Hair and Debris from Stopper

Use a screwdriver or your fingernails to lift the stopper out. Look at it and the area under it for hair or gunk. Use tweezers, a small brush, or your fingers to remove all hair and debris.

Flush with Hot Water

After cleaning the stopper, flush the drain with hot water. This helps remove any hair or debris stuck in the drain. Run the hot water for a minute, then check if the drain is clear.

Fixing a hair-clogged bathtub drain often starts with the drain stopper. Regular cleaning and a hot water flush can keep your drain clear.

Use a Drain Claw

Unclogging a bathtub drain full of hair is easier with the drain claw. This tool has an auger at the end, perfect for removing hair and debris from your drain pipe.

The drain claw bends and moves easily, great for reaching tough clogs. Insert it into the drain, guide it down, and snag the hair or debris. Then, pull it out to clear the blockage.

  1. Start by inserting the drain claw into the drain opening, carefully guiding it down the pipe.
  2. Slowly rotate the claw while pushing it deeper into the drain, allowing the auger to catch and grab onto the clogged material.
  3. Once you feel the claw has secured the debris, slowly pull it back up, bringing the clogged material with it.
  4. Repeat the process as needed until the drain is fully cleared.

Using a drain claw is a smart way to clear hair clogs from your bathtub drain. Its flexible design and deep reach make it a must-have for DIY plumbing tasks.

While the drain claw is a powerful tool, always be careful when using plumbing tools. If you run into trouble or the clog doesn't clear, it's wise to call a professional plumber for help.

Apply Chemical Drain Cleaner

If your bathtub drain is still clogged after trying simple fixes, you might need a chemical drain cleaner. These products are made to clear out tough hair and debris in your pipes. But, always use them with care and follow the safety steps.

Safety Precautions

Before using a chemical drain cleaner, put on protective gloves and work in a place with good airflow. These cleaners have strong chemicals that can be harmful if not handled right. Don't splash the solution on your skin or eyes, and never mix different cleaners, as it can make bad fumes.

Instructions for Use

  1. Read the label carefully and do what the maker says about the chemical drain cleaner you're using.
  2. Pour the amount of cleaner shown on the label into the clogged bathtub drain.
  3. Let the product sit for the time it says, usually 10-15 minutes.
  4. Then, run hot water down the drain to wash away the broken-up debris.
  5. If the drain is still blocked, repeat the steps until it's clear.

Remember, using chemical drain cleaners too much can harm your plumbing over time. Use them only when other ways to clear a clog don't work.

Try Natural Drain Cleaners

If you're facing a clogged bathtub drain full of hair, think about using natural drain cleaners. They are safe and work well. Baking soda and vinegar are great alternatives to harsh chemicals.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

The baking soda and vinegar method is easy and good for the planet. Start by pouring boiling water into the drain to dissolve hair and debris. Then, add 1/2 cup of baking soda, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar.

Let the mixture fizz for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with hot water. This natural cleaner is great at breaking down hair and soap scum that block drains. If it doesn't work the first time, you can try it again until the drain is clear.

For tough clogs, mix baking soda and salt and leave it overnight. Then, rinse with boiling water.

Choosing natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar is better for you and the planet. These homemade solutions dissolve pipe blockages without harming your pipes or the environment.

Keep your drains clear by using natural methods like the baking soda and vinegar method regularly. Also, brush your hair before showering and clean drain screens to prevent future clogs.

Plunge the Drain

If your bathtub drain is full of hair and you can't clear it, try using a plunger. This basic tool can create water pressure to clear clogged drain pipes.

To unclog your bathtub drain with a plunger, follow these steps:

  1. Fill your bathtub with hot water, about 2-3 inches deep.
  2. Place the plunger firmly over the clogged drain, creating a tight seal.
  3. Forcefully push the plunger down, then quickly pull it up. Repeat this 15-20 times.
  4. Check to see if the water is draining more easily. If the clog is still present, repeat the plunging process.
  5. Continue plunging until you feel the clogged hair coming out and the water starts draining efficiently.

Plunging can effectively unclog a bathtub drain full of hair by dislodging and breaking up the clog. With some effort and hot water, you might clear the drain without harsh chemicals or a plumber.

If plunging doesn't work, you can try other methods like a drain claw or chemical cleaners. But, a plunger is often the simplest and most effective way to plunge clogged bathtub drain.

Call a Professional Plumber

Are you having trouble with hair clogs in your bathtub drain? For minor blockages, DIY methods might work. But for tough clogs, it's best to call a professional plumber. They have the right tools and knowledge to clear even the toughest clogs for good.

Advantages of Hiring a Pro

Here are the benefits of getting a professional plumber to fix your bathtub drain:

  • Advanced Techniques: Plumbers use specialized tools like drain snakes and hydro-jets to quickly clear out debris.
  • Comprehensive Diagnosis: They can find the real cause of the clog, whether it's hair, soap scum, or something else.
  • Permanent Solutions: Plumbers fix the problem for good, not just temporarily.
  • Expertise and Experience: They know the best ways to clear different types of clogs, saving you time and effort.
  • Safety: Plumbers use safe methods when cleaning drains with harsh chemicals or complex procedures.

Don't risk damaging your pipes or wasting hours trying to fix the drain yourself. Think about hiring a professional plumber to unclog drain. They have the right tools and knowledge to solve your bathtub drainage problems fast and effectively.

How to Unclog Bathtub Drain Full of Hair

Bathtub drains often get clogged with hair, soap scum, and other stuff. This can cause slow draining or even a total blockage, leading to frustration and water damage. Luckily, there are ways to unclog a bathtub drain full of hair.

Start by cleaning the drain stopper or cover. Remove any hair and debris you see, then rinse with hot water to dissolve clumps. If it's still clogged, a drain claw might be what you need. It's a tool made to grab and remove hair from the drain.

For tough clogs, you might need a chemical drain cleaner. But, be careful with these products as they can harm pipes and skin. Or, try a natural mix of baking soda and vinegar. This combo can dissolve hair and soap scum clogs well.

If nothing works, you might need to plunge the drain or call a plumber. Plumbers have the right tools and knowledge to clear the clog for good. Regular maintenance, like using a hair trap or brushing your hair before showering, can also help keep your drain clear.

By following these steps, you can fix a bathtub drain clogged with hair and get your bathroom back to normal. Always put safety first and get professional help if the clog doesn't go away or gets worse.

Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

When your bathtub drain gets clogged with hair, try using baking soda and vinegar. This mix is a natural way to clear the blockage without harsh chemicals.

Begin by pouring boiling water down the drain. This heat helps melt and loosen the hair. Then, add about 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain.

After that, slowly pour 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain. Watch as the baking soda and vinegar mix, causing a fizzing reaction.

Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. This lets the chemical reaction break down the clog. The carbon dioxide produced helps dissolve the hair and debris. Finally, rinse the drain with hot water to clear everything out.

This baking soda and vinegar drain cleaner is a great, natural drain cleaning option. It's also an affordable homemade drain unclogger you can whip up at home.

Pull Out Hair with Tweezers

If plunging and using chemical drain cleaners don't work, try removing hair from the drain with tweezers. This method means taking off the drain cover and pulling out visible hair or debris. It helps clear the pipe.

Removing the Drain Cover

First, remove the drain cover. You might need a screwdriver for this, depending on the drain type. Once off, you can see the clogged area directly.

Next, use tweezers to carefully pull out hair or debris. Be careful not to push the clog deeper. Remove the hair slowly and thoroughly, aiming to clear as much blockage as you can.

  • Use tweezers to remove hair from drain
  • Take off the drain cover to access the clogged area
  • Carefully pull out the hair and debris causing the blockage

After removing as much clog as possible with tweezers, consider a baking soda and vinegar solution or a drain snake. These can help fully clear the drain and ensure water flows well again.

Use a Drain Snake

If you've tried melting the clog with baking soda and vinegar, plunging, and tweezers, a drain snake might help. A drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake, is great for breaking up hair clogs. It can also clean the walls of your drain line.

Types of Drain Snakes

There are many types of drain snakes for unclogging your bathtub drain. Here are some:

  • A simple wire hanger can be straightened and used as a makeshift drain snake to reach and remove clogs.
  • Specialized zip-it tools have barbed tips to grab and pull out hair and debris from drains.
  • Motorized drain snakes, or power plumbers snakes, use an electric motor to rotate and feed the cable into the drain, making unclogging easier.
  • Rigid auger drain snakes with a handheld crank are another choice for manually pushing the snake through the drain to break up clogs.

When using a drain snake to clear your bathtub, follow the instructions and safety tips. This can be a good way to get your drain working well again.

Remove and Clean the Drain

If all else fails, you can remove the entire drain for a deep clean. This is a more complex step, so try other methods first. It's best to avoid this unless you've tried everything else.

To clean a sink drain, unscrew the P-trap underneath. For a shower or tub drain, use a plug wrench to remove the cover. This lets you get to the drain's inner parts and clear out hair and debris.

Experts say about 90% of clogged bathtubs are from hair. By taking out the drain to clean, you can clear out this hair and debris. This helps fix the drainage issue.

Removing the drain for cleaning takes about 20 minutes. If the clog is hard, you might need to plunge or use a plumbing snake several times to clear it.

This method is more complex but can work for tough clogs. Just remember to be careful when taking out the drain to clean and removing the drain for maintenance.

When to Call a Plumber

If you've tried fixing your bathtub drain full of hair by yourself and it didn't work, it's time to get help from a professional plumber. Plumbers have the right tools and knowledge to clear even the toughest hair clogs. They can also find and fix any other plumbing problems to stop future clogs.

Here are some signs that your bathtub drain needs professional help:

  • The clog is not just in one drain but affects others too, showing a bigger issue.
  • You've tried using a drain claw, chemical cleaners, and natural methods like baking soda and vinegar, but the clog is still there.
  • Plunging and using a drain snake didn't work to clear the blockage.
  • You notice bad smells or slow draining in many fixtures, which means a bigger plumbing problem.

When DIY fixes don't work, it's best to call a professional plumber. They have the right tools and knowledge to quickly find and fix the issue, saving your plumbing from more damage. They can also give you tips on how to keep your drains clear and avoid future clogs, like regular cleaning and using drain traps.

A stubborn clog shouldn't turn into a bigger issue. Know when it's time to call a plumber and act fast to fix your bathtub's drainage.

Preventing Future Hair Clogs

Dealing with a clogged bathtub drain is never fun. But, you can take steps to prevent future hair clogs. By adopting simple habits, you can keep your drains flowing well and avoid unclogging them.

Brush Hair Before Showering

Brushing your hair before showering is a great way to prevent hair clogs. This simple step removes a lot of loose hair that would otherwise go down the drain. Taking a few extra minutes to brush your hair can really help keep your drains clear.

Install a Drain Hair Trap

Installing a drain hair trap is another effective way to prevent hair clogs. These devices fit over your bathtub or shower drain and catch hair before it goes into the pipes. Cleaning the hair trap regularly can greatly reduce the chance of a clogged drain. Drain hair traps are easy and affordable to use.

It's also smart to pour baking soda and vinegar down your drains every few months. This mix helps dissolve any buildup and keeps your pipes flowing well. By doing these things, you can avoid the trouble of a clogged bathtub drain in the future.

Maintain Drains Regularly

Keeping your drains clean is crucial to avoid clogs and keep your plumbing working well. Using baking soda and vinegar for regular drain cleaning can really help. This simple method is effective over time.

Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, then add a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for 30 minutes before rinsing with hot water. This cleaning routine breaks down soap scum and other blockages that can cause clogs.

Also, flushing your drain with hot water once a week can prevent clogs. The hot water's pressure might clear out any small blockages early on.

By following these regular drain maintenance tips, you can dodge the trouble of a clogged drain. Keeping your drains clean extends your plumbing's life and saves you time and money.

Prevention is the best way to keep drains healthy. By using these cleaning drains with baking soda and vinegar methods regularly, your drains will stay clear. This keeps your plumbing system working right.

Conclusion

Unclogging a bathtub full of hair can be frustrating. But, you can fix it with the right steps. Try cleaning the drain stopper, using a drain claw, or applying cleaners. You can also plunge the drain or remove the hair manually before calling a plumber.

Regular maintenance can prevent future clogs. Brush your hair before showering and consider installing a drain trap. These steps will help you avoid clogs and keep your plumbing working well.

If the clog is too hard or keeps coming back, call a professional plumber. They have the tools and knowledge to fix it right. With their help, you can keep your bathtub drain clear and enjoy a clean bathroom.

Electric Heat pump outside
About Eco Heating & Air Solutions, Inc.
Residential and light commercial heating, cooling, air quality, and plumbing are specialties at Eco Heating & Air Solutions, Inc. We provide home and business owners in Oak Ridge, TN and surrounding areas free estimates, service of all makes and models, and trusted solutions to everyday requirements.

We are an eco-friendly, award-winning company and uphold Better Business Bureau accreditation. Our team of professionals is NATE-certified, drug-free, and dedicated to earning your approval and loyalty.

FAQ

What are the steps to unclog a bathtub drain full of hair?

To unclog a bathtub drain full of hair, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the drain stopper and clean out any visible hair and debris.
  2. Use a drain claw tool to grab and remove hair buildup deep in the drain.
  3. Apply a chemical or natural drain cleaner, following the instructions carefully.
  4. Plunge the drain to dislodge the clog.
  5. If DIY methods don't work, call a professional plumber for assistance.

How can I use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a bathtub drain?

To unclog a bathtub drain with baking soda and vinegar:

  1. Pour some boiling water down the drain to melt the hair.
  2. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar.
  3. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to react and break down the clog.
  4. Flush the drain with hot water to clear any remaining debris.

How do I remove hair from the drain using tweezers?

To remove hair from the drain with tweezers:

  1. Remove the drain cover, which may require a screwdriver.
  2. Use the tweezers to carefully pull out any visible hair or debris clogging the drain.
  3. Make sure to remove all the hair and debris to fully clear the drain.

What are the benefits of calling a professional plumber to unclog a drain?

Calling a professional plumber has many benefits:

  1. Plumbers have the right tools and expertise to effectively remove even the toughest hair clogs.
  2. They can identify any underlying issues with the plumbing system and provide a permanent solution.
  3. Professional plumbers can work quickly and efficiently to get your drain flowing freely again.

How can I prevent future hair clogs in my bathtub drain?

To prevent future hair clogs, you can:

  1. Brush your hair before getting in the shower to remove loose strands.
  2. Install an inexpensive drain hair trap to catch hair before it goes down the drain.
  3. Regularly pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain to help break down buildup.

How often should I maintain my drains?

It's a good idea to maintain your drains regularly. Pouring baking soda and vinegar down your drains every few months can help break down soap scum, hair, and other buildup that can lead to clogs over time.

Electric Heat pump outside
About Eco Heating & Air Solutions, Inc.
Residential and light commercial heating, cooling, air quality, and plumbing are specialties at Eco Heating & Air Solutions, Inc. We provide home and business owners in Oak Ridge, TN and surrounding areas free estimates, service of all makes and models, and trusted solutions to everyday requirements.

We are an eco-friendly, award-winning company and uphold Better Business Bureau accreditation. Our team of professionals is NATE-certified, drug-free, and dedicated to earning your approval and loyalty.

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