Why Hair & Shower Drains Don’t Mix

There are a number of things that can cause clogged drains. However, regardless of where you live, hair is a common cause of drain clogging. Whether it is the long, luscious locks of women or the shorter hair typically sported by men, hair shedding significantly contributes to clogged drains. Clogging of the shower drain can be caused by short hair as much as it can become clogged by long hair. Therefore, the common misconception that women are solely responsible for hair clogs is simply not true. Even if there are no long hairs making regular trips down the drain, it is still a possibility that the drain can become clogged. In fact, pet owners who bathe their dogs at home will contribute to hair clogs as well. This is largely because of how clogged drains are formed. Oily deposits from our bodies, soaps and other sources are primarily responsible for clogging. The deposits are sticky and as such, solid particles that go down the drain could potentially become stuck. Once they get stuck, an additional surface area is created to trap even more deposits. This will create an even bigger clog.

How Does Hair Clog Drains?

Hair is perfect for creating clogs. As soon as it becomes stuck, it is naturally transformed into a hydro-dynamic shape. This is an indication that the water flowing through the pipes will not easily dislodge it. In addition, hair provides a number of other surfaces on which oil deposits can become stuck. There is no foolproof method for keeping shower drains free of hair. However, there are measures that can be taken to decrease the amount that still gets into the drains. Below are some things that can be done to manage the problem:

How To Prevent Hair From Clogging Up Your Shower

These provide a fast and simple method of keeping most of the hair out of the drains. Even though a lot of homeowner do not realize the volume of hair that falls over time, the amount is quite significant. Drain strainer can be used to prevent a majority of the hair from going down and causing clogged shower drains. Best of all, the strainers are affordable, easy to maintain and easy to use. In addition, using drain strainers will make the bathtub a lot easier to clean as well. Both permanent and temporary drain strainer options are available.

 

How To Remove Hair From Your Drain

If your drain still becomes clogged, there are some home remedies that can be used to rectify the situation. These include:

• Flooding the drain with boiling water. Salt can then be added to break up the clog.
• Combining vinegar and baking soda and pour it down the drain. Leave for a few minutes to foam and then pour boiling water to wash it all down and loosen the clog.
• Using a closet auger, which is a thin, long tube equipped with bristles or hook at one end. The bristled or hooked end is designed to grip and remove the clog.

These are just a few methods that can be used to get rid of a clogged drain. If you have a clog that seems impossible to get rig of, then you might have to contact a professional plumber to help you out. For a professional plumber in your area, Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, quality service. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

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