Hair going down your bathtub drain is one of the most common plumbing problems in homes. When hair gets trapped in your pipes, it can create nasty clogs that stop water from flowing. But here’s the good news – you can easily prevent hair from going down the bathtub drain with some simple tricks that work every time.
Most people don’t realize that ignoring slow drains can lead to bigger problems later. When hair clumps together with soap and other stuff, it creates thick blockages that can be really hard to remove. The smart move is to stop hair from going down your drain before it becomes a problem.
Why Hair Clogs Happen in Your Bathtub Drain
Every day, the average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs naturally. When you’re washing your hair in the shower, many of these loose hairs fall out and go straight down the drain. Over time, this hair gets tangled up with soap scum, shampoo residue, and other debris to create a thick mass that blocks your pipes.
The problem gets worse because hair doesn’t break down easily in water. Unlike other organic materials, hair can sit in your pipes for months or even years. When you add soap and shampoo to the mix, it acts like glue that holds everything together. This is why knowing how to prevent hair from going down the bathtub drain is so important for every homeowner.
Install a High-Quality Drain Hair Catcher
The best way to prevent hair from going down the bathtub drain is to catch it before it enters your pipes. A good drain hair catcher sits over your drain and traps hair while letting water flow through. You can find these at any hardware store for around $10 to $15.
Look for a hair catcher with small holes that can trap even fine hair. The EPA recommends proper drain maintenance as part of keeping your home’s plumbing system healthy. Some popular types include mesh screens, rubber covers, and dome-shaped catchers that sit inside the drain.
Remember to clean your hair catcher after every shower. Pull out the trapped hair and throw it in the trash. If you don’t clean it regularly, the hair can build up and make water drain slowly, which defeats the purpose of having a catcher in the first place.
Brush Your Hair Before Getting in the Shower
Here’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference – brush your hair thoroughly before you get in the shower. This removes loose hairs that would otherwise fall out during washing. It’s much easier to clean hair from your brush than to fish it out of your drain later.
For people with curly hair, try brushing when your hair is slightly damp but before you start your shower routine. This helps prevent damage while still removing loose strands. Make sure everyone in your family knows about this tip, especially if you have teenagers with long hair.
Professional plumbers say this one habit can reduce drain clogs by up to 70%. It only takes a minute but saves you from dealing with expensive drain cleaning and repair services later.
Use the Shower Wall Method
When you’re washing your hair and loose strands come out on your hands, don’t let them go down the drain. Instead, stick them to the shower wall while you finish washing. The hair will stick to wet tiles easily, and you can collect it all when you’re done.
This method works great because it keeps hair completely out of your drain system. When you’re finished showering, simply wipe the hair off the wall and throw it in the trash. It might seem a little gross at first, but it’s way better than dealing with a clogged drain.
Some people prefer to collect the hair on a small shelf or corner of the tub instead of the wall. Either way works fine – the important thing is keeping that hair away from your drain opening.
Consider Switching to Liquid Soap Products
Bar soap creates more residue that can trap hair in your drain. When you switch to liquid soap or body wash, you reduce the amount of soap scum that builds up in your pipes. Less soap scum means hair has less stuff to stick to, so it’s more likely to wash away instead of forming clogs.
Look for soap-free body washes that don’t leave as much residue behind. These products clean just as well but create less buildup in your plumbing system. Health experts recommend using gentler cleaning products that are better for both your family and your home’s systems.
If you prefer bar soap, make sure to rinse the tub thoroughly after each use to wash away any soap residue that could trap hair later.
Regular Drain Maintenance and Flushing
Even with the best prevention methods, some hair will still make it into your drain. That’s why regular maintenance is key to preventing bigger problems. Once a week, flush your drain with hot water to wash away any small amounts of hair and soap buildup.
For deeper cleaning, use a natural enzyme-based drain cleaner once a month. These products use helpful bacteria to break down hair, soap scum, and other organic materials without damaging your pipes. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners that can corrode your plumbing over time.
The Solid Care Plan includes regular drain maintenance for just $144 per year. This preventive approach helps catch small problems before they become expensive emergencies. Professional maintenance can spot issues early and keep your whole plumbing system running smoothly.
What Not to Put Down Your Drain
Besides hair, there are other things that make drain clogs worse. Never put coffee grounds, cooking grease, or thick lotions down your bathroom drain. These materials can combine with hair to create even tougher blockages.
According to EPA guidelines, harsh chemicals like drain cleaners, household chemicals, and oils should never go down any drain. These substances can harm the helpful bacteria in your septic system and damage your pipes.
Stick to flushing only water, soap, and shampoo down your bathtub drain. Everything else should go in the trash or be disposed of properly. This simple rule helps keep your drains flowing freely and prevents expensive repair bills.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Sometimes, even with the best prevention efforts, you might still end up with a clogged drain. If water is draining very slowly or not at all, it’s time to call for help. Don’t wait until water starts backing up into your tub – that means the clog is already pretty bad.
Professional plumbing repair experts have special tools like drain snakes and hydro-jetting equipment that can remove tough clogs safely. They can also check for bigger problems in your pipes that might be causing repeated blockages.
If you notice bad smells coming from your drain, multiple drains backing up at once, or gurgling sounds when water goes down, these could be signs of a serious problem that needs professional attention right away.
Understanding Your Home’s Drain System
Different homes have different types of plumbing systems, and understanding yours helps you prevent problems better. Older homes often have narrower pipes that clog more easily, while newer homes usually have wider pipes that handle debris better.
If you live in an older house, you might need to be extra careful about what goes down your drains. Consider having a camera line inspection done to see the condition of your pipes and spot potential trouble areas.
Houses with septic systems need special attention because clogs can affect the whole system’s function. EPA’s SepticSmart program provides helpful information about maintaining septic systems and keeping drains clear.
The Cost of Prevention vs. Repair
Spending a few dollars on a drain hair catcher and taking simple prevention steps costs way less than dealing with major clogs later. Professional drain cleaning can cost $100 to $300, while replacing damaged pipes can cost thousands of dollars.
Think about it this way – a $15 hair catcher that you clean regularly can prevent hundreds of dollars in emergency repairs. Regular maintenance and prevention always cost less than fixing big problems after they happen.
Many homeowners learn this lesson the hard way when they have to deal with water damage from overflowing drains or expensive pipe replacement due to years of neglect. Don’t let that happen to you – start preventing hair clogs today.
Teaching Good Habits to Your Family
Getting everyone in your household to follow these hair prevention tips is crucial for long-term success. Teach kids to brush their hair before showering and show them how to use the shower wall method to collect loose strands.
Make cleaning the hair catcher part of the regular bathroom cleaning routine. When everyone knows their part in keeping drains clear, you’ll have fewer problems overall. Consider posting a simple reminder near the shower about brushing hair first and collecting loose strands.
If you have guests staying over, let them know about your drain protection efforts. Most people are happy to help once they understand how easy it is to prevent problems.
Natural Solutions for Minor Clogs
If you do end up with a small amount of hair in your drain, you can try some natural removal methods before calling a professional. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve minor buildups, though this method works better for preventing clogs than removing big ones.
Pour hot water down the drain weekly to keep things flowing smoothly. This simple step helps wash away soap residue and small amounts of hair before they can form larger clogs. Just make sure the water isn’t boiling hot if you have PVC pipes, as extreme heat can damage them.
For stubborn clogs, you might need to remove the drain stopper and manually pull out hair with tweezers or needle-nose pliers. Always wear gloves and be gentle to avoid damaging your drain or pipes.
Conclusion: Simple Steps for a Hair-Free Drain
Preventing hair from going down the bathtub drain doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a good hair catcher, some smart habits like brushing before showering, and regular maintenance, you can keep your drains flowing freely for years to come.
Remember that prevention is always easier and cheaper than dealing with major clogs later. These simple steps take just a few minutes but can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs and the hassle of dealing with backed-up drains.
If you’re already dealing with slow drains or suspect you have a clog forming, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact the experienced team at Solid Plumbing & Drains for professional help. We serve homeowners throughout San Diego County with reliable plumbing services and can help you get your drains flowing properly again.
