Hair buildup in pipes may seem like a minor problem at first. However, they are actually a nightmare because they can quickly clog pipes and cause plumbing problems. This can lead to unpleasant odors, slow drains or large clogs that will require a professional plumber to carry out costly repairs. Fortunately, whether you’re a homeowner or renter, there are simple and effective tips for removing hair from your pipes and preventing blockages. Discover our practical tips for unblocking your pipes naturally and keeping your pipes in good working order.
If you have long hair, a big beard, or the habit of shaving in the shower or sink, you’ll love these techniques. In addition, buying a drain cleaner full of commercial chemicals does not always work optimally. Also, these alternative methods for obtaining the expected result and, moreover, which are not dangerous for the planet, are therefore timely!
How to remove hair that clogs the pipes?
1) Make a tool to catch hair in the pipes
Take a wire or a thin metal hanger unfolded by you. Next, form a loop at one end of the wire or a hook with the hanger. Insert this tool into the problematic pipe, then twist and pull out to extract any hair stuck in the pipes. In certain cases, depending on the configuration of the pipes, it is sometimes also possible touse tweezers to catch the faulty strands. If you opt for this solution, just make sure to clean and disinfect the tweezers before using them again on your skin!
2) Use baking soda and white vinegar
Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Leave it on for around 30 minutes before rinsing with hot water, or even boiling water if possible (avoid on fragile enamel). This method is not only effective, but also ecological and could not be more economical. It allows to dissolve hair and other debris without damaging your pipes.
3) Dishwashing liquid against hair in the pipes
You don’t have any baking soda or vinegar on hand? In this case, take your dishwashing detergent instead. Very effective for unclogging toilets, it can be very useful here too. To do this, fill a cup with a quarter of dishwashing liquid and pour it all down the troublesome drain. Then rinse with boiling water to melt and slide hair cap. Simple, quick, inexpensive and incredibly effective!
4) Soda crystals against hair in the pipes
Washing soda is a excellent natural alternative to caustic soda for unblocking the pipes. Non-toxic, this product should be poured directly into the blocked pipe. Allow about half a glass of soda crystals to then cover with a saucepan of vinegared water. Then let it sit for several hours before using the sink again and rinse with clean, hot water.
5) Citric acid, another possible solution
In addition to descaling, citric acid will unclog and degrease your pipes clogged in a single gesture. To do this, simply pour half a glass of citric acid and another amount of baking soda into the relevant pipe, then pour boiling water mixed with household vinegar. Then repeat the operation several times if necessary.
6) Use a plunger to dislodge hair from the pipes
Don’t limit it to troubleshooting clogged toilets! It can also be used for blocked sink pipes as well as for shower or bathtub drains. If you already have a blockage in your pipes, use a plunger to unclog them. Place the suction cup on the drain and pump several times in one go to vacuum up hair and debris. Repeat the operation several times if necessary and collect with a cloth everything that comes out of the siphon.
The most equipped can also use a ferret or a wet and dry vacuum cleaner.
How to prevent hair buildup in the pipes in the future?
Prevention is better than cure and adopt good, very easy habits to prevent annoying hair blockages!
1) Clean the drains regularly to prevent hair clumps
To prevent hair from building up in your pipes, clean the pipes regularly with boiling water. Simply pour in a pan boiling water once a week to remove hair and other debris that may accumulate. For regular maintenance, you can also use other natural methods like coffee grounds. No more need for chemical unblockers based on enzymes, bleach, caustic soda or hydrochloric acid which are very irritating and polluting!
2) Brush your hair before showering
Brush your hair before taking a shower or bath to reduce the number of hairs falling down the drain. If, however, some hairs come off during shampooing, you can hang them on the shower walls or the edge of the bathtub. So you can pick them up after washing.
3) Use a hair filter
A hair filter is a grid generally made of steel mesh which is placed on the drain of your bathtub or shower to catch hair before it falls into the drain. This prevents hair from building up and makes everyday cleaning much easier. Just remember to clean your hair trap regularly to prevent clogs and keep the water flowing smoothly.