All too often, there is a wad of hair in the drain. Getting the hair out of the drain, once it is in there, is a process that does not have to be complicated, and it does not have to cause damage. Chances are that the drain is letting off a terrible smell, and that is because decomposing hair, build up of soap, and other scum has formed, lodged itself in your drain, and will sit there smelling awful until you do something about it. Most likely, you can get the hair out of your drain without having to use expensive chemicals. Below is one way to remove the hair and grime from your drain using common household items.
How to Get the Hair Out of Your Drain
- Remove the drain cover, being careful not to drop any screws down the drain. Using rubber gloves, clean the drain cover of any accumulated hair.
- Use a metal coat hanger to create a hook.
- Use this newly formed hook to fish out any debris lodged in the shower drain.
- Have an old plastic grocery bag handy to catch the mess.
- You will want to tie the bag quickly to avoid the odor.
- Collect these three things: baking soda, vinegar and a rag, and have them ready at hand.
- Pour the baking soda into the drain.
- Pour the vinegar down the drain immediately after.
- As soon as you are finished with the baking soda, plug the drain with the rag (the baking soda and vinegar will react to form a bubbling concoction that will bust up, and clean the hair/odor).
- Wait twenty minutes with the rag in the drain.
- Bring a few gallons of water to a boil.
- Remove the rag and gently pour the boiling water down the drain.
- Run clear water from the shower to test if the drain is running clear (if the drain is not running clear, repeat the process, or call us).
- Open the window to allow fresh air into your bathroom.
There may be a need to repeat the process the next day if any odor persists. If any problems occur during this process, or this seems too involved for you to tackle, please feel free to give the experts at Done Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric a call. We are available 7 days a week to handle any plumbing emergency that you may encounter.
