Post By Admin
February 2, 2025Hair buildup is one of the most common reasons for sink and shower drain blockages, and ignoring it can lead to bigger plumbing headaches!
Luckily, there are plenty of simple and effective ways to get hair out of the drain.
Today, we’ll cover five ways on how to get hair out of the sink drain so you can get your water flowing freely again.
And if the clog is too stubborn? Don’t worry — our blocked drain specialists are always an option for serious backups!
5 Best Techniques for Getting Hair Out of Your Drains
This section presents a few methods you can try to fix a hair-clogged sink in your bathroom:
1. Use a Drain Snake
Drain snake (also called a plumber’s snake or auger) is a handy tool designed to pull out hair and other debris stuck in your pipes.
Simply insert the snake into the drain, twist it around, and pull it back up. You might be surprised (and a little grossed out) by how much hair comes out!
If you don’t have a professional drain snake, a simple DIY alternative is to straighten out a wire hanger, create a small hook at the end, and use it to fish out the hair.
It’s a quick and easy way to unclog hair from the drain without using chemicals.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of the most popular natural solutions for clearing drains is the baking soda and vinegar method.
This combination creates a fizzing reaction that helps break down hair and other organic matter. Here’s how to do it:
- Pour about half a cup of baking soda into the drain.
- Follow it up with one cup of vinegar.
- Let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes as it foams and dissolves buildup.
- Flush the drain with hot water to wash everything away.
This method is great for cleaning hair out of the sink drain without harsh chemicals and is a good way to prevent clogs before they become a bigger problem.
3. Boiling Water
If the clog isn’t too severe, this method can come in handy for minor clogs. Using boiling water can help melt away soap scum and loosen hair clumps.
However, note that this method can damage your pipes if used too often.
- Boil a pot of water.
- Carefully pour it down the sink in two or three stages, allowing the hot water to work through the clog.
- Run warm water from the tap to see if the drain is clearing.
4. Try a Wet/Dry Vacuum
A wet/dry vacuum can help as well. Set it to liquid mode, create a tight seal over the drain with the hose, and turn it on.
The suction can help pull out clumps of hair and debris stuck inside the pipes.
5. Use Your Fingers or a Wire Hook
If the clog is near the surface, you might be able to remove the hair with your fingers (don’t forget gloves!).
For deeper clogs, grab a wire hanger and straighten it out, leaving a small hook at the end. Carefully insert it into the drain, twist it around, and pull the hair out.
FAQ about Getting Hair Out of Sink Drains
Let’s go over some of the most commonly asked questions and clear up any doubts you might have!
How do you dissolve a hair blocking drain?
If pulling out the hair manually isn’t working, you can try baking soda and vinegar to break down the clog naturally.
Another option is an enzyme-based drain cleaner, which is designed to dissolve organic matter like hair without damaging your pipes.
Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners too often, as they can corrode your plumbing over time.
What is the fastest way to get hair out of a drain?
The quickest way to clean hair out of a sink drain is to use a drain snake or a wire hanger to physically remove the clog.
If you don’t have these tools, try using a plunger or flushing the drain with boiling water to break up minor blockages.
How Often Should I Clean My Drains to Prevent Hair Clogs?
Try cleaning your drains at least once a month. Regularly using baking soda and vinegar, or flushing with boiling water, can help keep hair from building up over time.
Regular maintenance, such as installing drain covers and cleaning your pipes monthly, will also help prevent future blockages.
Conclusion
If your sink is still clogged with hair despite trying these solutions, it might be time to call in professional help.
At Neighbourhood Plumbing, our plumbers are ready to tackle even the toughest drain blockages.
Contact us today by calling our number at 0488 885 122 and check out our other blogs for more plumbing tips and tricks!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
