No matter what type of relationship you have with your hair, there’s one thing we can all agree on — it’s the number one culprit of shower clogs. Anyone with a luscious mane knows the struggle of standing in a pool of water when washing their long locks.
If you’ve been wondering how to keep hair out of the shower drain, we have four solutions you can try the next time you hop in the shower!
Brush Hair Before You Shower
Most of the hair you lose while showering or bathing is actually loose strands that have gotten tangled with the rest of your mane. Try brushing it before you hop in the shower, and you’ll come to find that you don’t lose nearly as much hair while shampooing and rinsing. It’s easy to prevent hair clogs in the shower when you dedicate a few extra minutes to the cause.
Install a Drain Cover
By far, the best way to keep hair out of the shower drain is to install a drain cover, otherwise known as a hair catcher. Think of it as the bathroom equivalent of a kitchen sink strainer.
Hair catchers come in two distinct styles: drain screens and in-drain catchers. The main difference between them is how they are installed, and the type of drain your shower has will play a big role in choosing one style over the other. However, they are both excellent options for preventing hair clogs in the shower.
- Drain screens are plastic or silicone sheets specially designed with holes that are small enough to trap hair but big enough to allow water to flow freely. They are placed over the shower drain opening and act as a cover. Since they are visible, removing the hair after each shower is recommended so as to not leave behind an unsightly scene. Drain screens are relatively inexpensive; however, the cheapest models may slip and slide out of place. It’s best to opt for a drain screen that is weighted or has suction cups if you don’t want to waste time frequently adjusting it.
- In-drain hair catchers are designed to replace your drain stopper. As hair gets washed down the drain, it is trapped in the plastic tubing of the drain stopper before it ends up in the pipes. This is a discreet way to keep hair out of the shower drain and perfect for homeowners looking for something functional yet aesthetic. If you lose a lot of hair, make it a habit to clean this tool frequently because if it gets clogged, you’ll have to deal with standing water in your bathtub.
Wondering where to buy a drain hair catcher? As a bathroom essential, these products can be found at your local convenience store, home improvement chain, grocery shop, and even online. They are very affordable — not to mention simple to install and convenient!
If you’re on a tight budget or looking for new ways to recycle around the house, a used fabric softener sheet can double as a drain cover. Once the sheet gets wet, it will stick to the floor, and while the water drains through the mesh, the hair will get trapped on top. Once you’ve finished showering, removing the hair is as easy as tossing the sheet in the garbage.
Catch Stray Hairs and Place Them Aside
Do you remember a time before drain covers and hair catchers were invented? The only way to prevent hair clogs in the shower was to be mindful and proactive. If you lose a few strands while shampooing, catch the stray hair and place it on the side of the bathtub to prevent it from washing down the drain. Once you’re done showering, throw away the loose strands (or clump) into a trash can.
Clear Drains With Natural Household Items
As diligent as you may be about keeping hair out of the shower drain, some stray pieces can still escape your best efforts and end up in your pipes. To make sure this doesn’t build up to cause a blockage over time, it’s a good idea to clean the drains about once a month.
Fortunately, you can make your own drain cleaner with a few household items. For example, pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain creates a fizzy mixture that breaks down gunk and deodorizes all at once. After 15-20 minutes, run the warm water tap to wash away any debris left behind.
An even easier method of cleaning your drains, not only in the shower but also for kitchen and bathroom sinks, is with a pot of boiling water. This will melt or loosen any gunk in your drains. But it has it be boiling water — hot water won’t do the trick.
REMINDER: Don’t ever use liquid drain cleaners to prevent hair clogs in the shower! These products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your drains for good.
Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning Annually
We’ve covered the best ways of how to keep hair out of the shower drain, but keep in mind that nothing beats the help of a professional. As soon as you start noticing slow drains, call a plumber in downtown Toronto or surrounding areas!
At Priority Plumbing, we perform the best plumbing inspections in Toronto and will quickly clear your drains using state-of-the-art tools and technology. Contact us today.