Clogs in a plumbing system can trigger a multitude of serious problems. Unfortunately, many of these clogs occur because of a simple issue – excessive hair in the pipes. Thankfully, homeowners can take steps to understand this problem, prevent hair from getting in their pipes, and destroy hair clogs when they do occur in a plumbing system.

 Causes of Hair Clogs

During the average day, a person will lose at least 50 hairs off their body. These hairs can fall off their head, from beards or mustaches, or even off the arms, legs, and back. Though most lost follicles end up growing back before too long, the lost hair has to end up somewhere. Often, lost hair ends up down a plumbing drain while a person showers. However, people who shave every day – or who occasionally trim their beard or mustache – may end up losing hair in sink drains. When this happens, the hair may wash away and into the sewer. However, excessive hair washed down the pipe may trigger the potential for severe clogs in a plumbing system, which can be a significant issue if left untreated. When hair starts to collect in a plumbing system, all those follicles have a terrible tendency to stick together and create clumps. As these clumps grow in size, they will catch more and more debris. For example, hair clumps can attract soap and shampoo washed down the drain. This extra detritus will cause the clog to grow even larger and potentially stop water flow down the pipe.

Prevention Methods to Keep Hair Out of Pipes 

Homeowners worried about hair clogs in their pipes can use many prevention methods to keep this issue from becoming a problem. For example, homeowners can add screens and filters over their shower and sink drains. These screens will catch any hair and keep it from going down the drain. Screen types include simple colander-style designs or weighted covers.Homeowners can also take personal care steps to avoid this problem. For example, individuals can brush their hair to get rid of loose strands before they shower or use a sink. And, when shaving, individuals should place a large towel over their sink to keep hair from falling down the drain. Then, these people can take the towel outside and shake it to get rid of excess hair.

Ways to Remove Hair Clogs 

Though prevention goes a long way towards keeping pipes free of clogs, sometimes these methods are just not enough to prevent hair clumps in pipes. As a result, homeowners need to be prepared to remove hair clogs in their home from time to time. For example, a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar poured directly down the drain can dissolve hair clogs stuck in a pipe. Store-bought cleaners can also help here, as they include many chemicals that can dissolve the clogs quickly and efficiently.In some instances, a homeowner may find the clog is in the elbow joint pipe in their unit. In this situation, the homeowner can remove the tube – placing a bucket underneath to catch any slop – and remove the clog with gloved hands.

Professional Help Ensures Success 

If you have hairs in the drain and you are not sure how to get rid of them, please do not hesitate to contact us at ACME Plumbing, Drain & Septic Service. Our professional plumbers will do what is necessary to eliminate this issue and provide you with the high-quality and clog-free pipe system that you need for your home. We are always happy to answer your questions and concerns as well.