How to Clean Shower Drain Clogged with Hair (4 Steps)

You know how frustrating it feels when your shower drain gets clogged with hair. Water pools up, and the drain looks like a mess. You want a quick, easy fix that really works. The good news is that cleaning a shower drain clogged with hair doesn't have to be hard or expensive. In this article, you will learn simple, step-by-step ways to get rid of hair clogs and keep your shower drain flowing freely. I'll show you real, easy solutions you can do at home today.

Find and Remove Visible Hair from the Drain

The first thing you want to do is check the shower drain for any hair you can see and reach. Hair often collects right at the top or just under the drain cover. Removing this visible hair is a simple way to clear a big part of the clog. You might feel grossed out, but this step makes a huge difference.

Start by taking off the drain cover carefully. Some covers just lift up, while others need a screwdriver. Be gentle so you don't break anything. Once the cover is off, look inside. Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to pull out any hair you find. Sometimes hair is wrapped tightly or stuck with soap scum, so try to get as much as you can.

After you remove the hair, wipe the area around the drain with a cloth or paper towel. This cleans out any leftover bits that could clog again soon. You might want to wear gloves for this step because hair and gunk can feel unpleasant. If you see a lot of hair, don't worry; this is the main cause of the clog.

Removing visible hair is the easiest and fastest way to help your drain start working better again. But remember, hair can go deeper, so you might need to do more steps after this.

• Take off the drain cover carefully
• Use fingers or tweezers to pull out hair
• Wipe around the drain clean
• Wear gloves if you want
• Remove as much hair as possible for best result

Use a Plunger to Push Out the Clog

After you have taken out the hair you can see, it's time to try pushing the clog down the drain. A plunger works great for this because it uses water pressure to move blockages. You don't need special tools—just a basic plunger will do.

First, make sure there is some water in the shower floor near the drain. The water helps create the suction the plunger needs. Put the plunger over the drain opening, making sure it covers the hole completely. Press down firmly and then pull up quickly. Repeat this push and pull motion about 10 to 15 times.

What happens is the plunger forces water through the pipe, helping to loosen or break up the clog inside. You might hear gurgling sounds, which means the water is moving again. After plunging, lift the plunger and see if the water drains faster.

If the water still drains slowly or not at all, repeat plunging a few more times. Sometimes it takes a bit of effort. If you feel the plunger is not working, don't force it too hard or you might damage your pipes.

Using a plunger is a natural, chemical-free way to clean your shower drain. It's safe and easy, even if you are a beginner.

• Make sure water is in the shower floor
• Cover the drain with the plunger completely
• Push down firmly then pull up quickly
• Repeat 10 to 15 times or until water drains better
• Don't use too much force to avoid pipe damage

Try a Homemade Drain Cleaner for Stubborn Hair

If hair is stuck deeper inside the drain, you can try a homemade drain cleaner to help break it down. The good news is you don't need harsh chemicals. Simple ingredients from your kitchen like baking soda and vinegar work well to clear clogged drains gently and safely.

Start by pouring about half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Baking soda helps break down grease and loosens hair. Next, pour one cup of white vinegar into the drain. You will see bubbles and fizzing—this is the cleaning action starting. Let the mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes so it can work its magic.

After waiting, flush the drain with hot water. Hot water melts soap scum and helps push hair down. If you have a kettle or pot, boil water and pour it slowly into the drain. This step is important to clear out any leftover debris.

You can repeat this process once or twice if the clog is still there. Homemade cleaners are gentle and safe for your pipes and the environment, so it's a great option if you want to avoid chemicals.

• Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain
• Add 1 cup white vinegar, wait for fizzing
• Let sit for 15 to 30 minutes
• Flush with hot boiling water slowly
• Repeat if needed for better results

Use a Drain Snake to Pull Out Deep Hair Clogs

Sometimes hair clogs are too deep or stuck for plunging or homemade cleaners to work. That's when a drain snake (or drain auger) is very helpful. It's a long, flexible tool you push down the drain to reach and pull out hair clogs from far inside.

You can buy a drain snake at any hardware store, and it's not expensive. To use it, insert the end of the snake into the drain slowly. When you feel resistance, it means you found the clog. Twist the snake to catch the hair and pull it out carefully. Sometimes you may need to push it back and forth a little to loosen the hair.

After pulling out hair, flush the drain with hot water to clear any remaining bits. If you don't have a drain snake, you can use a wire coat hanger bent into a hook, but be careful not to scratch or damage your pipes.

Using a drain snake is a more hands-on way to remove hair clogs deep inside your pipes. It takes a bit of patience but works very well.

• Insert drain snake slowly into the drain
• Twist and push to catch the clog
• Pull out hair carefully
• Flush with hot water after removing hair
• Use a bent wire hanger only if no snake is available

Keep Your Shower Drain Clean with Regular Maintenance

After you clean your shower drain, it's important to keep it clear to avoid future clogs. Regular maintenance saves time and money and keeps your shower pleasant to use. The best way is to stop hair from building up in the first place.

One simple tip is to use a drain hair catcher. These are small, inexpensive screens or covers that sit over your drain and catch hair before it goes down. Clean the hair catcher often by removing hair and rinsing it with water.

You can also pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain once a month to keep it fresh and clear. Avoid pouring oily or greasy products down the drain because they stick to hair and cause clogs.

Finally, after showering, try to remove any visible hair around the drain area and rinse with hot water. Doing these small steps regularly prevents large clogs and keeps your drain healthy.

• Use a hair catcher over the drain
• Clean the catcher regularly
• Pour baking soda and vinegar monthly
• Avoid oily products down the drain
• Remove visible hair after each shower

When to Call a Professional Plumber for Help

If you have tried all the above methods and your shower drain is still clogged, it might be time to call a plumber. Some clogs are very deep or caused by pipe damage that needs expert tools and knowledge.

A plumber can use special machines to clear tough clogs quickly and safely. They can also check if your pipes have problems like cracks, rust, or tree roots that block water flow. Trying to fix severe problems yourself can cause more damage or cost more in the long run.

Don't feel bad about asking for help—it's better to fix the problem right than struggle with it. When you call a plumber, describe the problem clearly and tell them what you already tried. This helps them prepare the right tools and saves time.

• Call a plumber if home methods fail
• Plumbers have special tools for deep clogs
• They check for pipe damage or other problems
• Avoid damaging pipes by trying too hard yourself
• Explain your problem and what you tried before calling

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a shower drain clogged with hair can feel annoying, but it doesn't have to be hard. Start by removing visible hair, then try a plunger or homemade cleaner. Use a drain snake if the clog is deep, and keep your drain clean with regular care. If nothing works, calling a plumber is smart. By following these easy steps, you can enjoy a fresh, clear shower drain and avoid messy backups. With a little care and patience, you can handle clogged drains yourself and save money too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to use baking soda and vinegar for drain cleaning?

Yes, it is very safe to use baking soda and vinegar for cleaning drains. These natural ingredients do not contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes or harm the environment. Baking soda helps break down grease and loosen clogs, while vinegar creates a fizzing action that helps dissolve buildup. This method is gentle and effective for minor hair clogs and regular drain maintenance. It's a good option if you want to avoid strong chemical cleaners that can irritate your skin or cause bad smells.

Can a plunger damage my shower pipes?

If used carefully, a plunger will not damage your shower pipes. Plungers work by creating pressure to push blockages through the drain. However, if you use too much force or the wrong type of plunger, you could harm fragile pipes. Always use a plunger made for sinks or showers, and avoid over-pushing. Stop if you feel too much resistance or if the plunger isn't helping. Gentle, repeated plunging is the best way to avoid damage while clearing a clog.

Do I need to remove the drain cover to clean the hair?

Yes, it's best to remove the drain cover before cleaning hair clogs. Hair often gets caught just under the cover, and you cannot reach it properly without taking the cover off. Removing the cover lets you see inside the drain and pull out hair using your fingers or tweezers. Be careful removing the cover so you don't break it. Most covers lift up or unscrew easily. If you don't remove the cover, you might only clean the surface and leave hair deeper inside.

Is it okay to use chemical drain cleaners for hair clogs?

Chemical drain cleaners can work on hair clogs but are not always the best choice. Many contain strong acids or bases that can damage your pipes over time, especially if used often. They may also cause skin irritation and harmful fumes. Homemade cleaners like baking soda and vinegar are safer alternatives. If you decide to use chemicals, follow instructions carefully, use gloves, and avoid mixing products. For frequent or serious clogs, calling a plumber is safer than relying on chemicals.

Can I prevent hair clogs in my shower drain?

Yes, you can prevent hair clogs by using simple habits. The easiest way is to put a hair catcher or screen over your drain. This catches hair before it goes down. Clean the catcher after every few showers. Avoid washing oily products that stick to hair down the drain. After showering, remove visible hair from the drain area and rinse with hot water. Regularly pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain also helps keep it clear. These small steps stop hair buildup and save you from big clogs.

Do I need special tools to clean hair clogs?

No, you don't need special tools for most hair clogs. You can start with common household items like tweezers, a plunger, baking soda, vinegar, and a hair catcher. A drain snake is helpful for tougher clogs but is not always necessary. Even a bent wire hanger can work if you don't have a snake. The key is to be patient and gentle. Only in rare cases of deep or serious clogs will you need a plumber's professional tools.

Is it normal for shower drains to clog with hair often?

Yes, it is very common for shower drains to clog with hair. Hair naturally falls out during showering and collects in the drain over time. Soap scum and grease make hair stick and cause slow draining or full clogs. How often your drain clogs depends on how much hair you lose and how often you clean the drain. Regular maintenance like cleaning visible hair and using a hair catcher can reduce how often clogs happen.

Can I use a wire coat hanger instead of a drain snake?

Yes, you can use a wire coat hanger if you don't have a drain snake. Bend the hanger into a hook shape to catch and pull out hair clogs. Be careful not to scratch the drain or pipes. Avoid pushing the hanger too hard into the drain to prevent damage. A coat hanger works best for clogs near the surface, while a drain snake is better for deep clogs. If unsure, try the hanger gently and call a plumber if the clog is tough.