There’s nothing quite as frustrating as watching the water from your shower pool around your ankles. A slow-draining bathtub is a common household nuisance, and more often than not, the culprit is a tangled mass of hair and soap scum. Before you resign yourself to calling an expensive plumber, know that this is a problem you can often handle yourself with a few simple tools and techniques.
Dealing with a hair clog doesn’t have to be a harsh chemical battle or a test of brute force. With a gentle and methodical approach, you can clear the obstruction and restore proper drainage, saving both your wallet and your peace of mind.
Your First Line of Defense: The Trusty Plunger
Before you try anything more involved, grab a plunger. For the best seal, ensure you have enough water in the tub to cover the rubber cup. You may also want to cover the tub’s overflow drain with a wet rag to create maximum pressure. Push down and pull up vigorously for about 20 seconds. A few rounds of this can often dislodge a clog that’s sitting just below the drain.
Reaching for the Hair with a Drain Snake
If plunging doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to get a little more hands-on. A simple drain snake, or auger, is an inexpensive tool designed specifically for this job. Carefully feed the flexible end of the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Rotate the handle to hook the clog, then gently pull the snake back out. You’ll likely bring a significant amount of hair with it, providing instant gratification and a clear path for water to flow.
A Gentler Alternative: The Wire Hanger Hook
In a pinch, a straightened wire coat hanger can work as a makeshift drain snake. Create a small hook at one end and carefully guide it down the drain. Feel for the clog and gently twist the hanger to snag the hair. This method requires a bit of patience, but it can be surprisingly effective for shallow clogs.
Maintaining a Clear Drain for the Future
Prevention is the best cure for a clogged drain. Make it a habit to use a hair catcher or strainer; it’s the simplest way to stop hair from going down the drain in the first place. Once a week, pour a pot of boiling hot water down the drain to help melt away any accumulating soap scum. For a more thorough clean, follow with a half-cup of baking soda and a half-cup of vinegar, let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with more hot water.
With these gentle methods, you can tackle that stubborn hair clog and keep your bathtub draining smoothly. A little regular maintenance goes a long way in preventing this common problem from washing up again.