Sometimes after a long, hard day at work, you want to come home, take a hot shower and wash away the day. Few things can ruin that relaxing feeling of a hot shower faster than a clogged drain. You don’t want to be standing in a pool of dirty water while trying to get clean. But how did this happen? What can you do? Most of the time, your clogged drain directly results from hair build-up.

    Learn how to remove hair from your shower drain with this comprehensive guide.


    Why is My Drain Clogged With Hair?

    Although almost nobody does this, you should clean your shower drains at least once every few years. People with long hair are especially susceptible to having their shower drains clogged; however, everyone is clogging their drain with hair, long or short. Your hair falls out while you shower; this is normal whether you notice it or not. 


    Tools You Need To Clear Hair From a Drain

    • Manual or battery-powered drain cleaning snake auger to penetrate the blockage, grab, and remove it.
    • Needle nose pliers to help you grab and remove hair out of the drain.
    • Flat-head screwdriver or Allen wrenches to remove the shower drain cover.
    • Channel locks to remove the shower drain cover.
    • Gloves to handle substances you have removed from a drain.
    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    Wearing gloves is highly recommended anytime you are extracting something from a drain. The giant clumps of hair you will remove from your shower drain will be wet, covered in soap scum, and look very similar to a rat or mouse. It might not smell great, either.


    How to Remove Hair From Your Shower Drain

    1. Remove shower drain cover.
      • With your fingers (or channel locks if necessary), unscrew the top piece of the drain cover. 
      • Look down into the area where this top piece was. There will be a rod that the rest of the drain cap slides up and down on. On the top of this rod will be either a receptacle for an allen wrench or a flat head screwdriver. Unscrew this rod with the appropriate tool. 
      • Remove the rest of the shower drain cover. 
    2. Remove all visible hair from the drain with your needle nose pliers.
    3. Run enough water in the shower for it to pool up. Turn the water off.
    4. Work the end of your drain cleaning snake auger down into the drain. Extend the auger until the water in the shower starts to drain. Reverse the auger.
      • Note: If you have extended the auger beyond 10 feet and the shower is not draining, reverse the auger back out of the drain. You may pull out a mass of hair that will allow the water to drain. If not, repeat the process, extending it a bit further.
    5. Extend the auger back into the drain and back out once more to ensure that you have entirely removed the blockage.
    6. Run the water in the shower for several minutes to make sure that the shower drains correctly.
    7. Re-assemble the shower drain cover.

    Clean Up

    Removing hair from your shower drain is not terribly messy, but when dealing with drains, things can get a little bit gross. It is a good idea to give your shower floor at least a light cleaning afterward or at least run the water for a little while. 

    Cleaning off the snake auger is a good idea; you don’t want it to have a dried-up hairball stuck to it the next time you use it. With your gloved hand and needle nose pliers, remove as much of the hair and gunk as possible. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just get the majority off there. 

    Wash your hands. Even if you are wearing gloves, this is always a good idea. 


    What to Do if Your Drain is Still Clogged?

    If your drain is still clogged after this you may need to know more than how to remove hair from your shower drain. Try a home remedy for unclogging your drain, or try a liquid drain opener. If your drain is still clogged then it is time to call a professional.

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    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Andrew Arena

    Andrew Arena

    Andrew Arena is an accomplished writer specializing in a wide range of home improvement topics, including flooring, plumbing, and other essential aspects of home maintenance. With a passion for empowering homeowners with practical knowledge, Andrew's writing is known for its clarity and ability to break down complex concepts into easily digestible information. His expertise spans various flooring materials, plumbing systems, and maintenance techniques, making him a reliable source for readers seeking guidance on enhancing their living spaces. Andrew's articles provide valuable insights, tips, and step-by-step instructions, helping readers make informed decisions about flooring options, troubleshoot plumbing issues, and undertake DIY projects with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a homeowner in need of professional guidance, Andrew's writing is sure to equip you with the necessary knowledge to transform your home into a functional and aesthetically pleasing haven.

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