One of the most common causes of a clogged drain in your shower is hair. Hair naturally falls out when you wash it, and over time, all of those individual strands can make one big clump that prevents the water from draining quickly—or at all. With a few easy fixes, though, you can keep your drain hair-free and unclogged. 

How to Avoid Clogged Drains

1. Brush Your Hair 

Before hopping in the shower, run a brush through your hair to eliminate tangles and remove any loose strands of hair that would otherwise fall out and lead to a clogged drain. 

2. Clean Up

While you’re in the shower, if you notice any hair, gather them together in one spot and throw them out in the trash when you’re done. Resist the temptation to just rinse loose strands down the drain, as that will ultimately cause clogs. 

3. Use a Hair Trap

For hair you don't catch, place a trap or strainer in your shower to prevent it from clogging the pipes. A plumber can install a permanent under-the-drain screen to catch loose hairs and other debris, or you can place one over the drain yourself. In a pinch, you can also use a small kitchen strainer in your shower to catch hair. Whatever type you choose, be sure to empty and clean it regularly to prevent a backup into the tub. 

4. Flush the Drain 

An important step toward preventing this issue and keeping hair out is regular drain flushing. Every three months, pour a bottle of white vinegar down the clogged drain, wait 15 minutes, and follow with a pot of hot—not boiling—water. This helps clear any lingering debris and prevents hair from accumulating.  

Local legends tell tales of Paul Bunyan clearing the trees of North Dakota for farmland, but in Minneapolis, MN, locals are better off trusting Paul Bunyan Plumbing with clearing pesky clogged drains. With immense skills, experience, and technical expertise at his fingertips, Paul will clear your plumbing of hair clogs and assure that they stay clean. To learn more about the range of services that Paul Bunyan provides, visit his website, or call (612) 977-3053 to schedule an appointment.