When you have a clogged drain, it can be quite the hassle. If it’s in your tub, you could end up standing in a pool of ankle-high water by the time your shower is done. The same goes for bathroom sinks. The backed-up water is generally filthy, too. Don’t let this happen to you. When you notice a clog developing, it’s time to take action. Here are tips on how to prevent hair clogs.
Use a Hair Catcher
Prevent clogged drains by buying a hair catcher. This is a small gadget that you install above the drain. It catches all of the hair and other debris before they have a chance to go down the drain. All you have to do is empty it out in the garbage when the gathered materials start to accumulate. This little device is easily obtained anywhere that sells bathroom and kitchen supplies. If you don’t have a hair catcher yet, you can also put a dryer sheet over the drain to catch the hair until you can get one.
Be Conscious of Hair Going Down the Drain
Avoid the problem in the first place by doing what you can do to stop hair from going down the drain. While you won’t be able to catch all the hair before it goes down the drain, you can prevent a lot of it from ever making it that far. You can do this by brushing your hair, your children’s hair, or your pets before you even get into the tub. You can also catch loose strands that happen to fall out and put them to the side to dispose of them after the shower.
Use Over-the-Counter Chemicals Sparingly
There are products on the market designed to help unclog your drain. However, these generally can be very harsh on drains and pipes. If you find that you are regularly using chemicals to try to unclog your drain but the problem keeps occurring, you have a bigger issue on your hands and the chemicals are most likely doing more harm than good.
If you’re looking for a more natural way to treat a mild clog, simply pour a cup of bleach down the drain and then run the hot water for a few minutes. You can also try using baking powder and vinegar. Once again, be sure to run water down the drain when you’re done. If these methods fail, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
Clear the Drain Yourself
While it’s not considered a fun job for most people, you may be able to clear the clog yourself. If you have a drain snake, try running that down the pipe until you reach the clog. Be sure to get deep enough to really break up the clog or you’ll have to deal with the same reoccurring problem. Also, it’s a good idea to use rubber gloves and a mask when doing this. What you pull out of the drain will most likely be messy, wet, and have an unpleasant smell.
Need help removing a hair clog from your drain? Call the plumbing experts at Larkin Plumbing today.
Run Water Through All the Drains
One clever way to help get rid of any clogs in your home is to fill up all of the sinks and tubs in your home with hot water. When you’re done, drain all of the tubs and sinks at the same time. You should flush all of the toilets, too. When all of the water flows through the pipes with the force this causes, it will help break up any clogs that are developing. You may want to recruit some friends or family members to help you with this approach!
Call the Professionals
When you have tried everything but you still seem to have a clogged drain, it’s time to call in the plumbing professionals. The experts at Larkin Plumbing in Las Vegas will be able to determine the cause of the clog and help teach you how to prevent clogs in the future. Your drain will be good as new, and you can move forward with new knowledge about how to keep your drain clog-free. Contact our team today to learn more about our drain cleaning services and 24-hour emergency plumbing services! We’re ready to help with all your plumbing needs, no matter how big or how small.