Five Simple Things You Need to Prevent and Eliminate Hair-Clogged Drains

Tired of getting hair clogs in the drain of your shower or bath tub? Eliminating clogs may be easier than you think. With just a few basic supplies, you can avoid clogged drains and reduce the chance of having to call a professional. Here's what you need:

1. Aftermarket Drain Cover

Most bathtubs and showers have built in drain covers, but if those aren't doing an adequate job of keeping your hair out of the drain, you need to consider using an aftermarket drain cover. You can buy small metal covers that sit upturned on your drain -- imagine a miniature shot glass (with tiny holes in it) tipped over the drain cover. It allows the water to flow through but stops your hair.

Alternatively, you can buy drain covers that slip into your drain. To fit them, you need to remove your existing drain cover. Some can be pried up easily with the edge of a butter knife, while others have screws holding them in place. Once that is gone, slip your aftermarket drain cover into place.

You can choose between plastic or metal. Plastic drain covers tend to be easier to slip into place, but they aren't as effective at catching thin hair. If you have thin hair, consider using a metal one. After every shower or bath, lift up your drain cover, pull off the hairs and replace it.

2. Old Nylon

In lieu of buying a new drain cover to prevent your hair from clogging the drain, you can make your own with a bit of nylon. Find some old nylon stockings at a charity shop or buy a new pair at a store.

If you have a drain that is inset, cut one leg from the rest of the tights, scrunch it up and place it in your drain. It will act as a net and catch loose hairs. Empty it as needed, or it may prevent water from flowing freely into your drain.

Alternatively, slip off your existing drain cover, slip a bit of the hylon over it, and then, replace the drain cover. The nylon increases the straining power of the existing drain, stopping more hairs than usual.

3. Fabric Softener Sheet

In lieu of nylon, you can use a sheets of fabric softener to keep hairs out of your drain. Simply lay the sheet over the drain, and when you're done bathing, pick it up. Then, throw it and your hair in the rubbish.

If you want to keep your hairs out of other people's drains, travel with a box of fabric softeners. Whether you are staying in a hotel or with friends, these sheets work as discrete and effective drain guards.

4. Brush

Protecting your drain against clogs doesn't just take place in the shower or tub. Instead, start efforts before you disrobe. In many cases, people lose a lot of hair in the shower or tub because they wash their hair there. As you wash it, you run your fingers through it, and as a result, you pull out loose hair.

However, if you brush your hair before getting into the shower, the brush will naturally pull out loose hairs. When you're done brushing, look at the bristles -- you just saved all that hair from going into the rubbish.

5. Boiling Water and Baking Soda

Sometimes, despite your best intentions, you may lose hair in your bathroom drain, and it may create a clog. However, there are things you can try before calling the professionals.

In particular, boil some water and pour it down your drain. The heat helps to break up grease and clogs. If the drain is still clogged after receiving the boiling water, make a mixture of one part baking soda to four parts vinegar. Pour this in your drain and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then, wash it down with another pot full of boiling water.

If that doesn't clear your clog, it may be time to contact a professional from a company like Grace Plumbing, Gas & Hot Water for more assistance.