How to prevent hair from clogging my drains?

 
Use High-Quality Drain Strainers
 

• An effective way to prevent hair from clogging your drains is by installing high-quality drain strainers or hair catchers in your bathroom sinks, bathtubs, and showers. These strainers catch most of the hair before it has a chance to slip down the drainpipe.
• Choose strainers that have small mesh or fine perforations to capture even shorter strands of hair.
• Periodically remove the accumulated hair from the strainers to prevent buildup and maintain optimal water flow.

 
Practice Regular Drain Cleaning
 

• Set a schedule to periodically clean your drains by removing visible hair and debris from the drain cover and the immediate drain area.
• Manually clear out hair clogs, even if you have drain strainers installed, as they are not 100% effective at catching all hair particles.
• Consider using a long flexible tool, like a drain snake, to gently pull out any hair bundles that have managed to accumulate deeper in the pipes.

 
Flush Drains with Hot Water
 

• Regularly flush your drains with boiling water or very hot water to help dissolve soap scum and loosen hair that may have begun accumulating inside the pipes.
• This method can reduce the chance of buildup by clearing resident hair and residue.
• Be cautious and ensure that any plastic components in or near the drain system can withstand high temperatures before using this technique.

 
Utilize Natural Cleaning Solutions
 

• Pouring a mixture of vinegar and baking soda into the drain can help break down the layers of grease and soap that trap hair together, minimizing buildup.
• After allowing the mixture to fizz and work for at least 15 to 20 minutes, rinse thoroughly with hot water to clear away loosened debris.
• This natural cleaning method is not only effective in preventing clogs but also a more environmentally friendly alternative to harsh chemical drain cleaners.

 
Adopt Preventive Maintenance Practices
 

• Be mindful while washing hair by brushing it before showering or bathtubbing to minimize the amount of loose hair that goes down the drain.
• Regular maintenance of your plumbing system, such as periodic professional inspections and minor cleanings, can help identify and address clogs before they become severe.
• Invest in preventive products that are designed to prevent build-up, such as enzyme-based drain cleaners, which continuously break down organic material in the pipes.

Many homeowners in St. Louis and Nashville have noted that following these simple practices not only helps keep their drains free of clogging hair but also contributes to smoother overall plumbing performance.