How to Unclog Hair From Shower Drain?

Adam-Paul
Written By Eric Winston - Plumbing Expert

Unclogging hair from the shower drain is a step by step process to remove hair clogs inside the shower drain. You can use different types of tools and instruments when you unclog is it DIY. Below are the 5 ways to unclog hair from shower drain DIY.

5 ways to unclog hair from shower drain

  1. Unclog Hair in the Shower Drain Using a Bent Wire
  2. Unclog Hair in Shower Drain Using a Plumbing Snake
  3. Unclog Hair in the Shower Drain Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner
  4. Unclog Hair in the Shower Drain Using an Enzyme Drain Cleaner
  5. Unclog Hair in the Shower Drain Using a Hand or Twiezer

Hair is clogged inside the shower drain due to shedding, less maintenance of the shower drain, inadequate drain covers, chemical treatments of the hair, and other debris and water containing higher amounts of minerals.

Clogged hair can cause complete water blocks or slowly drain the accumulated water in the bathroom and it tends to major water damage in the bathroom. To prevent this water damage you should unclog the hair from the shower drain as follows.

How to Unclog Hair from Shower Drain?

5 Methods to Unclog Hair from Shower Drain

  1. Unclog Hair in the Shower Drain Using a Bent Wire
  2. Unclog Hair in Shower Drain Using a Plumbing Snake
  3. Unclog Hair in the Shower Drain Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner
  4. Unclog Hair in the Shower Drain Using an Enzyme Drain Cleaner
  5. Unclog Hair in the Shower Drain Using a Hand or Twiezer
Unclog-shower-drain-hair

1. Unclog Hair from Shower Drain Using a Bent Wire

You should follow these 10 steps to remove hair clogs in shower drain using a bent wire. You will need a small piece of metal bent wire.

  1. Get a piece of wire and straighten it. You can use a coat hanger also for this task.
  2. Create a small hook at one end of the wire by bending it.
  3. Remove the shower drain cover.
  4. Carefully insert the hook end of the wire down into the shower drain.
  5. Once you’ve reached the clog, twist and turn the wire to latch onto the hair.
  6. Lift the wire slightly to ensure you have a good grip on the hair.
  7. Once confirmed, pull the wire up and out of the shower drain, bringing the hair with it.
  8. Repeat the process if necessary until no more hair comes up.
  9. Once the clog is removed, replace the shower drain cover.
  10. Rinse the drain with hot water to clear away any remaining particles. Do this for several minutes to ensure everything flows smoothly.
Bent-wire-shower-unclog

2. Unclog Hair from Shower Drain Using a Plumbing Snake

  1. Insert the plumbing snake into the shower drain until it reaches the clog.
  2. Rotate the snake clockwise to hook onto the hair clog.
  3. Slowly pull the snake back out of the shower drain, bringing the clog with it.
  4. Dispose of the removed clog in a trash bin.
  5. Run hot water down the shower drain to ensure it is clear.
  6. Repeat the process if necessary until the shower drain flows freely.
drain-snake-sink-unclogging

3. Unclog Hair from Shower Drain Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner

  1. Pour the chemical drain cleaner down the shower drain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. Let the cleaner sit for the specified amount of time, typically 15-30 minutes.
  3. Flush the shower drain with hot water to rinse away the dissolved clog and cleaner residue.
  4. Repeat the process if the clog persists, following safety precautions and manufacturer’s guidelines.

4. Unclog Hair from Shower Drain Using an Enzyme Drain Cleaner

  1. Pour the enzyme-based drain cleaner down the shower drain as directed on the product label.
  2. Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended time, usually several hours or overnight.
  3. Flush the shower drain with hot water to rinse away the dissolved clog and cleaner residue.
  4. Repeat the process if necessary until the drain is clear, following safety instructions and manufacturer’s guidelines.
chemical-drain-cleaner-shower-unclog

5. Unclog Hair from Shower Drain Using a Hand or Twiezer

  1. Put on gloves to protect your hands.
  2. Remove the drain cover if possible.
  3. Use a flashlight to locate the hair clog in the drain.
  4. Use a pair of tweezers or a hair removal tool to grasp the hair and pull it out of the drain.
  5. Dispose of the removed hair in a trash bin.
  6. Replace the drain cover if you removed it.
  7. Run hot water down the drain to ensure it is clear.
  8. Repeat the process if necessary until the drain flows freely.
Hand-Twiezer-Hair-unclog-shower-drain

Related: How to Unclog Bathroom Sink?

What is Clogged Hair in Shower Drain?

The clogged hair in the shower drain is a buildup of hair that can accumulate in the shower drain strainer. It causes complete water blocks or slowly drains the accumulated water in the bathroom. The hair is clogged in the bathroom shower drain due to shedding. 

What type of Hair is Mostly Clogged in the Shower Drain?

Curly hair has a higher possibility of clogging due to its higher possibility of forming tangles. The hair strands that are longer than an inch in length are more likely to cause noticeable clogs due to their tendency to tangle and accumulate in the drain.

Related: How to Waterproof Bathroom Floor? Method, Products, Cost, and Time

What are the Reasons to Clog Hair in the Shower Drain?

These are the 6 major reasons to clog hair in the shower drains are shedding of the hair, less maintenance of the shower drain, inadequate drain covers, chemical treatments, hard water, and combining with other substances in the water and washing substances.

Reasons-to-Clog-Hair-in-Shower-Drain

What are the Water Damages Due to Shower Drain Hair Clogging?

These are the 5 major water damages in the shower drain due to hair clogging.

  1. Bathroom flooding
  2. Mold and mildew growth
  3. Stains and discoloration marks
  4. Rusty and muddy smells
  5. Structural damages

Can a Shower Drain Clog with Dog Hair?

Yes, a shower drain can be clogged due to dog hair. Dog hair accumulates inside the shower drain while it is bathing and cause many drain problems such as clogging. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds are the most shedding dogs and a lots of hair can be accumulate in the drain due to these pets.

Related: How to Fix Bathroom Shower Base Leaking?

Why Does Shower Drain Clog with No Hair?

The shower drain can be clogged without hair due to the accumulation of soap scum, mineral deposits, small objects, pipe issues and natural debris.