Got a slow-draining bathtub that’s packed with hair? Don’t worry — it happens to everyone. The good news: you can fix it yourself in minutes using basic tools like baking soda, vinegar, or a simple drain snake.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through five easy and safe ways to unclog a bathtub drain full of hair, plus simple prevention tips to keep it flowing freely. Whether it’s a quick natural cleaner or a more hands-on method, these steps will save you time and money.
Project Overview
Time Needed: 15 – 20 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes – 1 day
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $5 to $25
Quick Fix Overview
- 💧 Try a baking soda + vinegar mix first.
- 🔧 Use a drain snake or zip-it tool to pull out the hair.
- 🔥 Flush with hot water or use a plunger for pressure.
- 🧤 Always wear gloves and eye protection.
- 🚿 Prevent future clogs with a drain screen.
Table of Contents
- Preventive Measures
- Safety Precautions
- Tools and Materials Needed
- How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Full of Hair
- Prevent Future Hair Clogs
- When to Call a Professional
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Preventive Measures
To prevent hair clogs:
- Clean Of Hair: Pick out hairs or strands after every wash or bath. This simple habit can prevent bigger clogs from developing.
- Pay Attention to Drain Guards: By placing a hair trap or drain screen in your shower or sink, you can capture the hair before it has a chance to go down the drain. Clean the screen or stopper regularly to maintain its function.
- Pre-Wash Hair Brushing: A few strokes with a brush can help keep the amount of hair that goes down the drain in the shower to a minimum.
Safety Precautions
When dealing with a clogged drain:
- Rubber gloves: Protect your hands from bacteria and sharp objects. You may also want to consider wearing safety glasses to keep any splashes away from your eyes.
- Chemical Caution: While using chemical drain cleaners, be careful because they can irritate the eyes and skin. Follow the instructions that come with the product and make sure the room is properly ventilated.
Tools and Materials Needed
Equipment / Tools:
- Safety glasses
- Rubber gloves
- Hair removal tool or drain snake
- Bucket
- Plastic funnel
Materials:
- Optional——Liquid drain opener
- Paper towels
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Full of Hair
Following are five ways to control hair clogs in your bathtub drain:
1. Start with Baking Soda & Vinegar (Natural Cleaner)
This natural solution utilizes a chemical reaction to dissolve clogs.
- Pour one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar down the drain.
- Wait 10–15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
- This eco-friendly combo helps dissolve soap scum and loosen hair.
Note: Do not use boiling water if you have PVC pipes — high temperatures could damage. Instead, use hot tap water.
2. Pull Out Visible Hair
Manual removal might also work for shallow clogs near the surface of the drain.
- Remove the drain cover, shine a flashlight, and use tweezers or a wire hook to pull out visible clumps of hair.
- Don’t forget to clean the stopper itself — it’s often where most hair gets stuck.
3. Use a Drain Snake or Zip-It Tool
A drain snake, or plumber's auger, is a long, flexible metal cable that can reach deeper clogs.
Slide the drain snake gently down until you feel resistance. Twist and pull slowly — you’ll likely bring up a surprising amount of hair.
4. Try Plunging for Pressure
A plunger can suck to clear clogs.
- Seal the overflow with a wet rag and plunge firmly 6–10 times.
- The suction will help dislodge any deeper hair buildup.
5. When All Else Fails — Call a Professional
If your bathtub still drains slowly, the clog might be deeper in the pipes. A licensed plumber can use professional augers or hydro jetting to fix it permanently.
Prevent Future Hair Clogs
How to keep a bathtub drain from clogging:
- 🧹 Brush hair before showering.
- 🛁 Use a drain cover or mesh screen.
- 🍋 Clean monthly with baking soda & vinegar.
- 🚫 Don’t pour grease or oily conditioner down the drain.
When to Call a Professional
If all of these methods fail, the clog is likely located deeper in the plumbing system itself or the product of something other than hair buildup, such as a tree root intrusion or damaged pipe. If that doesn't do the trick and the water continues to slowly drain or back up after multiple attempts to clear the clog, it's time to call a licensed plumber.
Final Thoughts
A clogged bathtub drain is an inescapable home problem that can often be handled quickly using the best gear and methods. Whether it's a hair removal tool, a drain snake, or a natural solution like baking soda and vinegar, acting fast will keep you from experiencing a worse clog in the long run. Some muscle: Regular maintenance, such as placing a drain cover to catch hair and removing any loose strands after each shower, will keep your plumbing functioning well and help you avoid expensive repairs.
So the next time your drain starts to slow, don't panic — just put on your gloves, choose your method and get to work. You (and your future self) will thank you for your bathtub!
FAQS
1. Is it possible to clear a bathtub drain packed with hair with a wet/dry vacuum?
Yes! A wet/dry vacuum can be an unexpectedly useful tool for pulling out hair clogs. Enable the vacuum for liquid only, then with a rubber attachment or wet cloth cover the hole as best you can. Turn it on at full power, and the suction might pull the clog out. This technique will help with hair clogs near the surface, but may not work as well for blockages deeper down.
2. Can I combine various drain cleaners to eliminate tough hair clogs?
Absolutely not. Team up chemical drain cleaners of different types, they can spewed noxious fumes or find dangerous chemical reactions that may damage your pipes or even your health. Do not reach for the next cleaner if one fails. Instead, rinse the drain with water and wait at least 24 hours before trying another method.
3. My bathtub still drains slowly even after removing the hair clog, why?
If you have removed hair that is visible, but your tub is still draining slowly, the culprit may be a buildup of soap scum, mineral deposits or grease further down the pipes. If you want to get a little more serious, try pouring a combination of baking soda and vinegar followed by boiling water down your drain, which can dissolve residue. If the problem continues, you may have a deeper clog that requires a plumber's help.
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