Ok, I know it doesn’t sound very glamorous, but wouldn’t you love to finally master keeping your drains clear from all the tangles of hair that seem so determined to hold back your shower water from draining? Well, I am here to teach you how to become a master. After this blog post, you will be unclogging drains like a pro……and keeping them that way.
STEP 1
Don’t waste your time with those plastic snake things. I like using just a simple pair of needle-nosed pliers (yes, please disinfect afterwards). I have a tub shower, but the stopper is one that just drops in. If you have the type of stopper that stays in place and you just twist to lock into place, you will need to remove it first. Next, grab those pliers and a flash light and start pulling the clumps of hair and soap scum that have collected around your drain catch (the metal cross-bars you can see an inch or so below the surface of the tub. I have a fantastic video of this process you can watch here. (While you’re at it, go ahead and hit “follow” so you don’t miss all my updates and behind the scenes!)
STEP 2
I talk about it in the video, but you do not want to rely on just using Draino or any other drain de-clogger. It will not be able to fully penetrate the built up hair tangles so you will only be putting a band aid on your problem. However, once you have removed all the physical hair you can with the pliers, then it is time to use the Draino to get the last of the soap scum and bits of hair below your reach out. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
STEP 3
After you are complete with Step 2, it is time to put your prevention plan in place so you don’t have to keep doing this nasty job!
You’ll want to purchase a drain strainer (I found mine at Wal Mart in the section where they sell replacement shower heads, shower caddies, etc.) Or, here is a link.
Photo Credit – Walmart.com – Link provided above
You’ll want the largest diameter strainer that will fit in your drain opening to ensure it can keep up with the water flow. You do have to empty the strainer out often. I usually do it every shower, and usually have to empty it 2-3 times during showers when I wash my hair! Now wonder our drains get clogged so fast!! Just tap the strainer out in the trash can and you’re good to go.
So there you go! It’s a nasty job, but it is actually easier to do than it seems. And the good news is, once it’s done, you put the strainer in place and you don’t have to keep unclogging your drain! I hope you are enjoying the home maintenance blog series. If you have a request for a topic you would like me to cover, drop a comment below.
Xoxo,
Amanda
***Steel Toed Stilettos, LLC and its sole owner, Amanda Miller cannot be held responsible for your safety, your use of power tools, or outcome of any home improvement/DIY projects you choose to undertake and/or complete. Amanda Miller is not a licensed engineer and therefore all designs are what she has found to work for her personal use and neither she nor Steel Toed Stilettos LLC will be held responsible for any injury, illness, or other claims associated with her designs, plans, or projects.***
