How To Unclog A Bathtub Drain Full Of Hair

How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Full of Hair (Without Losing Your Mind)

We’ve all been there. You step into the shower, only to find yourself ankle-deep in yesterday’s bathwater because your drain decided to host a hairball convention. Gross, right? But before you panic and start Googling “plumber near me” at 2 a.m., let’s tackle this together. As the team at Cleveland Plumbing Guy, we’ve seen it all—from minor clogs to “oh-my-god-is-that-a-wig?” disasters. Here’s our no-nonsense guide to reclaiming your drain (and your sanity).

What You’ll Need: Tools of the Trade

Grab these supplies, and let’s turn you into a DIY drain hero:

• Gloves (unless you want to touch that slimy hair wad)
• Plunger (the classic, not the one from your toilet—please)
• Drain snake or wire hanger (the MVP of hair removal)
• Baking soda + vinegar (science fair vibes, but trust us)
• Bucket (for the inevitable splash zone)

FYI, if you’re missing any of these, a quick run to your local Cleveland hardware store should do the trick.

Method 1: The Drain Snake Shuffle

For When the Clog is Playing Hard to Get

1. Remove the drain cover. If it’s screwed in, a flathead screwdriver works. No cover? Lucky you—skip to step 2.
2. Feed the snake into the drain until you hit resistance. That’s your hairball’s secret lair.
3. Rotate and pull. Imagine you’re fishing, and the prize is a trophy made of your own hair.
4. Flush with hot water to clear any leftovers.

Pro Tip: If you’re in Cleveland Heights and this feels like a wrestling match, just call Cleveland Plumbing Guy. Our drain plumbers live for this stuff.

Method 2: Baking Soda & Vinegar Magic

For the Chemically Curious

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.
2. Follow with ½ cup of vinegar. Cue the fizz!
3. Wait 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water.

This method’s great for mild clogs, but if your drain’s still throwing a tantrum, it might be time for heavier artillery—or a professional bathroom drain cleaning service.

Method 3: The Plunger Power Move

When You Just Need to Vent

1. Plug the overflow (that little hole near the faucet) with a wet rag.
2. Give the plunger a firm pump 10–15 times.
3. Peek under the drain cover to see if the clog surrendered.

No luck? Maybe the universe is telling you to call a pro. IMO, there’s no shame in it—we’ve got emergency slots for a reason.

When to Wave the White Flag (and Call Us)

Look, we love a good DIY project. But sometimes, clogs are like bad relationships: the harder you try, the worse they get. Here’s when to dial Cleveland Plumbing Guy:

• Water backs up in multiple drains (your sewer line might be staging a mutiny).
• You smell sewage (spoiler: that’s not “earthy aroma” candle wax).
• DIY attempts made it worse (we won’t judge—we’ll just fix it).

Our sewer cleaning services and gas leak repair teams are on standby 24/7. Because nobody should spend their weekend elbow-deep in drain gunk.

Prevention: How to Avoid Future Clogged Drain Drama

Let’s keep that drain clear, shall we?

• Install a hair catcher. They’re $5 and save you hours of regret.
• Monthly maintenance: Pour boiling water + a dash of dish soap down the drain.
• Trim the hair graveyard. Brush before showering to minimize shedding.

Bonus: If you’re in Cleveland and need a bathroom drain cleaning service, we offer affordable maintenance plans. Because “low cost” shouldn’t mean “low quality.”

DIY vs. Pro: What’s the Real Cost?

Let’s break it down:

FAQs: Your Clogged Drain Questions, Answered

1. “Will chemical drain cleaners work?”
Short answer: Maybe. Long answer: They’ll eat your pipes alive over time. Stick to baking soda or call us for safe sewer cleaning services.

2. “How much does a plumber cost for this?”
In Cleveland, prices range from $100–$200. But hey, that’s cheaper than replacing pipes ruined by DIY mishaps.

3. “What if I have a sewage backup?”
Yikes. That’s a hard stop—call for sewage clean up ASAP. This isn’t a job for amateurs.

4. “Can’t I just ignore it?”
Sure, if you want your bathroom to double as a swamp. 🙂

Final Thoughts: Keep Calm and Call Cleveland Plumbing Guy

Clogged drains are like Ohio weather—unpredictable and occasionally messy. But with these tricks (and our team on speed dial), you’ve got this. Remember: We’re just a call away for everything from drain disasters to gas leak repairs. Now go forth, shower freely, and maybe consider a buzz cut. 😉

Need backup? Contact Cleveland Plumbing Guy—your friendly neighborhood drain whisperers. Because life’s too short for shower puddles.