Even if your hair is short, hair has a tendency to knot together as they’re washed down the shower drain. The knots can cluster together into a net that captures more hair and debris with every shower. This is why residential plumbers often recommend hair catchers during their household plumbing inspection. The best solution to any problem is to prevent it in the first place.
Here are the best hair catchers as selected by experts in residential plumbing services and fellow homeowners:
Danco Drain Protector
This hair catcher protrudes from the drain, catching hair on top so you can easily wipe off the surface to clear it of hair. It has a basket handle for easy removal from the tub. You won’t have to stick your finger in gunk to clean the catcher.
OXO Good Grips Silicone Drain Protector
You’ll be interested in this catcher if you don’t want it dipping into the drain. This catcher is dome shaped, catching hair around its bulb so hair can be swiped off. It’s weighted to stay on top of the drain and sits flush against the tub/shower surface to prevent hair from sneaking underneath.
TubShroom Drain Protector
A classic hair catcher, the TubShroom fits into any standard shower drain. Hair catches around the catcher as it flushes down the drain, neatly spooling around like thread. To remove the hair, remove the catcher and pull hair off.
Maintain your hair catcher or dirty shower water will pool up
Every week, remove the catcher to wipe off hair tangled around its trap. For showers that see frequent use, or that are used by people with long hair, you might have to clean it every few days. Shower products also can clog the holes, so you’ll likely have to poke through to dissolve obstructions. It can be a tedious business if you have to clean often, but it’s a good alternative to unclogging drains with harsh chemicals.
What to do if your drains are clogged with hair
Use a drain snake
Insert and twist a drain snake down the pipe to catch hair. Make a few more passes through the drain to catch as much hair as possible. Sometimes hair is loosened but not removable by the snake, so you might have to reach in with a gloved hand to pull out the gunk.
Pour a non-toxic overnight cleaner
Hair is an organic material, so it can easily be dissolved by enzyme-based cleaners, which don’t contain chemicals. Enzymes will chew through the hair, clearing a path for water. Enzymes also work after they’ve been washed down. They will continue to clear your pipes, making clogs less likely. For monthly maintenance, you can also pour enzyme-based cleaner down the drain, regardless if it’s clogged.
