How to dissolve hair in a shower drain?
9 Answers
Answered by Boymans Plumbers
28th March 2021
Boymans Plumbers answered the question "How to dissolve hair in a shower drain?"
As a professional plumber we wouldn’t recommended putting any chemicals down a waste pipe , if the problem is re occurring I would recommend calling a local plumber to access the pipes where possible and renew if needed , once installed correctly with correctly falls and sizes pipes work faultlessly
Answered by Pro Heating & Plumbing Ltd & Pro-Drain Ltd
29th October 2020
Pro Heating & Plumbing Ltd & Pro-Drain Ltd answered the question "How to dissolve hair in a shower drain?"
As a professional drain company we do not recommend or use ourselves chemicals to remove blockages from within any kind of waste pipe or drain, we believe in removing blockages or obstructions such as hair manually from a trap or with electro mechanical equipment if within a waste pipe. There are many chemicals available to clean drains however they must be used cautiously as they can be extremely hazardous to the user by omitting fumes or causing burns and irritation to the skin.
Answered by Plumb Drain and Maintain Ltd
15th March 2020
Plumb Drain and Maintain Ltd answered the question "How to dissolve hair in a shower drain?"
I would recommend that you have your primary pipework mechanically cleaned to remove all debris from the pipework. I never recommend drain acids as it could cause more damage to the pipework and the environment it ends up in. Mechanical cleaning is a great way of removing scale, hair, soap build up and blockages to pipework.
Answered by Plumblife
7th October 2019
Plumblife answered the question "How to dissolve hair in a shower drain?"
I always advise against using acids/alkaline to dissolve blockages and hair in waste pipework. This is because although the acids do not effect the plastic pipework it does effect the rubber seals which could cause leaks. Also the acids can discolour chrome fittings etc when it comes into contact.
Answered by Gas On Sea
29th May 2019
Gas On Sea answered the question "How to dissolve hair in a shower drain?"
It is not recommended to attempt to dissolve hair in a shower drain, the use of chemicals can damage pipework at joists or washer seals. Shower traps are recommended to be cleaned regularly to avoid blockages in drain pipework. BoilerOne recommend you consult a verified plumber to diagnose the problem
Answered by Heather Contracts Limited
12th March 2019
Heather Contracts Limited answered the question "How to dissolve hair in a shower drain?"
This is something we wouldn't recommend. The adverts on TV make it look so simple and its really not effective. Ideally, you want to remove the majority of the hair mass. this can be simply, pulling it from the plug hole. Putting chemicals down a waste isn't good for the fittings or pipework. If, your unable to pull the hair from the plug hole, some wastes allow the plug to be removed. the cover will not be connected and sits in place. This needs to be removed (not using any tools or significant force), below a capture cup can be found. this twists out allowing it to be emptied. this is where the hair is caught. clearing this is more effective than any chemicals (WARNING - If you are attempting this after trying chemicals, we strongly urge you to contact a competent professional, ensuring you inform them what has been put down there). Replace the capture pot & replace the cover.
Answered by Thoroughbuild UK Services Ltd
26th February 2019
Thoroughbuild UK Services Ltd answered the question "How to dissolve hair in a shower drain?"
Ideally you do not want to dissolve it with chemicals as this can compromise your waste pipes and traps - it also contaminates the sewage system. Ideally you want to remove it by hand - this is messy but effective and more so, environmentally friendly. Ideally use a strainer over the plug hole to stop the hair going down the drain in the first place.
Answered by A Royal Flush Plumbing
12th February 2019
A Royal Flush Plumbing answered the question "How to dissolve hair in a shower drain?"
To dissolve hair in a shower drain you want to remove any water in the trap with a wet/dry vac. and whilst wearing rubber glove and a breathing mask, not just a dust mask and safety goggles, pour in an acidic drain cleaner. I would never advise for you to do this yourself as the acidic chemical can also effect other things in the waste system than just the hair. One common household product that can dissolve the hair is bleach. Bleach is classed as a basic, the hair is acidic. This results in a chemical reaction leaving water and salt. Make sure this is done in a well ventilated room and wear gloves whilst pouring the bleach down the trap.
Answered by PipeDream Plumbing
11th February 2019
PipeDream Plumbing answered the question "How to dissolve hair in a shower drain?"
As a professional I wouldn't recommend cleaning chemicals that dissolve hair and debris in the pipework. The chemicals attack pipes and rubber washers on the pipework which can lead to more and bigger problems than you began with. If you have cleaned the waste traps and plunged your drains with no success, I'd recommend you contact a plumber who will be able rectify you problems