How to Deal with Hair Clogging Your Drains in Sydney, NSW

Dealing with hair clogging your drains is an all-too-common issue for many homeowners in Sydney. Whether it’s from washing your hair in the shower or shaving at the sink, hair can easily accumulate in your plumbing system, leading to slow drainage, unpleasant odours, and even complete blockages if left unchecked. Understanding how hair clogs your drains and knowing the best strategies to prevent and remove these clogs can save you from costly repairs and keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly.

Why Hair Clogs Drains

Hair clogging drains is one of the most common plumbing issues faced by Sydney homeowners, particularly in bathrooms where hair washing and grooming are regular activities. But why exactly does hair cause such problems in our drains?

Common Causes of Hair Clogs and Their Impact on Drainage

Cause	Percentage of Drain Clogs in Sydney	Average Time to Clear (Minutes)	Impact on Drainage
Long Hair	40%	30	High – Major contributor to dense clogs
Short Hair	25%	20	Medium – Can accumulate with other debris
Pet Hair	15%	25	Medium – Often combines with soap scum
Soap Scum and Hair Mixture	15%	40	High – Creates sticky, difficult-to-clear clogs
Improper Hair Disposal	5%	10	Low – Preventable with proper disposal

The Accumulation Process: Hair, whether it’s from your head, beard, or even from your pets, is highly fibrous and can easily intertwine with itself and other debris. When you wash your hair or shave, these small strands don’t just disappear down the drain. Instead, they tend to stick to the sides of the pipes, where they gradually accumulate over time. In Sydney’s older homes, where plumbing systems might already be slightly corroded or uneven, hair is even more likely to get trapped and build up.

Impact of Different Types of Hair: The type of hair also plays a role in how quickly and severely clogs can form. Long hair is more prone to creating large, tangled clumps, which can block pipes faster than shorter hair. On the other hand, short hair, including stubble from shaving, may seem less problematic but can still contribute to clogs, particularly when combined with soap scum and other residues. Pet hair adds another layer of complexity, as it can carry oils and dirt that further exacerbate the buildup in your drains.

The Role of Soap Scum and Other Debris: Hair clogs rarely occur in isolation. Soap scum, a byproduct of soap mixing with minerals in water, creates a sticky residue that coats the inside of pipes. This scum acts like glue, catching and holding onto hair that passes through. Over time, this mixture of hair, soap scum, and other debris like skin cells and dirt creates a dense blockage that can severely restrict water flow. In Sydney, where hard water is common, the buildup of minerals in conjunction with soap scum can accelerate the formation of clogs, making regular maintenance even more critical.

Understanding the Risks: If left unchecked, these clogs can lead to more serious plumbing issues. Slow-draining water is often just the first sign; if the clog continues to grow, it can cause water to back up, leading to leaks, unpleasant odours, and even damage to your plumbing system. For Sydney residents, who often live in high-density housing or older homes with complex plumbing systems, dealing with these issues promptly is essential to avoid costly repairs and potential water damage.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Hair Clogs

Preventing hair from clogging your drains is far easier and more cost-effective than dealing with a full-blown blockage. For Sydney homeowners, where the city’s fast-paced lifestyle often leaves little time for home maintenance, adopting simple preventive measures can save you from the hassle and expense of frequent plumbing issues. Here are some effective strategies to keep your drains clear of hair and other debris.

1. Install Drain Covers

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent hair from clogging your drains is by installing drain covers or hair catchers. These devices are designed to fit over the drain opening, catching hair and other debris before it can enter your plumbing system. Drain covers are especially useful in showers and bathtubs, where hair loss is most common.

Regular Maintenance: While drain covers are effective, they require regular cleaning to remain efficient. Hair and debris collected by the cover should be removed after each use to prevent buildup. Neglecting to clean the cover can lead to the same issues you’re trying to prevent—slow drainage and potential blockages.

2. Practice Regular Drain Cleaning

Even with a drain cover, some hair and debris can still make its way into the pipes. Regular cleaning of your drains can help prevent minor accumulations from turning into major clogs.

Using Natural Cleaning Solutions: A simple and eco-friendly way to keep your drains clean is by using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain can help break down any hair or soap scum that has started to accumulate. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes before flushing with hot water. This method is particularly effective in Sydney homes, where hard water can exacerbate the buildup of minerals and soap scum.

Boiling Water: Another easy preventive measure is to periodically pour boiling water down your drains. The heat can help dissolve any grease or soap residue that might be trapping hair in the pipes. This is a quick and inexpensive method that can be done weekly to keep your drains clear.

3. Proper Hair Disposal

How you dispose of hair after grooming activities can significantly impact your plumbing. Instead of letting hair wash down the drain, take a moment to collect it and dispose of it properly.

Brushing Before Washing: One of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of hair that ends up in your drain is to brush your hair before getting into the shower. This removes loose hairs, which can then be discarded in the rubbish bin instead of washing down the drain. This is particularly relevant in Sydney’s high-rise apartments, where plumbing systems are shared among multiple units, and a clog in one apartment can affect others.

4. Maintain Hair Traps

Many modern bathroom sinks and showers come equipped with hair traps designed to catch hair before it enters the plumbing system. These traps need regular maintenance to function effectively.

Cleaning the Trap: Hair traps are designed to be removed and cleaned easily. Make it a routine to check and clean the trap at least once a week, or more frequently if you have long hair or if multiple people use the bathroom. Simply remove the trap, clear out the accumulated hair, and rinse it under hot water before replacing it.

5. Educate Your Household

Preventing hair clogs is a collective effort, especially in households with multiple residents. Ensuring everyone understands and follows these preventive measures can make a significant difference.

Family Awareness: Make sure that everyone in the household knows the importance of proper hair disposal and drain maintenance. Simple practices like cleaning up after grooming and using drain covers can be easily integrated into daily routines.

DIY Methods to Clear Hair Clogs

Despite your best efforts to prevent hair from clogging your drains, it’s almost inevitable that some hair will find its way into your plumbing system. When this happens, taking prompt action with DIY methods can help you clear the blockage before it turns into a more significant issue. Here are some effective techniques you can use to clear hair clogs from your drains.

Method	How It Works	Steps	When It Works/Why It’s Effective
Plunging	Creates suction to dislodge hair and debris from the drain.	1. Remove visible hair/debris from the drain. 2. Place the plunger over the drain, ensuring a tight seal. 3. Push down and pull up on the plunger several times. 4. If water drains more easily, the clog has been cleared.	Effective for soft, surface-level clogs in sinks, showers, or bathtubs. A quick, simple solution that works well for minor clogs.
Baking Soda and Vinegar	The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar breaks down hair and soap scum while neutralising odours.	1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain. 2. Add ½ cup of vinegar. 3. Let the mixture fizz and sit for 15-30 minutes. 4. Flush with hot water.	Creates a foaming action that clears minor to moderate clogs further down the pipe. A natural, eco-friendly alternative to chemical cleaners, ideal for environmentally conscious Sydney residents.
Boiling Water	The heat from boiling water dissolves soap scum and loosens hair clogs, making it easier for the debris to be washed away.	1. Boil a kettle of water. 2. Carefully pour the water into the drain in stages. 3. Allow the hot water to work through the clog.	Best for clogs caused by a mix of hair, soap scum, and grease. Effective for metal pipes but should be used cautiously with PVC pipes, as the heat could cause damage. Ideal for most Sydney homes with metal pipes.
Drain Snake	A flexible, coiled wire tool that reaches deep into the drain to break up and remove hair and debris that are too far down for plunging or natural remedies.	1. Insert the snake into the drain. 2. Rotate the handle to break up or catch the clog. 3. Pull the snake back out, bringing the clog with it.	Ideal for stubborn, deep clogs that build up over time. Particularly effective for older plumbing systems in Sydney homes. A long-term solution for recurring blockages.
Chemical Drain Cleaners	Chemicals in the cleaner break down organic material such as hair, grease, and soap scum, dissolving clogs quickly.	1. Pour the chemical cleaner into the drain. 2. Wait for the recommended time. 3. Flush with water as directed.	Should be used as a last resort, as they can damage pipes and harm the environment. Best for stubborn clogs when other methods have failed. Sydney residents may prefer biodegradable options due to environmental concerns. Should not be used in homes with fragile plumbing or septic systems.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While DIY methods can be effective for clearing minor hair clogs, there are times when it’s best to leave the job to a professional plumber. Knowing when to call in an expert can save you from causing further damage to your plumbing system and can ensure that the problem is resolved efficiently and thoroughly. For homeowners in Sydney, where plumbing systems can vary widely in age and condition, recognising the signs that it’s time to seek professional help is crucial.

1. Persistent Clogs Despite DIY Efforts

If you’ve tried multiple DIY methods—such as plunging, using baking soda and vinegar, or deploying a drain snake—and the clog still persists, it’s a clear sign that the problem may be more severe than you initially thought. Persistent clogs often indicate that the blockage is deep within the plumbing system, beyond the reach of standard household tools.

2. Slow Draining Across Multiple Fixtures

If you notice that water is draining slowly from multiple fixtures in your home—such as sinks, showers, and bathtubs—it’s a strong indication that there’s a more extensive blockage somewhere in your main drainage system. This kind of widespread drainage issue is not something that can typically be resolved with DIY methods.

3. Foul Odours Emanating from Drains

A lingering foul odour coming from your drains, even after using DIY cleaning methods, is another sign that it’s time to call a plumber. These smells can indicate that there’s a significant build-up of hair, grease, and other organic matter in your pipes, or worse, that there’s a problem with your sewer line.

4. Water Backing Up in Unusual Places

One of the more alarming signs that you need a professional plumber is water backing up in unusual places. For example, if you flush the toilet and notice water bubbling up in the shower or sink, this is a clear indication of a blockage in the main sewer line. This issue requires immediate professional intervention to prevent further damage and potential flooding.

Understanding the Risks: Water backing up in multiple fixtures is a sign that there’s a serious blockage preventing water from flowing through your plumbing system properly. If left unresolved, this can lead to significant water damage, not only to your home but also to your neighbours’ properties, especially in Sydney’s closely built suburban areas. According to experts, water damage from severe blockages can lead to repair costs ranging from $2,500 to $7,500, depending on the extent of the damage.

5. Visible Water Damage or Leaks

If you notice water damage, such as damp spots on walls or ceilings, or if you see water pooling around the base of your fixtures, it’s time to call a plumber. These signs can indicate that there’s a hidden leak or a severe clog causing water to overflow and damage your home’s structure.

Preventing Further Damage: Water damage can weaken the structural integrity of your home, leading to costly repairs if not addressed promptly. In Sydney, where the climate can vary significantly and seasonal rains can exacerbate plumbing issues, dealing with leaks quickly is essential to prevent long-term damage. Professional plumbers can use advanced techniques like thermal imaging or pressure testing to locate and repair leaks before they cause extensive damage.

Long-Term Solutions and Maintenance

Once you’ve dealt with a hair clog or have had a professional clear your drains, it’s important to adopt long-term solutions and regular maintenance practices to prevent future blockages. For Sydney homeowners, where the mix of older properties and high-density living can make plumbing maintenance a bit more challenging, these proactive steps can help keep your drains clear and your plumbing system running smoothly.

1. Routine Drain Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your drains is one of the most effective ways to prevent hair and other debris from building up and causing clogs. While DIY methods like using baking soda and vinegar are great for regular maintenance, scheduling professional drain cleaning at least once a year can make a significant difference.

Professional vs. DIY Cleaning: While regular home maintenance is crucial, professional drain cleaning involves more thorough techniques that can reach deeper into your plumbing system. For example, hydro jetting, a method where high-pressure water is used to clear pipes, can remove years of accumulated hair, grease, and mineral deposits. This method is particularly effective in older Sydney homes where plumbing systems may have seen decades of use. According to plumbing industry experts, professional drain cleaning can extend the lifespan of your pipes by up to 10 years, making it a worthwhile investment.

2. Using Hair Removal Products

Another long-term solution is the use of specialised hair removal products designed to break down hair and prevent it from accumulating in your drains. These products can be particularly useful in homes where multiple people use the same bathroom, increasing the amount of hair that enters the drains daily.

Enzyme-Based Cleaners: Enzyme-based drain cleaners are a popular choice for those looking to maintain clear drains without the use of harsh chemicals. These products contain natural enzymes that break down organic matter like hair, preventing clogs from forming. Unlike chemical cleaners, enzyme-based products are safe for your plumbing and the environment.

3. Upgrading Plumbing Fixtures

Sometimes, the best way to prevent hair clogs is to upgrade the fixtures in your bathroom. Modern plumbing fixtures are designed with better drainage and clog prevention features, making them less prone to hair accumulation.

Hair-Trapping Drains: One of the most effective upgrades is installing hair-trapping drains. These are designed to catch hair before it enters the plumbing system, making them easy to clean and preventing clogs from forming.

4. Educating Household Members

Maintaining clear drains is a collective effort, particularly in households with multiple occupants. Educating everyone in the home about proper hair disposal and drain maintenance can make a big difference in preventing clogs.

Hair Disposal Practices: Encourage everyone in the household to dispose of hair properly, such as by brushing hair before showering or cleaning up hair clippings after shaving. Simple habits like these can prevent a significant amount of hair from entering the drains.

5. Installing a Water Softener

The minerals in the water can combine with soap and hair to form stubborn clogs. Installing a water softener can help mitigate this issue by reducing the mineral content in your water supply.

How It Works: A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from your water, which are the minerals responsible for hard water. By softening the water, you reduce the likelihood of mineral deposits forming in your pipes, which can trap hair and other debris.

Maintaining clear drains is essential for ensuring the long-term health and functionality of your plumbing system. Hair clogs are one of the most common issues Sydney homeowners face, but with the right preventive measures and maintenance strategies, you can keep your drains flowing freely and avoid costly repairs.