Clogged drains can be a nuisance, especially when they’re caused by built-up hair in bathroom sinks and showers. Excess hair collects in drains over time and combines with soap scum, oils and other debris to form thick clogs that impede water flow. Clearing hair clogs entirely can be challenging, often requiring the use of chemical drain cleaners to fully dissolve and dislodge the mass of tangled hair from pipe walls. While homemade mixtures like baking soda and vinegar can help loosen minor clogs, severe hair blockages usually call for more powerful chemical agents to break down the hair and restore proper drainage. But which chemical ingredients work best for dissolving hair in drains? Here’s an overview of some of the top options.
What Causes Hair Clogs in Drains?
Hair gets trapped in drains because its thin, stringy texture allows strands to wind their way into pipes and joints. Hairs collect in drain strainers but inevitably some slip through over time, accumulating bit by bit along pipe walls. When wet, hair sticks to surfaces and binds to soap scum, grease, skin cells and minerals from water to form sticky masses that capture even more hair. As clumps enlarge, water can’t pass through easily and drainage slows to a crawl.
Some factors that promote hair clogs include:
- Shampooing or shaving over sinks
- Long hair from multiple household members
- Old pipes with cracks and gaps
- Insufficient water flow to flush hair fully
- Infrequent drain cleaning
Hair eventually decomposes in drains but clumps can persist for months or even years before breaking down, continuously trapping more hair. Chemical intervention is often needed to speed up hair removal and get drains flowing freely again.
Chemical Ingredients in Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners use caustic or corrosive agents to eat through organic material like hair, grease, food waste and soap scum clogging pipes. Some active ingredients to look for include:
Sodium Hydroxide
Also known as lye or caustic soda, sodium hydroxide is a highly alkaline chemical compound that dissolves proteins like hair as well as fats and oils. It saponifies greases to make them more water soluble. Sodium hydroxide can be extremely corrosive, so drain cleaners contain it in lower concentrations.
Potassium Hydroxide
Like sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide is a potent chemical base used to break down hair, fats and oils blocking drains. It can generate enough heat to liquefy solidified grease. Concentrated forms can be hazardous if handled improperly.
Sodium Nitrate
This oxidizing agent is an active ingredient in crystallized drain openers. It accelerates decomposition of organic material like hair when combined with sulfuric acid. The exothermic reaction also releases heat to melt blockages.
Sodium Chloride
Table salt (sodium chloride) in drain cleaners helps remove soap scum and mineral deposits from pipes. It abrasively scrubs surfaces when dissolved in water. Non-clumping rock salt varieties are best for preventing clogs.
Sulfuric Acid
Used with sodium nitrate, concentrated sulfuric acid promotes a vigorous chemical reaction that burns through blockages. This powerful acid dissolves hair and other organics on contact. Drain cleaners use a diluted form to avoid hazardous fumes.
Enzymes
Some drain cleaners contain purified enzymes that target and digest hair, grease, food particles and other common clogging culprits in drains. Enzymes are a safer alternative to caustic chemicals but require longer contact time to work.
Bleach
Sodium hypochlorite bleach breaks down hair proteins and loosens matted clumps through oxidation. Plain liquid bleach can be used in moderation to clear minor hair clogs. It also helps deodorize drains and kill germs. But bleach shouldn’t be mixed with drain cleaner.
Acids
Chemical compounds like sulfuric, hydrochloric or phosphoric acid dissolve hair and other debris by chemically converting them into liquid and gas. They are effective but very hazardous if used incorrectly.
Types of Drain Cleaners for Hair
Chemical drain cleaners for removing hair clogs come in various formulas:
Caustic Liquid Drain Cleaners
Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide based alkaline liquids are classic caustic drain openers. They quickly dissolve hair and other organics but require caution to avoid chemical burns or pipe damage.
Crystallized Drain Openers
Granular products containing sodium nitrate and sulfuric acid generate heat and fizzing action to penetrate blockages when mixed with water. They effectively clear hair but carry risks if used improperly.
Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme-based drain solutions slowly digest hair and grease over several hours or days. They are gentle on pipes but not as immediately effective on severe clogs.
Oxidizing Cleaners
Chemicals like bleach, hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate oxidize hair protein chains and break them down through a chemical reaction. They provide a moderate approach but can take time to work.
Acidic Cleaners
Sulfuric or hydrochloric acid based cleaners quickly dissolve hair but are extremely hazardous if mishandled. Special precautions are required.
Natural Cleaners
Vinegar, baking soda and boiling water can loosen minor hair clogs gently but are generally not strong enough for severe blockages on their own.
| Drain Cleaner Type | Active Ingredients | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caustic Liquids | Sodium/Potassium Hydroxide | – Fast acting – Powerful hair removal |
– Very alkaline/corrosive – Requires gloves/eye protection |
| Crystallized Cleaners | Sodium Nitrate, Sulfuric Acid | – Strong exothermic reaction – Penetrates thick clogs |
– Generates dangerous heat/fumes – Can cause pipe burns |
| Enzyme Cleaners | Proprietary Enzyme Blends | – Gentle formula – Won’t harm pipes |
– Slow to take effect – Not for severe clogs |
| Oxidizing Cleaners | Bleach, Peroxide, Potassium Permanganate | – Moderate hair removal – Disinfects |
– Can take time to work – Can be harsh if overused |
| Acidic Cleaners | Sulfuric/Hydrochloric Acid | – Very fast acting – Powerful solvents |
– Extremely hazardous – Requires extreme caution |
| Natural Cleaners | Vinegar, Baking Soda, Boiling Water | – Non-toxic ingredients – Won’t damage pipes |
– Limited on severe clogs – Slow results |
How to Use Chemical Drain Cleaners
When using chemical cleaners to remove hair clogs, follow these important guidelines:
– Carefully read product instructions first
– Wear gloves, goggles and protective clothing
– Never mix cleaners together as toxic fumes can result
– Don’t use on completely blocked drains – relieve standing water first
– Limit use to small, targeted amounts – don’t overdose drains
– Give cleaners proper time to work before flushing with water
– Rinse pipes thoroughly with water after treatment
– Ventilate area to avoid inhaling fumes
– Keep children and pets away during use
Exercise extreme caution when handling caustic, acidic or oxidizing drain cleaners as they can quickly cause injuries or pipe corrosion if misused. Never touch cleaners with bare hands. Enzyme-based cleaners are gentler and safer for regular use.
Natural Hair Drain Cleaning Methods
For mild hair clogs, try these homemade drain cleaning solutions first:
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1 cup hot vinegar and pour down drain. Let sit 30 minutes then rinse with boiling water. The chemical reaction helps break up hair.
Boiling Water
Pouring 2-3 kettles full of boiling water down the drain can help loosen hair and grease. Caution: Don’t overflow drain with too much hot water at once.
Sodium Bicarbonate and Salt
Dissolve 1 cup sodium bicarbonate and 1 cup salt in 2 quarts boiling water. Flush down drain and let sit overnight, then rinse.
Plunger
Use a heavy-duty sink plunger over the drain to create suction and dislodge loose hair. Plunge up and down forcefully.
Wire Hanger Snake
Straighten out a wire hanger and use the end to hook and pull up hair clumps through the drain opening.
These methods require repeated effort but help avoid harsh chemicals for clearing minor clogs.
Professional Drain Cleaning
For recurring or severe hair blockages, it may be best to call a professional drain cleaning service. Professionals have specialized tools and powerful equipment to clear drains thoroughly, such as:
– High pressure water jets that scour pipes
– Long metal drain augers that remove packed debris
– Industrial strength chemical cleaners
– Video pipe inspection cameras
Pro plumbers can also detect leaks or other issues causing chronic clogs that may require pipe repairs or replacement. Though pricier than DIY methods, professional drain cleaning provides the most comprehensive solution and prevents clogs from returning.
Preventing Future Hair Clogs
To reduce hair buildup in drains long-term:
– Install drain screens and catch hair before it enters pipes
– Collect hair during grooming and dispose in trash
– Limit shampooing and hair washing in sinks
– Pour 1 cup baking soda + 1 cup vinegar down drains monthly
– Use enzyme cleaner weekly for maintenance
– Flush pipes with boiling water monthly
– Avoid letting fats/oils go down drains
– Have drains professionally cleaned annually
Following these tips will help minimize hair accumulation and keep drains clear. Acting quickly when drainage seems sluggish can help avert complete clogs.
Conclusion
Hair in drains is a very common yet frustrating plumbing problem. Chemical drain cleaners containing sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or sulfuric acid offer the quickest way to dissolve and remove heavy hair blockages. However caution is required when handling caustic or corrosive cleaners to avoid injury or pipe damage. Milder enzyme cleaners provide a safer option albeit slower results. For minor clogs only, homemade remedies like baking soda and vinegar can clear drains effectively too. But severe hair clogs often require professional drain cleaning for permanent removal. Being proactive with drain maintenance can help reduce future clogging and eliminate the need for potent chemical cleaners. With the right products and proper precautions, clearing hair-clogged drains is manageable.