Clearing a Bathroom Sink Drain Clogged with Hair

Why Hair Clogs Are So Common

Hair combines with soap scum and toothpaste residue to form tough, sticky clogs in bathroom sink drains. These clogs typically form just below the drain stopper or in the P-trap. The good news is that most hair clogs are relatively easy to remove without calling a plumber.

Removing the Drain Stopper

Most bathroom sinks have a pop-up stopper that can be removed by hand — simply pull it straight up or twist and lift. Some stoppers are held in place by a horizontal pivot rod under the sink. Squeeze the spring clip on the clevis strap, pull the pivot rod out of the drain body, and the stopper will lift free. Clean any hair and gunk off the stopper before reinserting it.

Using a Drain Snake

A plastic drain snake (also called a zip-it tool) is an inexpensive and incredibly effective tool for hair clogs. Insert the barbed strip into the drain opening and push it down as far as it will go. Slowly pull it back out — the barbs will grab hair and debris along the way. You may need to repeat this process several times until no more hair comes out.

Prevention Tips

Install a mesh drain cover or hair catcher over your bathroom sink drain to catch hair before it enters the pipe. Clean the drain stopper monthly by removing it and wiping off any buildup. Once a month, flush the drain with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water to prevent soap scum accumulation.