Blockage causes · Hair

Hair clogging your showers and sinks.

Hair blockages are a common issue in residential plumbing, particularly in bathrooms where hair falls into sinks, showers and bathtubs. Over time it mixes with soap, grease and other debris, binding into stubborn clogs that only get worse.

Mr Drainage plumber clearing a hair-blocked bathroom drain

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Catch it early

Signs you have a hair blockage

Spotting the early signs of hair blockages can spare you the headache of expensive, time-consuming repairs. Keep an eye out for these telltale indicators:

Slow draining water

Water draining slowly from sinks, tubs or showers often means hair is building up in the pipe.

Frequent clogs

Regularly dealing with clogs — especially in the bathroom — is a classic symptom of hair accumulation.

Gurgling noises

Gurgling sounds from your fixtures may indicate hair is obstructing airflow in the pipes.

Unpleasant odours

Foul smells from drains can signal decomposing hair and organic matter trapped in the plumbing.

Water backups

Water backing up into your sink or tub when other fixtures are used points to a significant hair blockage.

How this happens

Hair binds with everything it meets

Hair easily becomes trapped in drains, especially without drain covers or hair catchers in place. When it combines with soap residue and body oils, it forms a sticky mass that clogs the pipes.

Where hair strikes

Bathroom sinks

Hair from shaving or grooming mixes with soap scum and toothpaste residue, making blockages even more stubborn.

Showers

Hair shed during washing blends with shampoo and conditioner, forming thick, hard-to-remove clogs.

Bathtubs

Long strands slip into the drain during baths and combine with oils and bath products, slowing drainage until it stops.

What it can lead to

  • Severe blockages — accumulating hair can completely obstruct water flow, causing slow drainage or backups
  • Pipe damage — untreated hair blockages contribute to corrosion and wear on your plumbing over time
  • Increased plumbing costs — repeated clogs mean costly repairs and maintenance if left untreated
The fix

Best methods for hair removal

If you suspect hair is behind your blocked drains, we have effective solutions to address the issue:

Mechanical snaking

A specialised drain snake removes hair and debris built up in your pipes, restoring normal drainage.

Hydro jetting

High-pressure water jets clear out hair and other blockages, leaving your pipes clean and functioning properly.

Drain cleaning solutions

Eco-friendly, chemical-free options that safely break down hair and other organic matter in your pipes.

Drain cover installation

Drain covers catch hair before it enters your plumbing, significantly reducing the risk of future blockages.

Stay ahead of it

How to prevent hair blockages

Keeping hair out of the plumbing is the key to a healthy bathroom drain:

Use drain strainers

Install strainers in your sinks and showers to catch hair before it can enter the plumbing.

Regular cleaning

Make it a habit to clean your drain covers and remove trapped hair regularly.

Limit hair washing in sinks

Avoid washing hair or rinsing hair products in sinks to minimise what enters your drains.

Educate your household

Make sure everyone at home understands the importance of keeping hair out of the drains.

Mr Drainage technician inspecting a bathroom drain for hair buildup
Before you call

Troubleshooting this problem

Suspect hair is blocking your drains? A few checks and DIY steps you can try first:

  1. 1

    Inspect your drains

    Check your sink, shower and bathtub for visible hair buildup or clogs at the drain opening.

  2. 2

    Monitor drainage

    Pay attention to any slow-draining fixtures, especially in the bathroom.

  3. 3

    Check for odours

    Stay alert to foul smells coming from your drains — often the first sign of a hair blockage.

  4. 4

    Use a plumber's snake

    If you have one, gently use it to pull hair out of the drain.

  5. 5

    Try baking soda and vinegar

    This natural solution can help break down minor hair blockages when flushed with hot water.

If these methods don't work, it's time to call a professional plumber — hair clogs deep in the pipe need proper equipment to clear fully.

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No call-out fee, CCTV diagnosis and same-day clearing — backed by the Flow Safe Plumbing team.

Why choose us

Hair blockages, cleared for good

When hair slows your drains, trust Mr Drainage for swift, effective solutions. We've cleared countless hair blockages, restoring sinks, showers and tubs to peak performance for homes across Melbourne.

Clear communication

Drain blockages are disruptive, so we keep you informed throughout — full transparency and regular updates at every step.

Workmanship guaranteed

Every service we provide is backed by our workmanship guarantee, giving you peace of mind that the job is built to last.

Fast response times

Hair blockages can't wait, and neither do we. Our team arrives fast, ready to restore your drains quickly and efficiently.

Get in touch

Why wait? Call Mr Drainage at any hour.

Our 24/7 team is ready to restore your drains to their pre-blockage condition - no matter the scale. Avoid costly damage and get a fast response today.

FAQs

Hair blockage FAQs

What Melbourne households ask us about hair in their drains.

How can I tell if hair is clogging my drains?

Look for signs such as slow drainage, frequent clogs, gurgling noises and foul odours — especially in bathroom fixtures.

Can hair really damage my plumbing?

Yes. Hair accumulates into significant blockages that can lead to pressure buildup and damage to your pipes over time.

What is the best way to remove hair from drains?

Mechanical snaking and hydro jetting are the most effective methods for removing hair blockages from pipes.

How can I prevent hair from clogging my drains?

Use drain strainers, clean your drains regularly, and make sure your household keeps hair out of the plumbing.

Should I use chemical drain cleaners for hair blockages?

Chemical cleaners can work but aren't always the safest option for your pipes. It's best to consult a professional plumber for guidance.

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