The Clean and Plunge Method 

For clog prevention and minor blockages, cleaning and plunging your drains can often keep your bathtubs and shower stalls flowing freely. Squirt a small amount of natural, grease-fighting dish soap into the drain. Then, pour a cup full of baking soda into the drain. Afterward, quickly pour one cup of vinegar into the drain to ensure that it mixes well with the baking soda. You should hear and see fizzing inside the drain. After the noise subsides, wait about five more minutes, and then pour hot water into the drain and immediately begin plunging. Never use a toilet plunger for this task, as it can contaminate the area with harmful bacteria. You should always have two separate plungers on hand, a bell-shaped plunger for the toilets, and a flat bottom plunger that is used for sinks and tubs only. 

Manually Removing the Hair from a Drain 

If cleaning and plunging fails to fix the problem, then you may have a lot of hair inside the drain. This means you will likely need to manually remove the hair and buildup using needle-nose pliers or a zip-it tool. To make the task most effective, you will need to remove the drain. First, take out the stopper, and insert a plug wrench into the drain opening. Turn the drain opening counterclockwise to loosen it. Pull the whole drain out and use the appropriate tools to get rid of the hair at the surface. 

When to Invest in Drain Cleaning and Hydro Jetting Services 

If you have a substantial amount of hair and debris inside your bathtub drain, or if you have underlying sewer line problems, then you will probably need professional care. A certified plumber can perform a clog removal, drain cleaning or hydro jetting service to safely and effectively remove the clogs and layers of buildup, so your pipes can have a fresh start. 

Do You Need a Professional Clog Removal? Call Rooter Hero Plumbing Today 

Did you clean, plunge and remove hair from your drain, but it still refuses to work properly? Does the prospect of pulling out chunks of hair from your bathtub drains make you feel a little grossed out? Get help from a certified plumber. Call the experts at Rooter Hero Plumbing. Our licensed and insured professionals have the tools, training and hands-on experience needed to get the job done right. Contact our office to learn more or to schedule an appointment with a plumbing specialist in your California or Arizona neighborhood.