What Will Dissolve Hair in a Clogged Drain?

Few things are as frustrating as standing ankle-deep in water during a shower because the drain is blocked with hair. It’s a common problem in every home. So, what will dissolve hair in a clogged drain? The answer depends on whether you choose DIY drain solutions or call in professional blocked drain plumbers in Adelaide.

Let’s break down the safest and most effective ways to get rid of hair clogs.

Can Drain Cleaners Really Dissolve Hair?

Yes, some drain cleaners can break down hair, especially those containing sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) or bleach. These chemicals attack the proteins in hair, causing it to dissolve over time. But here’s a catch:

• They only work if the chemical can reach the hair clog directly.
• Thick, deep blockages often resist chemical action.
• Overuse of harsh cleaners can weaken your pipes and harm the environment.

So while they can sometimes help with a quick fix, they’re not a long-term solution.

The Risks of Chemical Drain Cleaners

Before you grab a bottle from the supermarket shelf, it’s worth knowing the downsides of chemical drain cleaners. Let’s break down the risk:

• It can cause pipe damage, as strong chemicals can corrode PVC or metal pipes.
• It contains toxic fumes and skin burns that are common risks and other serious health hazards.
• It cannot guarantee a complete result. Chemicals may dissolve some hair but leave greasy residue behind.
• It has an environmental impact where harsh cleaners are unsafe once they wash into Adelaide’s waterways.

This is why many plumbers, including blocked drain Adelaide specialists, recommend safer alternatives.

Safe DIY Methods to Dissolve or Remove Hair

If you’d rather avoid pouring harsh chemicals down your pipes, here are tried-and-tested methods that are both safer and effective:

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar

A natural favourite. Use half a cup of baking soda in your drain, and then follow it with vinegar. Let it fix for 10 to 15 minutes before flushing with hot water. This helps loosen soap scum holding the hair.

2. Boiling Water

Carefully pouring boiling water down the drain can soften grease and soap, releasing trapped hair. Avoid this if you have PVC pipes, as it may cause damage.

3. Bleach (With Caution)

Household bleach can break down hair proteins. However, it should only be used sparingly, with gloves, and never mixed with other cleaners.

4. Mechanical Removal

Sometimes the simplest approach is the best:

• Drain snake or auger to pull out clogs.
• Wire hook made from a coat hanger.
• Drain cleaning tools like micro-hook sticks designed for hair.

These options remove the blockage directly rather than just softening it.

Why Call a Professional?

DIY methods are great for small clogs, but if your drain keeps blocking up, it’s time for expert help. Our professional plumber blocked drain Adelaide service offers CCTV camera inspections to locate the clog. To blast away stubborn build-ups, Sydney Pest Crew uses high-pressure water jetting. All our blocked drain treatments are safe and eco-friendly, tailored to your pipe system.   Our Adelaide plumber provides long-term prevention advice to keep your drain working smoothly.

At Your Local Tradesman, our team specialises in safe ways to dissolve hair in pipes without risking pipe damage or harmful side effects.

Conclusion: The Best Way to Deal with Hair Clogs

So, what will dissolve hair in a clogged drain? While chemical drain cleaners can sometimes help, they’re risky and not always effective. Safer options like baking soda, vinegar, boiling water, and manual tools often work just as well without damaging your plumbing.

But if your drains are constantly backing up, it’s time to call in the experts. Your Local Tradesman offers reliable hair clog removal in Adelaide, using advanced tools and eco-friendly methods to keep your drains flowing freely.