How to Use Bleach on a Bathtub Clogged With Hair

When you wash your hair, strands of it may flow down the drain, likely leading to clogs over time.

Hair's thickness and ability to easily tangle can cause a buildup of hair clumps in the bathtub drain. Bleach is a strong cleaning agent sometimes found as an ingredient in commercial chemical drain cleaners. Rather than buying chemical cleaners, however, you can resort to the less-expensive option of bleach itself to remove the hair clumps.

Things You'll Need

• Large pot
• Boiling water
• Chlorine bleach

Instructions

1. Slowly pour boiled water down the drain.

2. Open the container of bleach. Slowly pour about half the container directly into the drain.

3. Let the bleach sit in the drainpipe for 10 minutes.

4. Boil another pot of water. Slowly pour this second batch of boiling water down the drain to rinse out the bleach and dissolving hair.

5. Turn on the hot-water faucet of the bathtub, and let it run for a few minutes to flush out the drainpipe.

6. Repeat these steps as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using a drain-trap cover to collect hair and debris before it goes down the drain.

• Use extreme care when handling hot boiling water and bleach. Avoid pouring quickly, which can lead to splashing.

• Open a window for ventilation when using bleach.

References

• Home Living Answers: How to Clear Bathroom Drain Clogs