Hair clogs happen because strands bind together with soap and debris in your drain's P-trap, creating a dense blockage that gets thicker every day until water can barely pass through. The only real solution is complete removal of the buildup using professional-grade equipment that clears your pipes without damaging them. At C. Lee Services, we've cleared thousands of these clogs over the years, and we know that half-measures like chemical drain cleaners just don't cut it. What you need is a thorough cleaning that removes every bit of accumulated gunk and leaves your pipes flowing like new, which is exactly what we deliver with professional drain cleaning in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.
Why Hair Clogs Are So Persistent
Hair doesn't break down in water like you might hope. According to research from water treatment facilities, human hair can take up to two years to decompose under normal conditions. When it gets caught in your pipes, it essentially becomes permanent until someone removes it. The problem gets worse because hair has a texture that naturally tangles and binds. Just like how your hairbrush collects more hair over time, your pipes do the same thing. Add in soap residue, which acts like glue, and you've got a clogged drain that gets even more clogged every single day.
Most bathroom drains have a U-shaped pipe called a P-trap that's designed to hold water and block sewer gases. While this design works great for its intended purpose, it also creates the perfect spot for hair to get caught and start accumulating. Once enough hair collects there, water flow slows down, giving even more debris a chance to stick. When it reaches this point, drain cleaning services can break up the buildup and get everything flowing again.
When Store-Bought Solutions Fall Short
You've probably seen the chemical drain cleaners at the hardware store that promise to dissolve anything in their path. Here's the reality: these products use harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid that can damage your pipes over time, particularly if you have older plumbing. The National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors warns that repeated use of chemical cleaners can corrode pipe walls and create leaks.
Plus, they rarely solve the actual problem. They might clear a small opening through the clog, but the hair mat stays stuck to your pipe walls, ready to catch more debris tomorrow. When you're dealing with a blockage that keeps coming back, calling a drain cleaning company saves you from wasting money on products that only provide temporary relief.
Professional Solutions That Actually Work
We use specialized equipment that removes the entire clog, not just part of it. One of our most effective methods involves high-pressure water systems that can cut through years of buildup without damaging your pipes. This process clears the blockage completely and scours the pipe walls clean, giving you a fresh start. For many serious clogs, drain snaking provides an effective way to break through the blockage and pull out the accumulated hair and debris.
For particularly stubborn situations, we also use camera inspection technology to see exactly what's happening inside your pipes. Sometimes what looks like a simple hair clog is actually masking a bigger problem, like a damaged pipe or an object that shouldn't be there. Seeing the actual condition of your pipes helps us choose the right approach every time.
Your Questions About Hair Clogs, Answered
Does hot water really help with hair clogs?
Not as much as people think. While hot water can help dissolve some soap buildup, it won't do anything to hair that's already stuck in your pipes. The temperature of typical household hot water (around 120 degrees) isn't high enough to break down hair fibers.
Can hair clogs damage my plumbing long-term?
Yes, they can. When water can't flow freely, pressure builds up in your pipes. Over time, this pressure can weaken joints and seals, potentially leading to leaks. Standing water from slow drains can also create conditions for mold growth inside your walls.
How often should drains be professionally cleaned?
For most households, having your drains professionally cleaned every 18 to 24 months keeps problems from developing. If you have long hair in the house or notice frequent slow draining, annual cleaning makes more sense.
Let’s Get Your Drains Flowing Again
Why spend another day dealing with standing water and slow drains? Our team brings three decades of hands-on plumbing experience to every job, and we back our work with solid warranties that give you peace of mind. We respect your time with our punctual service, and we'll tell you exactly what the job will cost before we start. Whether you're a homeowner dealing with a stubborn bathroom clog or a business owner who needs immediate help, we're here when you need us. We're fully licensed and insured, and we offer flexible payment options that fit your budget.
Call C. Lee Services today and let's get your plumbing back to working the way it should.
