A clogged sink drain can be a major inconvenience, but at least the trap and the first few feet of drain line are usually accessible under the sink or in the cabinet. Most handy homeowners have a good chance of successfully clearing clogs in these areas.
Tub and shower drains are another matter entirely. The trap is usually not accessible, and even if it is the trap is not easily removed by hand like most sink drain traps. The result is that a clog in a tub or shower drain usually means a call to the plumber to clear the clogged drain.
One way to minimize these calls and save yourself a little money is to keep hair out of these drains as much as possible. Hair is easily the most common cause of tub and shower drain clogs. Hair catches on the stopper, the grate, and any little imperfection in the drain. It then starts collecting more hair, soap scum, dirt and debris and before you know it a clog has formed. Less hair in the drain equals fewer clogs.
Your local home improvement store carries a selection of hair catching strainers in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit almost any type or size of drain. These are plastic or metal devices that are easily removable for cleaning which is convenient because you will need to clean it often. Whenever hair accumulates on the strainer, take it out and clean the hair out of it.
By catching and disposing of hair before it has a chance to reach your drain, you will be able to prevent most tub or shower drain clogs and keep more money in your pocket.
