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Clogged shower – how to remove hair the right way

  • Writer: Martin Schlaffer
    Martin Schlaffer
  • Sep 25, 2025
  • 2 min read

A clogged shower drain is one of the most common bathroom problems. Hair is usually the culprit, as it collects in the drain and combines with soap scum to form stubborn buildup. The water drains slowly or doesn’t drain at all. But with the right methods, the problem can often be fixed quickly—if you know how.


If you need help quickly, you can find all the information about our Berlin drain cleaning emergency services on our AAA-Abfluss homepage.


Why does the shower drain get clogged so often?


Every day, hair falls out while showering and collects in the drain. Combined with:


  • soap residue

  • shampoo

  • skin oils


this creates a sticky mass that builds up in the pipe. Over time, this turns into a solid blockage.


Haare in Dusche

Removing Hair from the Drain – Here’s How to Do It Right


1. Clean the strainer or cover


Hair often collects right under the drain strainer.

👉 Simply remove it and clean it thoroughly.


2. Remove hair manually


  • Using gloves or a small hook

  • Special drain-cleaning tools (inexpensive at hardware stores)

👉 Important: Work slowly and carefully so as not to damage the pipe.


3. Use a plunger


  • Lightly cover the drain with water

  • Pump evenly

👉 Clears many hair clogs without chemicals.


4. Use a drain snake


For deeper clogs:


  • Carefully insert the drain snake

  • Turn slowly

👉 Effective for stubborn buildup.


5. Warm water + dish soap


Helps dissolve grease and soap residue:


  • Let the dish soap sit

  • Rinse with warm water


Mistakes to Avoid


❌ Using large amounts of chemical drain cleaners → can damage pipes and seals

❌ Forcing or flushing too hard → makes the clog worse

❌ Using improvised tools (like coat hangers) → can damage the pipe

❌ Ignoring the problem → a small blockage can quickly turn into an emergency


How to Prevent Hair Clogs


  • Use a hair strainer

  • Clean the drain regularly

  • Rinse with warm water after showering

  • Brush out your hair before showering

👉 Small steps prevent big problems.


When should you call a professional?


If:


  • the water won’t drain at all

  • the clog keeps coming back

  • multiple drains are affected


Then professional drain cleaning is recommended. Specialized equipment can completely remove even deep-seated hair blockages.


Conclusion


A shower clogged by hair is a classic problem—but one that can be easily managed with the right methods. Taking action early and avoiding common mistakes saves time, money, and frustration. In stubborn cases, it’s worth calling in a professional to prevent long-term damage.


Do you need an appointment? Then please make an appointment directly!






You can find more information about our services in our service area.


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Do you need help? Please feel free to contact us at any time on +49 (0) 1577 499 54 47

or send an e-mail to service@aaaabfluss.de. Your pipe cleaning Berlin AAA-Abfluss will be happy to help you!

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