(no subject)

[bluesilverkdg]

OK, all you handy types. I'm having some issues with my plumbing. No, not *that* kind of plumbing, my bathtub. It's clogged. Like, seriously clogged, due to nineteen miles of hair stuck in the drain. At my place in Knoxville, the drain was wider, and had one of those holey catch-all traps overtop. You closed it using a lever up on the bathtub, under the faucet. The one here is the sort where you have to actually twist and push the knob to get it to close, and there is no holey catch-all trap, thus the nineteen miles of hair.

I've tried both Drano and Liquid Plum-r (not simultaneously, of course), and neither of them appear to be touching my clog. Maybe there is actually more than nineteen miles of hair. I honestly don't know how I have any hair left on my head, because I could probably make a wig out of the amount of hair left behind after my shower every day.

So, can anyone give me any pointers for, y'know, getting this taken care of? Every day, when I take a shower, I find myself standing shin-deep in water and hair and it's really kinda gross. I'd considered seeing about changing out the type of drain, but I'm thinking that's going to probably be (a) difficult (b) expensive (c) maybe not possible, considering I'd have to actually fiddle with the bathtub itself.

Oh, and to you girls who use henna, have you noticed more than the usual amount of hair coming out during shower time? Could it possibly have anything to do with the henna? I've always shed a lot of hair when I wash it, but this is crazy. You'd think with the amount I'm losing, it would look thin and sparse, but the truth is, it's never been fuller or more luxurious. Go figure. Maybe I just have so much hair now, it can't contain itself?

Any and all suggestions or assistance would be much appreciated. If there's one chore I really hate, it's cleaning the bathtub. Bending and twisting like that kills my lower back, so I'd previously just do it when I did my regular bathroom cleaning, and it was needed. Now that I'm having to do it every day, let's suffice to say, it's a bit aggravating. So, in summary, is there anything more effective than the regular drain uncloggers, and/or what might I do to prevent this problem in the future? Thanks in advance.

Comments

[ugotogal.livejournal.com]

I've had success with the professional strength stuff - you can get it at a cleaning supply store or janitorial supply store. Buy more than you need. Let it sit two or three times longer than advised. Do this two or three times.

That's the only thing that works for my drain's hair clogs outside of calling Roto-Rooter.

Good luck!

[ex-calicoey.livejournal.com]

Honestly? Hair can be pretty difficult to remove with things like Drano. I've usually had to get a plumber to clear out the drain, or get in there and do it myself with a wire coat hanger than I have untwisted. Doing it yourself is a nasty experience, but it's free!

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

My issue is, I can't get to the clog. The type of drain that I have is one of those that's sort of made into the bathtub. When you're unstopping it after a bath, you actually reach into the water to pull it, and it's not removable (well, I'm sure it IS removable in some way, *I* just can't figure out how to remove it.) So, that's where I'm at a loss.

[lkvy.livejournal.com]

I second the wire coat hanger... Get ready to pull out what will look like a small, ugly dog!

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Hey, I was just thinking of you the other day. What's the link for your other blog? I had it bookmarked on my old computer, but now I don't have it!

And see above comment...I can't actually get into the drain to GET to the clog. I'm going to post some pictures of the tub, so everyone can see what I'm dealing with here.

[solfox.livejournal.com]

And to add to the above comments: you're probably not losing more hair, but since it is darker it will be much more noticeable.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Yeah, a couple of people have said the same thing, which is plausible. When it was blonde, I guess it just wouldn't have been as visible. Plus, a lot of it was going down the drain, or just being caught in a wad in the stopper thingie. Now, it's being strewn all over the tub, because there's so much water stopped up.

[macaholic.livejournal.com]

Well, I will third the coat hanger... After you untwist it, do one of two things so you do not damage your drain pipes... actually, if you do both, it will work better.

First, unfold/wind it until it is straight. Then, use duct tape over the end you intend to stick in the drain. What you want is a "soft" tip. You want to do this so the drain pipe will not be damaged or scratched by the wire hanger, or get a hole poked in it.

Second, bend the tip into a narrow "U" or hook shape. This will help to pull out the hair. And, bend that tip so that it is in toward the shaft of the wire and not outward where it can snag on something and make matters worse. This is important. If you have to call a plumber to get the coat hanger out, it is expensive AND embarrassing. Very.

VERY IMPORTANT WARNING: DO NOT use the coat hanger after you have used any drain cleaner... you DO NOT want that flying back in your face.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I'm going to post a picture of the tub. I cannot figure out how to remove the stopper. It's made into the tub, so I can't GET to the clog, or down the drain. If I could, I would just get in there and remove it, but that's not happening right now.

[macaholic.livejournal.com]

Can't help you there... but, the coat hanger should be flexible enough. If not, try to find some stiff, thin wire that is pliable enough to bend but still is strong enough to slide down the drain...

[mechanyx.livejournal.com]

Drain liquids are usually not that great of an idea. They tend to destroy pipes in older homes and they only work well on nearly stopped drains because they need to sit on the obstruction long enough to eat away at it.

The first thing to do is pour a bunch of boiling water down the drain. This may eat away some obstructions. Next plunge it the way you would a toilet. This may force some obstructions out of the way. Finally, you'll want to snake the drain.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

This is a brand new house (one year old), so the pipes should be fine. I just hate the model of the bathtub. It has the stopper actually made into the tub...I can't figure out how to get it out (it will probably involve using tools, because I can't just unscrew it.)

I have had to use Drano approximately once ever in my life. I just never had clogs, so this is totally new to me.

I've been told to use boiling water, baking soda, vinegar, etc...but if I could actually get at what's causing the issue it would be much better/easier, I'm sure. :-/

[indigo-max.livejournal.com]

You need some one to snake the drain for you (and no Roto Rooter, they will rape you on the cost). Drano can be really hazardous on your pipes. It could be clog with something other than hair and snaking it should clean the pipe a lot more efficiently than anything else.

Max...

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Yeah, we had to use Roto Rooter at work one time, and the cost was astronomical.

I'd never had to use any sort of unclogger before, so this is all foreign to me.

[nothinganything.livejournal.com]

Drano bad. They do more damage than good, and over time your pipes will turn into a big stick of drano chalk.

So... yeah, try to use a hanger first.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I'm going to post some pics of the drain and the stopper. I can't GET to the clog. I don't know what sort of freaky bathtub I have, but the stopper is actually made into the drain, and I can't just access it to get a hanger TO it. I wish I could. I tried this morning to unscrew the stopper and it's not budging. I have no idea how to get it off.

I'd never had to use any sort of drain uncloggers before, but I couldn't imagine they are any sort of good for (a) my house (b) the environment, but I was at a loss, and had a tub full of hair.

[nothinganything.livejournal.com]

I had that problem in my last house. It was one of the problems that made me want to set fire to the place.
It's probably plumber time.

[goodfoot08.livejournal.com]

A coat hanger and a plunger are the best bets, short of calling in the guys with the roto-router equipment. Under sink stuff can require using a pipe wrench or locking wrench to undo the compression clamps that hold the j-pipe elbow in place. Be sure to put a bucket under the pipe because when it falls, a mess will fall out too.
I never had any success with the chemicals. Once you plunge and the pipe is sort of clear, use a sink or tub full of water to finally clean the pipes. The natural swirling motion of the water will clean it out as the water empties. But that is only after you pull up the sludge and hair. I do that once a month in my sink anyway.
All in all, dirty job but not impossible.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I can't believe you have a userpic of a drain. :-P

My issue is the inability to get to the clog. I'm going to post some pictures of my drain. It has a permanent stopper in it that will probably require some sort of tools or plumberly know-how to get off. So, I can't actually reach it to get it out. I'd have no issue trying to do it myself, if I could.

I am senting you an Angel, I hope he can help you!!

[angline.livejournal.com]

Re: I am senting you an Angel, I hope he can help you!!

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Haha! I'm thinking he would probably be a big help! I don't know how much he could do for my bathtub, but I know *I'd* feel better. Thanks. ;-)

[theldara.livejournal.com]

If a coat hanger doesn't work, let us know. We've got a pipe snake (at least, I'm 95% sure we do), or rather Dave's Dad does and we can borrow it. Kinda a necessity with Emma and I around.

You can get a little plastic thing to pop over the drain to prevent this happening again, once the drain is clear. It's $2.50 at Walmart and you can pick it up after your shower, use a piece of TP to get the hair off, and pop it back. Very simple and works really well on long hair and pet fur.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I'm going to post some pics of the bathtub and drain, so you can see what I'm dealing with here. I just can't get to it to root it out. Of course, maybe I just have no idea what I'm doing (which is pretty probable.)

Also, I can't put anything over the drain, because the stopper is made into the tub. That's why I was wondering about changing it out. I wish I could put some sort of catcher over it, but with this sort of stopper, that won't work.

[joie-de-bruit.livejournal.com]

Like others said, do not use Drano and Liquid Plum-r anymore. My father is a plumber and he says this is one of the worst things you can do to your pipes.

[noritha.livejournal.com]

Don't know about the drain, but as far as the henna... I bet you notice more because the hair is red AND because your hair is stronger you're probably not loosing as many during the day but the ones that were about gone are falling out in the shower. Does that make sense?

I almost always have to brush my hair before I step into the shower to help with the problem. But I'll tell you, when we lived in Knoxville I had to have someone do the plumbing in our apartment, and it wasn't my hair, it was the previous owners. Blech.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that makes total sense. Whenever I brush my hair, I lose a LOT, so it's totally sensible.

I'm pretty sure this is mostly my hair. The people who lived here before me were only here for less than a year, and the wife had rather short (well, shoulder-length) and thin hair. So, I'm pretty sure it's mine. I love how strong and healthy it is, but geez, I lose a lot of it!!

[albinohognose.livejournal.com]

I can fix it, though I'll charge you a la carretta chimichanga or maybe an order of carnitas if it's a really nasty job.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I would gladly buy your entire dinner for you if you could help.

Take a look at this drain, and tell me if you know how to get this thing out?



I cannot get it unscrewed. Is there some trick that I don't know?

[albinohognose.livejournal.com]

you need......




here it comes......






wait for it........






MUSCLES!!!!

I'll bring mine over tomorrow night. :P

[goodfoot08.livejournal.com]

This expert (found thru the Google)thinks Drano is ok so his other advice may be not so good either. He claims that it unscrews in a counter-clockwise turning. Good luck!

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/letters/bath/tub_stopper.htm

My drain icon comes out periodically but rarely is as literally good as for this.

[goodfoot08.livejournal.com]

Nevermind. I see many more postings about this. This link is no better than the 20 others you have gotten.
It sounds like your friend is the best answer.

[samuraigrrrl.livejournal.com]

ok, in the future, rather than drano (which is just nasty toxic crap) try pouring some baking soda in to the drain and follow it with vinegar. yes, you are going to recreate the elementary science experiment "volcano". :) but if there's an obstruction which could be moved, that might do it. also, the vinegar and baking soda both break down soap scum fairly well.
first of all, i know we have the little screens and they just pop off so that you can get at the pipe underneath. our stopper mechanism is moved by a toggle switch near the overflow plate, but the mechanism itself is back in there a ways, i guess... i've never had the assumed unpleasant experience of messing with it. you have a toggle switch too? when you have the drain "open", can you grab the plug and pull it out? twist or unscrew and then pull it out? you'll have to do that before you can really get any substance or coat hanger in there to clean it out. you may have figured that out already and i'm not trying to be condescending, i'm just trying to visualize your situation.
i would try plunging next. sometimes that works for our sink, but the sink clog seems to be mostly made of toothpaste. :P
anyway you look at this it is going to be gross.
i second making the end of your wire coat hanger soft with duct tape or something. i think my handy woman fix all book suggests a rag, but i see that coming off in there and making more of a problem, yes? this might also happen with the duct tape. :/
i shed. a lot. but then, i always have. i still find hair around here in closets on coats or whatever that is pink, blonde, black and of various lengths. they are all MINE. i notice shedding more when my hair is a)red and b)long. when my hair is black, i don't see them so well except in the tub when OMG i think maybe i am going bald. when it's blond, i see it more on clothing. when it is red, i see it both places. my hair is stronger and longer than it has been in forever and i know that means i see "more" hair in the drain. could be five hairs, but wound into a ball, looks like a lot. so, i think this might be what you are seeing, too.
i do have quite a bit come out when i rinse out the mud. i have tangles and the stuff dries on your scalp and it is really hard not to pull a lot out while rinsing. i think mixing the mud thinner and adding conditioner to my hair BEFORE attempting to rinse (i just tried this the last time) seemed to help with that. also, mixing the mud with orange juice rahter than lemon. the lemon juice can really dry the hair and scalp.
ok, consider the dead horse beaten. :)

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I just posted an update, so you can see what I'm dealing with. I would gladly do any of these things if I could get TO the clog. But I cannot. *sigh*

I'll just let you go read the next post, and if you have any handy woman words of wisdom for me then, please do!

Having a volcano in my tub would be kinda cool though, I've gotta say! I don't like the thoughts of using any sort of caustic drain stuff, but I was at a loss and had no idea what else to do.

[theldara.livejournal.com]

try pouring some baking soda in to the drain and follow it with vinegar.

Haha, someone else knows that trick! I do that all the time to my kitchen sink! Keeps it from getting The Smelly Funk.

[darcyzero.livejournal.com]

I had a bad hair clog in my bathtub a few months ago! I have a thing on top of my drain that I push down to close off the drain and under that there's a thing that kind catches hair. Well I didn't realize that because I couldn't exactly see under the drain stopper.... so I pulled that up and had a massive hairball there. All I did was take an old screwdriver and pry the hair out. It was gross.... but it was free to do it by myself.

ps- I'd say the henna is just making your hair thicker and it's falling out more in the shower. I have no idea though. ;) I think I'm gonna henna my hair in a few months after I dye it red in July! yay!

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

My drain stopper also pushes into the tub, but I cannot figure out how to get it OUT of the tub. How did you get yours off?

I think the henna does make hair thicker, plus, it's darker than what I'm used to. I can't wait to see yours when you do it!

[darcyzero.livejournal.com]

I screw mine off... yours doesn't do that?

[pfy.livejournal.com]

The one here is the sort where you have to actually twist and push the knob to get it to close

I do not think I can visualise how your drain works. It sounds very complicated. I just have a plug that goes into a plughole.

The first thing I'd do is pull as much hair out as I could reach with my fingers. Then, try using a plunger. Remember to stop up the overflow hole with a wet rag or something. Otherwise, the plunging will just suck air in and out of the overflow hole without doing much to the blockage.

Once you've shifted the main blockage, pour a couple of gallons of boiling water down to wash away any remaining gunk.

If things are really bad and you end up taking bits of pipe apart, wear gloves and goggles, especially if there might still be some drain cleaner lodged in there somewhere.

There are many cheap plastic hair trap things that you can buy - would any of those fit over your existing drain?

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I posted some pics so you can see. :-) It does appear to be rather complicated, and I can't figure out how to remove it to get in to where the clog is.

And no, unfortunately nothing like that would fit over the drain. It has like a....nipple?..for lack of a better word, that you pull up and down to stop and unstop the drain. And it's nonremovable, at least not without some sort of plumber's tools, I'm thinking.

[thegrungediva.livejournal.com]

I'm going to second (third or fourth) what everyone else is saying.

I have the same problem: I have a lot of very thick hair, and lose enough to make Cousin Itt every time I comb it. My plumber got me some stuff that you're supposed to put in the drain every month, and it helps keep the organic material at bay. I forget what it's called, but if the do-it-yourself stuff doesn't work and you end up needing to call a plumber, ask him or her about it. It has done wonders.

Also, yes, there are cheap plastic thingies you can get to go over your drain to catch the hair before it goes down, and then all you have to do is take it out and clean it. Taking it out to clean it means no back-breaking bending, and if you clean it out every day (blech!) it doesn't become too big a chore.

Good luck.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I wish that a plastic drain catcher were plausible, but it just wouldn't work for my drain, as it is now. Well, it wouldn't fit, at least. If I could get that permanent stopper out of there, I would, but I have no idea how. :-/

[thegrungediva.livejournal.com]

Have you looked at Home Depot / Lowe's? I think I know the kind of drain you're talking about now, and yes, that could be hard. But there may still be something for it. For example, a kind of strainer (like you use for pasta only much smaller) to go upside-down over the top of the drain? I wish I lived there, I'd come over and help you....

Good luck!

[baseballchica03.livejournal.com]

The only apartment where I had a really bad problem was when I lived with my old roommate Steve, whose boyfriend at the time happened to have been a plumber at one point, so he took care of it for us. So no help there, sorry. :-p

But once you get it fixed, I agree with thegrungediva that those plastic drain cover thingies are great for preventing the problem in the first place.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, I can't put anything over the drain as it is now. If I can get this perpetual stopper thingie out, I wouldn't mind just to use one of those ghetto rubber stoppers when I take a bath, which would afford me an open drain TO put a plastic drain cover over. But right now, there's no way to put any sort of cover over it. Blah.

[ghost-light.livejournal.com]

Sorry, no help with that kind of plumbing.

[bladegirl.livejournal.com]

If you find something better than liquid plumber/draino kind of stuff for unclogging the drain, do please let me know! I have the same problem with my hair - way too much of it, and it sheds like crazy. If you're noticing more shedding after using the henna, you probably are getting some hair damage, even though henna is not supposed to be damaging. A lot of my shedding is from hair breakage because I dye it. Anyway, I have mega problems with drain stoppage - even an entire bottle of draino won't completely clear my sink. Please let me know if you find some new magic out there!

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's any sort of damage. My hair has seriously never been this healthy and strong. A few people have said that maybe I'm just noticing that I lose more because it's so dark now, which would make sense. I had an almond colored bathtub before, and my hair, for years, was blonde. It wasn't that noticeable in the tub. Plus, it was all winding up in one big wad on top of the stopper (I did have one of those mesh stoppers to keep it all from going down the drain previously.) Now, it's strewn all over the bathtub, so I think just the way it's spread out, it looks like more.

If I figure out anything though, I will be sure to let you know! I've always had hair issues in the tub, but I've never had a clog like this!

[bogartbabe78.livejournal.com]

I am losing more hair..so that would be a positive on the hair loss with henna.........I never ever lost hair but now I do. But with my thick hair I kindof welcome it lol....

My landlord (aka dad) uses something on the drains because mine gets clogged every now and then (and its not the draino or whatever you get in the grocery store) I will go look when I get back home and tell ya..if you haven't found a solution yet