Bleach clears a clog? Did you know that bleach dissolves hair? It’s true! This is due to the chemical makeup of the two. Bleach is a “basic” chemical, and hair is “acidic.” The neutralization reaction between an acid and a base produces salt and water. Bleach can dissolve any fiber that has acidic properties.

Next time you have a bathroom sink, shower, or bathtub draining, slowly try pouring a cup of liquid bleach into the drain. Be sure to rinse off any metal finishes with a little bit of water so that they won’t get damaged. After about a half-hour, any hair the bleach is in contact with will dissolve. Bleach dissolves hair, and it takes a bit of time. If it doesn’t get rid of the stoppage completely, try another application of a cup of bleach.

This may not always work. Many things can clog a drain line. For example floss, food, soap scum, hard water, GI JOE’s, etc. If the bleach doesn’t work, give me a call. I’m always happy to come to fix your drain. But hopefully, the bleach tip will save you a few calls.

Liquid bleach is much less expensive than bottled drain cleaners, and for hair stoppages, it’s much more effective (which usually bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs are hair stoppages).

Caution: Of course, you should always wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles when handling chemicals such as bleach. Please be cautious!

(Edit: If your drain is completely stopped and is not draining, it is best to call a plumber. If left to sit in a pipe if it is unable to clear out the stoppage, it can cause further problems. Bleach is less likely to cause any issues when compared to other chemical “drain cleaners.” But if the drain isn’t draining at all, then the bleach, or any other chemical, will not be able to get down the drain to the problem area. Bleach dissolves hair but be careful!)

Other links:

• Pipe vs. Pipe
• Clog vs. Clog
• How to Dissolve Clogs in Pipes