How to Stop Hair Blocking Your Plughole (Bath, Shower and Basin)
By Laura Pemberton · Updated on 7 October 2026
Short answer: the way to stop hair blocking your plughole is to catch it before it goes down the pipe. Fit a hair catcher or a pop-up stopper with a basket in the bath, shower and basin, empty it regularly, and never wash hair, wipes or grease down the drain. Unblocking a drain once it is clogged is messy and can mean a plumber's visit; preventing it costs very little.
Why do bathroom drains block so easily?
Which? sums it up: "Bathroom drains typically become clogged with hair, soap scum and non-biodegradable materials." Hair on its own slips through, but it wraps around the plug mechanism, catches soap scum and builds into a plug that slows the water down. The signs are familiar: the bath takes ages to empty, or water pools around your feet in the shower. Another giveaway is the smell. One Mumsnet member described how, whenever someone used the main shower, "there is a terrible smell all over the house."
It also matters beyond your own bathroom. Severn Trent points out that "basin and shower plugs and guards can be bought cheaply to prevent hair going down into the sewers". And Thames Water reminds homeowners that they are responsible for the pipes in their home and the ones connecting to the sewer.
What are the options for catching hair?
| Option | How it works | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat drain guard or strainer | Sits over the plughole | Showers, cheap and simple | Can slide around, gaps let hair through |
| Suction strainer | Stuck down over the drain | Baths | Suction lets go, hard to clean |
| Pop-up stopper with a hair basket | Replaces the plug, basket sits in the waste | Bath, shower and basin, works as a plug too | Check it fits your waste before you buy |
| Chemical drain unblocker | Dissolves a blockage | Clearing an existing clog | Handle with care and follow the instructions |
| Drain snake or plunger | Pulls or pushes the clog out | Clearing an existing clog | Messy, doesn't prevent the next one |
| Plumber | Professional clearance | Blockages you can't reach | The most expensive route |
The first three prevent the problem; the last three only deal with it once it has happened.
How does a pop-up hair-catching stopper work?
A pop-up stopper replaces the plug in your waste. Press it down to fill the bath or basin, press again to let the water drain. Underneath, a small basket catches hair, gunk and even small items such as rings before they disappear down the pipe. Once a week or so, you lift it out, empty the basket into the bin and put it back.
Our AquaStop pop-up drain stopper works this way. It fits most standard UK basin, sink, shower and bath wastes thanks to two flexible silicone rings, it is made from solid rust-proof metal rather than thin plated chrome, and it lifts straight out for cleaning. Keeping the waste clear also helps stop that sewage smell coming back up the drain. It comes in silver or rose gold.
How do you fit a pop-up stopper?
- Clear the drain first. If water is already draining slowly, clear the blockage before fitting anything.
- Remove the old plug. If you have an old push-down pop-up mechanism, take it out.
- Check the depth. You need a little clear depth below the drain for the basket to sit.
- Push it in. The silicone rings hold it in place and seal the waste.
- Test it. Fill and drain once to check the seal.
If your waste is an unusual size, or you have a designer basin with a non-standard hole, message our UK-based support team before ordering and we will confirm whether it fits.
What are the limits of a hair catcher?
- It won't clear an existing blockage. If the clog is further down the pipe, deal with that first.
- The basket needs emptying. With long hair in the house, it fills quickly. A quick weekly empty keeps the water draining well.
- Fit is everything. Most standard UK wastes are fine, but check unusual sizes first.
What else helps keep bathroom drains clear?
- Brush your hair before you shower or bathe, so loose hair goes in the bin.
- Bin wipes, cotton buds and dental floss. Thames Water warns that wet wipes, even ones labelled "flushable", block pipes.
- Take care with chemical unblockers: Which? advises always following the instructions on the product.
- Clean the plug and waste regularly, rather than waiting for the water to slow down.
FAQ
Will it fit my bath?
AquaStop fits most standard UK basin, sink, shower and bath wastes. If you are unsure, check the FAQ on the AquaStop page or message us before ordering.
How often should I empty a hair catcher?
About once a week for most households, more often with long hair in the house. If the water starts to drain slowly, it is time.
Will it stop the drain smelling?
A clear waste helps stop sewage smells coming back up. If a smell persists after cleaning, the problem may be further down the pipe.
What if it doesn't suit me?
You have 90 days to return it, and it is covered by our Lifetime Warranty with free replacement. More everyday fixes are in our household essentials.
Sources: Which?, "How to unblock a sink" (September 2026); Severn Trent, news release (October 2023); Thames Water, "Blockages".
About the author: Laura Pemberton writes the product copy and blog articles at Vauscher. She also works on product research, helping select the home, garden and DIY products in our range.