The $3 hook-and-dissolve hair drain fix

You will need

• Zip-It drain cleaning tool (or a wire coat hanger bent into a hook) · Zip-It available at Bunnings for around $3–$5, in the plumbing aisle
• Selleys Drain Cleaner Gel (enzyme-based, not caustic) · Bunnings or Woolies, approx $8–$10 — safer for pipes than caustic soda
• Old plastic bag or newspaper · To wrap up the hair before binning it — trust us on this one
• Boiling kettle of water · Just your regular kettle, no extra cost

Step 1

Pull out the drain plug or stopper

Most bathroom sinks have a pop-up stopper you can simply lift and twist out by hand. If it's held by a small screw underneath, use a coin or flathead screwdriver to remove it. Give it a rinse — it's probably already coated in the culprit.

Step 2

Hook out the hair clog

Push the Zip-It (or bent coat hanger hook) down the drain and twist it slowly as you pull it back up. You'll almost certainly drag up a surprisingly large, slightly horrifying clump of hair and soap scum. Drop it straight onto the newspaper or bag, seal it up, and bin it.

Step 3

Pour in the drain gel

Squirt a generous amount of Selleys Drain Cleaner Gel down the drain according to the bottle directions — usually around 100ml. This breaks down any leftover soap and grease coating the pipe walls that the hook couldn't reach. Let it sit for the recommended time (usually 15–30 minutes).

Step 4

Flush with boiling water

Carefully pour a full kettle of just-boiled water slowly down the drain to flush everything through. Run the cold tap for 30 seconds afterwards to clear the pipe completely. Your drain should now flow fast and freely.

Step 5

Drop in a drain catcher to prevent it happening again

Pop a silicone drain hair catcher over the plug hole — they're about $3–$5 at Bunnings and sit flat over the drain. Empty it into the bin every week or two and you'll likely never deal with this blockage again.

The stop point

If the water is still completely standing after completing all steps, or if you notice a bad sewage smell or gurgling from other drains — stop, this may be a deeper pipe blockage or a vented drain issue. You need a licensed plumber.

If that is where you are: public cost guides put a blocked drain job at $150 to $450 (sources: ServiceSeeking 2026 price guides; Airtasker cost guides (2024, handyman tier); captured 2026-07-12). See the full cost guide.

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