Go With The Flow: A Guide to Efficient Salon Plumbing

AHLC Contributes

Maintaining an effective drainage system is vital for any salon, especially for hair replacement specialists. Hair replacement procedures often involve the use of adhesives, hairpieces, and extensive cutting, all of which can quickly lead to clogs and other drain issues. A clogged drain not only disrupts daily operations but also poses sanitation risks and can lead to costly repairs. With the right maintenance and care, you can ensure efficient plumbing with little to no interruptions to operations.

Understand What Goes Down the Drain

As a hair replacement specialist, your salon deals with materials like hair, adhesives, scalp oils, and various cleaning solutions that can accumulate in your pipes. While it’s easy to overlook what’s being washed down the drain during cleanups, all of these substances contribute to clogs and backups.

• Hair fibers and adhesives: Even small strands of hair can tangle and trap other debris, forming clogs. Adhesive materials can harden in the pipes, worsening the problem.

• Shampoos, oils, and conditioners: Oils and conditioners can congeal in the pipes, reducing water flow over time.

• Cleaning chemicals: Harsh chemicals might seem like they’d break down clogs, but they can sometimes corrode pipes, leading to long-term damage.

Install Hair Traps or Drain Screens

One of the simplest and most effective preventive measures is installing hair traps or screens on all your salon’s drains. These devices catch hair, adhesives, and other debris before they enter the plumbing system, making it easy to discard them properly.

• Regular cleaning: Make it a routine to clean hair traps at the end of every workday. This will ensure that hair and other particles don’t build up and block the drain over time.

• High-quality screens: Invest in salonspecific hair traps that are designed to handle finer particles and smaller hairs common with hair replacement procedures.

Routine Cleaning and Flushing

Regularly cleaning your drains is essential to prevent minor clogs from becoming major problems.

• Weekly flushing with hot water: Flushing drains with boiling water once a week helps dissolve and remove product buildup.

• Use of natural drain cleaners: Avoid harsh chemicals and opt for natural cleaning solutions. Baking soda and vinegar can be effective for breaking down smaller clogs without damaging pipes. Pour a mixture of baking soda followed by vinegar down the drain, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then flush with hot water.

Preventive Maintenance

While daily and weekly maintenance is critical, scheduling regular professional maintenance ensures your system stays in optimal condition.

• Annual Inspections: Have a plumber inspect your drains at least once a year. This helps identify potential problems before they escalate and gives your drains a thorough professional cleaning.

• Hydro Jetting: For salons dealing with heavy usage, hydro jetting is an effective solution. This process uses high-pressure water to clean out all build-up inside pipes, ensuring that even stubborn materials like adhesives are washed away.

• Water Heater Maintenance: Hot water usage is significant in a salon setting. Make sure to maintain your water heater by flushing it regularly to remove sediment and ensure it operates efficiently.

Use Specialized Products

Some products are specifically designed to break down organic materials, like hair and oils, without harming the pipes. Consider using enzyme-based drain cleaners and salon-grade water softeners. These cleaners use natural bacteria to break down hair, oils, and mineral buildup, preventing blockages without the need for harsh chemicals.

Recognize Signs of Drain Trouble

Knowing when to act fast can save you from costly repairs and downtime.

• Slow drainage: If water is taking longer than usual to drain, this could indicate a partial clog that will only worsen over time.

• Gurgling sounds: These noises may indicate air trapped in the pipes due to an obstruction.

• Foul odors: A persistent bad smell could mean that debris is decomposing inside the pipes.

• Water backups: If water backs up out of the drain, this is a clear sign of a blockage and requires immediate attention.

Additional Considerations

While regular cleanings and proper disposal practices go a long way, the following considerations could be the make or break for optimal drain function.

• Backflow Prevention: Install a backflow prevention device to protect your water supply from contamination by dirty water from shampoo bowls or other salon stations.

• Water Pressure: Consider installing a pressure gauge to monitor water pressure. Too high a pressure can damage your pipes, while too low may hinder your operations.

Educate Your Staff

Proper drain maintenance doesn’t just fall on the shoulders of the owner. It’s important to train your staff on best practices for drain care.

• Safe disposal practices: Ensure your team knows not to wash adhesive products or large clumps of hair down the sink. Provide designated disposal areas for these materials in accordance with local regulations.

• Daily drain checks: Encourage staff to regularly check drains for slow drainage or any unusual odors.