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Prevent Drainage Issues With the Best Shower Drain Protector

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 17 Jan 2023

If you have had to pay expert plumbers to help unclog your shower drains, you will realize how important it is to care for your drains. Using the right shower drain cover will help catch debris and hair before they access your drain. Shower drain catchers are usually bowl or cup-shaped piece which easily fits under the plunger and inside the shower drain. They are built using a small hole that allows soap, water, and shampoo to move without trapping other bathroom residues freely. With this unique device, soap residue, strands of hair, and other types of trash will be collected long before they can damage your pipes. We have compiled everything you need to know before buying this device in this guide and review. Take a look at our favorite shower drain protectors of 2023!

Best Overall
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TubShroom Shower Drain Protector
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Runner Up
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OXO Shower Drain Protector
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Honorable Mention
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LEKEYE Shower Drain Protector
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Contender
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Evriholder Shower Drain Protector
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Also Consider
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gAp quality art Practical Shower Drain Protector
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Show contents
First-Rate Shower Drain Protector Worth Considering for 2023
  • 1 TubShroom Shower Drain Protector
  • 2 OXO Shower Drain Protector
  • 3 LEKEYE Shower Drain Protector
  • 4 Evriholder Shower Drain Protector
  • 5 gAp quality art Practical Shower Drain Protector

Buying Guide for the Top Shower Drain Protectors

Selecting the right product can be challenging, especially if you are not an expert. With several choices out there, you can be easily misguided. This is why you need to know some essential things about shower drain covers before you buy.

What Exactly Is a Shower Drain Catcher?

A shower drain catcher helps prevent hair from blocking the drain and ensures clean your basin, bathroom, and immediate environment. This tool helps catch hair without impeding the flow of water. Also, some come with a unique design that adds class to your bathroom basin. This device is easy to install and can be easily cleaned and used. Shower drain covers are pretty affordable and cost-effective in the long run.

Why Do You Need to Get the Best Shower Drain Protector?

Many people have almost 100,000 hairs on their heads and will lose about 200 hairs daily. When you wash your hair and shower, your hair becomes weaker. If you opt to brush or comb your hair when it is soft, it will fall off. You may generally find clumps and clusters of hair in your shower, but water pipes are not built to allow hair to pass through them. Over time, the build of hair in the pipes will cause them to become clogged.

Engaging the services of a plumber can be quite expensive. Still, you can avoid incurring such costs by using the best hair catchers.

Types of Drain Catchers

  • Shower drain screens

These types of hair catchers are made to function as a cover on the top of a drain. They help stop debris and hair from accessing the drain effectively. Also, they usually come with a silicone ring around the base which helps ensure that it properly seals the drain on every side while retaining enough holes to let water drain.

  • In-drain hair catchers

This type of hair catcher is made of two distinct parts: the inner receptacle and the outer cover, which all help to catch hair and other types of debris. They are made for long-term use and need to be cleaned regularly to retain their effectiveness.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Shower Drain Covers

Here are a few essential things you need to consider before you purchase shower drain covers.

  • Cover material

The material used in making the shower drain cover is important to consider before buying. Durable materials should be the best option, especially stainless steel ones because they last longer and are strong.

  • Material design

The design of the hair catcher is another critical factor to consider before you buy. Ensure you only go for a product that has an efficient layout. Ideally, the item should thoroughly seal the drain to deliver optimally.

  • Product adaptability

A good drain protector needs to be flexible enough to fit into different drainage openings. If the cover is not flexible, it may prove useless.

  • Cleaning

Most hair catchers do not require much effort to clean them. Wiping and rinsing is the perfect approach in this regard. You need to buy a cover that can be manually cleaned using your hands or fingers.

  • Holes

The type and size of the holes in the hair catcher are one of the most critical factors to consider before buying the cover. Soap and hair residues will clog the holes if it is too small. Also, if the holes are designed too big, a few hairs may go into the drainage.

  • Brand

Brand reputation is another critical factor you shouldn’t ignore while searching for any of the best shower drain protectors. You can ascertain this by checking online for reviews from previous buyers to feel public perception.

How Much Does a Protector Cost?

The shower drain covers a range between $3 and $15, with the more expensive ones being made using stainless steel material. Premium quality ones often come with a hot temperature sensor and a double-catching design.

Installation Tips for Shower Drain Hair Catcher

Even the most advanced catchers are pretty easy to install. However, we have prepared a few tips to help you with pop-up, and flat shower drains. Flat drains are known to fit into any hair catcher or stopper, except the diameter is accurate. Standard silicone or rubber ones are known to serve better with installation. You need to align the drain hole and gently push it through properly. Those that come with holes on their upper surface don’t have an elevation. Upon placing them on the hole, you should tap the edges, making them watertight. Steel hair preventers require popping them in and out.

Safety Tips to Consider

  • Note that the drain hair protector is capable of catching hazardous insects. For this reason, you should use gloves while washing the drain hair protector.
  • Understanding the cleaning process of the product is quite essential to not get it damaged.

Tips for Cleaning the Drain Protector

Cleaning your drain catcher is relatively quick and easy; all it takes is some easy steps. Here are some top cleaning tips to help you out.

  • Ensure that the water drains and the catcher is not soaked
  • Remove the installed drain catcher and tap against the bin’s side to remove the debris and hair
  • The next step would be to remove all remaining hair contained in your fingers and rinse the catcher thoroughly, and put it back in the drain

First-Rate Shower Drain Protector Worth Considering for 2023

1

TubShroom Shower Drain Protector

– Best Overall
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You no longer have to worry about your bathroom drains getting clogged or dealing with harsh chemicals. All you need is to use the TubShroom Tub Drain Hair Catcher as a part of your accessories. You can rest assured knowing it is made to capture all types of pet and human hair without adversely affecting water flow. Unlike what usually is obtainable, this protector perfectly fits inside your drain and efficiently conceals and collects hair around it. Cleaning this protector is relatively easy because you need to wipe it.

Also, no harsh chemicals will be causing damage to your environment and pipes, which means you will be helping your environment and saving money.

Pros
  • Easy to clean
  • Perfectly fits the drain
  • Helps prevent clogged tub drains
  • Eco-friendly
Cons
  • This protector is not made for British-style bathtubs
2

OXO Shower Drain Protector

– Runner Up
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Free your drains from unwanted particles with the OXO Good Grips Silicone Shower and Tub Drain Protector. This protector helps to catch hair without blocking your drainage, and the unique shape of the tool allows it to work with pop-ups and flat drains. Also, this silicone drain protector comes with a stainless steel weighted accent, which ensures it is appropriately over the drain.

Pros
  • Catches hair without blocking the drainage
  • Works effectively with a pop-up drain
  • Allows easy water flow
  • Stays put when you are showering
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • It doesn’t allow for adequate drainage
3

LEKEYE Shower Drain Protector

– Honorable Mention
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There is no need to keep dealing with clogged drains, especially with the LEKEYE Original Detachable Drain Defender. This unique protector is designed to fit into most bathtub drains perfectly. It efficiently gathers hair and inhibits objects from gaining access to the drain without affecting water flow. Also, the detachable basket is relatively easy to install with hands. The bottom rim helps keep the drain defender in the perfect place.

This drain protector is made using the best quality stainless steel, which is strong and gives the best durability. Additionally, the stainless steel is built rustproof. You can rest assured that the drain hair catcher will remain in precinct condition for several years. This detachable drain hair catcher comprises two parts and is relatively easy to clean and mount. Additionally, its basket handle functions as a finger lift, making it easy to remove, install, and clean. 

Pros
  • Made from high-quality materials
  • Detachable design
  • It fits most bathtub and shower drains
  • Simple to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Long-lasting build
Cons
  • It slows the water drainage
4

Evriholder Shower Drain Protector

– Contender
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The unique Evriholder HS3-AMZ Hair Stopper Plastic Drain Protector is specially built to help you quickly remove grime and clogged hair from your bathtub. Additionally, the hair stopper can make your bathroom cleaning quicker and easier. You no longer need harmful chemicals that can damage your pipes, and you now have fewer reasons to call the plumber. Installation is relatively straightforward with this protector. You don’t need any sophisticated equipment, and each package comes with three hair stoppers.

Pros
  • Quicker water flow
  • Low maintenance
  • Quite easy to install
  • Help cut cost
Cons
  • The holes are more significant than other hair catchers, so it misses some hair
5

gAp quality art Practical Shower Drain Protector

– Also Consider
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Our final pick is the qAp Shower Drain Hair Catcher made using rust-proof silicone and stainless steel. This tool is very durable to use, and all you need to do is place it in the sink, and it will quickly catch pet or human hair, toys, kitchen waste, and other debris. With its in-mold injection technology, no need to worry about the silicone falling off. Also, the groove design helps make the water flow quicker without accumulating. The protector comes in three distinct colors: black, grey, and brown, thus giving your life the brightness it deserves.

Pros
  • Creative design
  • Easy to use
  • Durable
  • Multiple-color options
Cons
  • It is not the most appropriate for pop-up bathrooms

People Also Asked

Q: Will shaving in my shower clog the drain?

A: Yes, it will, and to prevent this from happening while shaving, do not use heavy shaving creams. Also, you should use hot water while shaving as this will help prevent the buildup of clogs in the drain.

Q: What is the best way to clean a hair catcher?

A: Cleaning the shower drain catcher isn't too difficult. You need to remove it and give it some swipes using a paper towel to remove debris and have it reinserted into the drain.

Q: How does the drain protector work?

A: Shower drain covers are made to perfectly fit inside or on top of a shower drain for catching hair and debris. Depending on the model, this type of drain cover may be used for outdoor and indoor sinks, and they are pretty easy to install and use.  

Bathroom Plumbing
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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