Clogged Drains – Causes, Fixes, and How to Prevent Them

Most of us have experienced the misery of slow draining sinks and showers or that moment of terror when we flush the toilet and the water level stubbornly refuses to drop. Inconvenient, smelly, and unhygienic, clogged drains are a problem we could all do without.

In this post, DrainWorks Plumbing explains how to avoid this dispiriting situation, discussing the causes of blocked drains, the quick-fix methods of clearing a drain, and how to prevent blockages in the first place.

Causes of Clogged Drains

There are two main causes of clogged drains – organic and inorganic blockages. It’s important to differentiate between the two, as clearing the drain requires a different approach for each. 

Organic Blockages

Organic blockages may be caused by a poorly angled drainage pipe, causing waste to slow down on its journey to the main drain. This leads to deposits that can build up over time to create a blockage. High levels of organic human waste may also cause clogging, as the pipe can’t handle the volume of waste passing through it.

As well as waste from the toilet, hair, fat, toilet paper, and food residues can also add to an organic blockage. Even something as harmless and less obvious like soap scum can add to your blockage problems and affect your drain pipes performance. 

Occasionally, a small animal may pass away in the sewer pipe, creating a blockage. Tree roots may also grow into a cracked pipe, partially obstructing the flow of waste.

Inorganic Blockages

These are usually items that have been disposed of unwisely down the drain or toilet. Common examples include children’s toys, paint, dental floss, or chemicals.

Drainage Pipes in Poor Condition

Wear and tear can leave your pipes with uneven interiors obstructing the wastewater flow. Anything that slows the flow increases the chance of build-up occurring, potentially causing a blockage. If you’re unsure of your drainage pipes’ condition, a plumber in Toronto can complete a plumbing video camera inspection that will provide valuable information on the state of your drainage network.

Quick Fixes

Organic Blockages

Small organic blockages may be removed by (carefully) tipping a bucket of hot water down the drain. Other options include pouring hot water down the drain, followed by one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar.

If you have a manual drain snake, gently working it into the drainage pipe using a rotational movement may cause the blockage to disintegrate.

Note that if a tree root is blocking the pipe, professional tree root removal services will be required. We never recommend using a drain cleaner for organic or inorganic blockages as they can damage your pipes and drains. Plus, there are more effective, gentler and greener options available.

Inorganic Blockages

These blockages are unlikely to be dislodged by tipping liquid down the drain. If you cannot manually retrieve the object, you’ll probably need to hire professional drain cleaning services in Toronto. Plumbers have access to equipment such as electronic drain snakes and a hydro jetting machine that can swiftly clear a clogged drain.

Preventing a Clogged Drain

There are two main ways to protect your drains and prevent drain clogs: one is to ensure your pipes are kept in good condition, and the other is to keep inappropriate items out of the drainage pipe.

Repairing and Maintaining Your Drains

Regular CCTV (closed circuit television video) inspections using a cable-mounted camera ensure that any problems with a pipe’s interior are picked up quickly. If any weaknesses or wear is present, use a company that provides drain repair for Toronto homes and businesses to complete remedial work. It may also be worth scheduling an inspection of your water pipes at the same time so that any repair work can be carried out simultaneously.

Good Drain Hygiene

Follow these rules to reduce the risk of clogging:

• Only flush the “3ps” down the toilet. Use a garbage bin for tissues, cosmetic wipes, Q-tips, and similar bathroom waste.
• Fit hair traps to the bathroom sinks and shower drains.
• Don’t pour grease or oil down your kitchen sink or garbage disposal. Tip cool oil into a container and discard it in the garbage.
• Ensure the ground between your property and the main drain is free of trees or large shrubs.
• Supervise small children in the bathroom.
• Don’t pour chemicals, paint, motor oil, or other liquids (except water) down the drain.
• Avoid washing lumps of solid away with water. If you’re cleaning and solid waste of any sort is generated, strain the water before it’s discarded
• You can also fill the sink with water then release it down the drain. Hot water or boiling water works as well* This will help keep the drain clear. Keep in mind this will not be very effective if there is already a blockage present.
  *Please be careful when handling hot water and/or boiling water. Use rubber gloves, thick clothing with sleeves, and eye protection at all times.

Expert Plumbing Services in Toronto

If you experience a clogged drain and DIY fixes don’t work, DrainWork’s team of seasoned plumbers offers a complete range of effective and affordable drain and sewer services.

For all your plumbing issues, get in touch with us today with any questions you might have, request an estimate, or schedule plumbing services. Calling a plumber is usually the least stressful way when dealing with a backed drain, toilet repair or any plumbing issue.

Feel free to contact us during business hours or use our online form to contact us outside our business hours and we'll get back to you promptly.

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