Drain clogs are a common issue for Toronto homeowners, especially in older neighbourhoods with aging pipes and seasonal weather changes.
Here’s a quick guide to the 5 most common clogs and how to fix them
- Hair Clogs (Bathroom Drains): Caused by hair mixing with soap scum. Use drain snakes, baking soda, and vinegar to clear them. Prevent with hair catchers and regular cleaning.
- Grease Clogs (Kitchen Sinks): Solidified grease blocks pipes. Flush with baking soda, vinegar, and hot water. Avoid by disposing of grease in the trash and using grease traps.
- Tree Roots (Sewer Lines): Roots invade cracked pipes, causing backups. Use professional tools like hydro-jetting or root killers. Prevent by planting trees away from sewer lines.
- Toilet Clogs (Paper & Objects): Excessive toilet paper or non-flushable items cause blockages. Use plungers or augers to clear. Prevent by flushing only toilet paper.
- Mineral Buildup (Hard Water): Calcium and magnesium deposits reduce water flow. Use vinegar to descale or install water softeners to prevent future clogs.
When DIY fixes don’t work, call a plumber to avoid bigger issues like flooding or pipe damage. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your drains clear.
How to Unclog Any Drain
1. Hair Clogs: Bathroom Drain Problems
Hair clogs are a common headache for Toronto homeowners. They form when hair mixes with soap scum and other bathroom products, creating tough blockages. This is especially challenging in older Toronto homes, where aging pipes can struggle with the buildup.
Did you know? Hair accounts for around 90% of bathtub clogs. This problem is more frequent in households with several people or individuals with long hair. It typically starts with slow drainage and, if ignored, can lead to a complete blockage.
Removing Hair Clogs
If you’re dealing with a hair clog, here are some steps you can try:
- Clean the drain stopper: Remove it and clear out any visible hair and debris.
- Try natural solutions: Pour boiling water down the drain, followed by baking soda and vinegar to help break down the clog.
- Use tools for deeper clogs: A drain snake or claw tool can help remove blockages further down the pipe.
Preventing Hair Clogs
Avoiding clogs is much easier than fixing them. Consider these tips:
- Install a drain protector like the TubShroom to catch hair before it enters the drain.
- Regularly clean the drain screen after use.
- Brush your hair before showering to reduce the amount that ends up in the drain.
While hair clogs dominate bathroom drains, kitchen drains often face a different issue: grease buildup.
2. Kitchen Grease: Sink Blockages
Grease clogs are a common headache for Toronto homeowners, especially in the kitchen. When hot oils and fats are poured down the drain, they cool and harden inside the pipes. This buildup can block water flow, and with Toronto's older plumbing systems and chilly winters, the problem becomes even worse.
Data shows that grease buildup is a major cause of kitchen sink blockages in Toronto homes, particularly in areas with aging pipes The city's cold weather speeds up grease solidification, making regular upkeep a must.
How to Handle Grease Clogs and Prevent Them
For minor grease clogs, try this simple DIY fix:
- Dump 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain.
- Add 1/2 cup of vinegar and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Flush the drain with hot water to dissolve the grease.
If the clog persists, use a commercial drain cleaner like Liquid-Plumr, but be cautious - overuse can damage your pipes.
Here are some easy ways to avoid grease clogs in the future:
- Pour cooled grease into a container and throw it in the trash.
- Use an under-sink grease trap to catch oils before they enter your pipes.
- Take used cooking oil to Toronto's recycling centres.
- Schedule routine drain cleaning every few months
Ignoring grease clogs can lead to bigger issues, like back flow or even sewage leaks. If you notice water draining slowly or strange smells coming from your sink, it might be a sign of grease buildup.
While grease clogs are a typical kitchen problem, outdoor plumbing has its own set of challenges, such as tree roots invading the pipes.
3. Tree Roots in Sewer Lines
Toronto's older neighbourhoods, known for their mature trees and aging sewer systems, often face problems with tree roots invading sewer lines. Roots can enter through small cracks or joints, leading to blockages and costly repairs.
Common signs of root intrusion include slow-draining sinks or tubs, gurgling noises, unpleasant sewage smells, and frequent backups, especially during heavy rain.
How to Deal With Root Intrusion
For small root problems, chemical root killers can provide short-term relief. However, improper use could harm your pipes.
Professionals often rely on a combination of these techniques for the best results:
- Camera Inspection: Pinpoints the exact location of the issue.
- Mechanical Clearing: Includes tools like sewer snakes with rotating blades, high-pressure hydro-jetting systems, and root-cutting attachments.
- Preventive Measures: Regular inspections, chemical treatments to inhibit root growth, and scheduled cleanings to keep pipes clear.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice multiple drains backing up at the same time, persistent sewage odours, or slow drainage that DIY methods can't fix, it's time to call in the experts. Professionals use tools like hydro-jetting and cameras to remove roots effectively and prevent further damage.
Although professional services might seem expensive upfront, delaying repairs could result in even higher costs, such as replacing damaged pipes or dealing with property damage.
To minimize future issues:
- Plant trees away from sewer lines and install root barriers.
- Schedule routine sewer line inspections.
- Replace damaged sections of pipe with materials designed to resist root growth
While tree roots are a common issue for outdoor sewer lines, indoor plumbing has its own challenges, such as clogs caused by improper toilet use.
4. Toilet Clogs from Paper and Objects
Dealing with a clogged toilet is one of the most annoying plumbing problems for Toronto homeowners. The city's older plumbing systems are especially prone to blockages caused by improper toilet use, making it crucial to address these issues promptly.
What might start as a small inconvenience can quickly turn into a serious plumbing problem if ignored.
The main causes of toilet clogs are excessive toilet paper use and flushing items that shouldn’t go down the drain.
Clearing Toilet Clogs
If your toilet gets clogged, acting quickly and cautiously is key to avoiding overflow and further damage. Here are two effective methods to tackle the problem:
- Plunging: Use a plunger with a flange for a proper seal. Apply firm, consistent plunges to loosen the blockage
- Toilet Auger: For tougher clogs, a toilet auger can help reach deeper blockages without harming the toilet’s surface
How to Avoid Toilet Clogs
It's always better to prevent clogs than to deal with them later. Avoid flushing items like paper towels, sanitary products, diapers, or wet wipes. These belong in the trash, not your toilet.
Tips to Keep Your Toilet Clog-Free:
- Use toilet paper sparingly and have a trash bin nearby for non-flushable items.
- Flush only small amounts of toilet paper at a time.
- Install a toilet paper holder that limits the amount dispensed.
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency toilet with improved flushing power.
If clogs keep happening or you notice water backing up into other drains when flushing, it’s time to call a Toronto plumber. These could be signs of deeper plumbing issues that need expert attention.
While clogs are a common indoor problem, Toronto homeowners also face challenges like mineral buildup in their plumbing systems.
5. Hard Water Mineral Buildup
Toronto's water supply falls within the hard water range, with levels between 120-150 mg/L. This often leads to mineral clogs in plumbing systems. Over time, calcium and magnesium deposits can reduce water flow, causing lower water pressure, white crusty residue around faucets, slow-draining sinks, and even gurgling sounds in pipes.
How to Remove Mineral Deposits
To tackle mineral buildup, pour a cup of white vinegar into the affected drain and let it sit for 4-6 hours. Afterwards, flush the drain with hot water. Repeat the process for stubborn deposits. In more severe cases, professional descaling services might be necessary, as they use specialized tools to clear out the buildup.
Ways to Prevent Mineral Clogs
The best way to deal with mineral buildup is to stop it before it starts. Here are some effective water treatment methods for Toronto homes:
"Regular maintenance, including descaling and using water softeners, is crucial for preventing mineral buildup in Toronto's hard water environment. Annual inspections can help minimize the risk of mineral clogs and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system", according to the City of Toronto's Water Quality Guidelines
While smaller clogs can often be handled with DIY solutions, persistent or severe issues might require the help of a professional plumber.
When to Call a Plumber
Toronto's aging infrastructure and unique climate conditions mean plumbing issues can escalate quickly without professional help. Knowing when to call a plumber can save you from expensive repairs down the line.
Here are situations where expert assistance is a must:
Multiple Drain Problems and Stubborn Clogs
If you’re dealing with clogs in several drains or blockages that won’t budge despite your best DIY efforts, it’s time to call in the pros. Issues like these often point to serious problems, such as tree roots invading your pipes or major blockages. Tools like hydro-jetting and camera inspections are often required to diagnose and fix the problem effectively.
Why Professional Solutions Matter
DIY fixes can sometimes make plumbing problems worse, especially if chemical cleaners are involved. These products can corrode pipes over time. Professionals, on the other hand, use advanced tools like hydro-jetting and cameras to clear blockages safely and effectively, ensuring your plumbing system remains intact.
The Importance of Preventive Maintenance
Avoid plumbing emergencies by scheduling regular maintenance. Setting up an annual drain cleaning and inspection can help catch small issues before they turn into big ones. Key maintenance tasks include:
- Detailed drain inspections using cameras
- Checking water pressure levels
- Evaluating hot water tank performance
"Regular maintenance can save homeowners from costly repairs and ensure the longevity of their plumbing system. Professional plumbers provide safe and effective solutions while preventing future issues through expert advice on system maintenance"
For Toronto homeowners, professional plumbers offer reliable, industry-approved methods to resolve clogs and protect your plumbing system. Knowing when to seek their help keeps your system running smoothly. For more tips and answers to common plumbing questions, check out the FAQs below.
FAQs
What are the most common drain clogs, and how can I clear them?
In Toronto homes, aging infrastructure and seasonal temperature changes often lead to plumbing issues, with bathroom and kitchen clogs being especially frequent. Hair buildup is a primary culprit in bathroom drains. Using a shower drain hair catcher and cleaning it regularly can help keep things flowing smoothly.
In the kitchen, grease clogs are a common problem. Here's how to tackle them:
- Pour boiling water down the drain.
- Follow with a mix of equal parts boiling water and vinegar, letting it sit for 15 minutes.
- Flush the drain with more hot water.
To avoid grease clogs altogether, never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. Instead, collect it in a container, let it cool, and throw it out with your household waste.
"Regular maintenance, including cleaning drains with baking soda and vinegar, using a shower drain hair catcher, and practising safe grease disposal, can help prevent clogs"
If clogs persist or become severe, calling a professional plumber is the best way to address the issue, especially given Toronto's unique plumbing challenges.
