Every homeowner in the GTA has had to deal with blocked drains at one time or another. This can be quite an inconvenience but can be easily resolved if done so properly. In addition, there are means to help avoid clogged drains.
Following are some common fixes for drain blockage. If the problem is not easily resolved, it is advisable to contact a professional plumber for drain repair in Toronto.
Main Causes of Blocked Drains
Following are some of the main causes of drain blockages. Simply watching out for these items can save you from the burden of clearing blocked drains.
- Hair
- Grease
- Coffee Grounds
- Bath Salts
- Food Scraps (i.e.: bones, rice, pasta, fatty foods)
- Foreign Objects (toys, makeup, sanitary products, etc.)
- Expensive Toilet Tissue
- Liquid Soap
- Toothpaste
- Plant Leaves & Dirt
How to Prevent Blocked Drains
- Do not pour grease down your drain. This includes butter and shortening as well as olive, coconut, vegetable, or other cooking oils.
- Flush your drains with a mixture of hot water and vinegar once a month.
- Install drain catchers and clean them regularly.
- Clean your sinks, showers, and toilets regularly.
7 Ways to Fix Blocked Drains
Flush with hot or boiling water
One of the easiest fixes for a clogged drain is to flush it with boiling water. This will work with drains that are backed up with food or grease build up. However, you should never pour boiling water down PVC pipes, as this can loosen the joints and cause damage.
Use a Natural DIY Cleaner
Many homeowners prefer to use natural DIY cleaners as opposed to more harmful store-bought ones, such as Liquid Plumber or Draino.
Simply pour one cup of baking soda down the drain and then flush it with a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain, as this prevents it from bubbling over. Wait half an hour and then flush with hot water. It might be necessary to repeat this process a few times, but it has proven to be extremely effective.
Plunger
Often, a plunger can be just as effective at clearing blocked drains as backed up toilets. Plunging will not work on mineral deposits or grease but will usually fix solid blockages.
Snake your drain
A severe drain blockage can usually be resolved with an electric eel, or plumbers snake. The coils will chip away to clear the blockages. However, as snakes do not always reach the full length of the pipes, they are best used at clogs close to the drain opening. Moreover, they can damage your pipes if not used properly.
Use a Hydro-Jet System
Hydro-Jet will create pressure via a stream of water to force the blockage out of your pipes. This method is less harmful than snaking; however, it does not clear blockages from solids. It is advisable to call a professional plumber rather than doing it yourself.
Caustic Cleaner
For years, caustic cleaners have been the preferred method of clearing blocked drains. However, these cleaners contain harmful (and toxic) chemicals that can cause serious damage. If you utilize one of these store-bought cleaners, make sure to protect your face and hands. When you are finished, flush your pipes with hot water to ensure that there is no remaining residue.
There are a lot of other methods to repair your drain. See this post for more tips.
