We all want to save money. That’s why many of us try to repair things around the house first, before choosing to call a contractor. Some things can definitely be done yourself, if you have some basic skills, knowledge and the time to do it. That includes drain repair. I’ll give you a few tips below, but keep in mind, you may want to call a licensed and insured drain repair company in Toronto. I’ll explain more about that as well. First let’s start with the causes of drain problems in Toronto and the GTA…
What Causes Drain Problems in Toronto?
Understanding the causes of your drain problems is essential to solving them. A good drain repair company in Toronto knows how to find the root causes of your clogged or leaking drains and understands the causes that are unique to the GTA. However, drain problems can be caused by a wide variety of problems that are not all unique to the Toronto area…
- Older pipes naturally degrade over time and can rust and develop cracks.
- Tree root intrusion is one of the most common causes of sewer backups in Toronto. Over 50% of blocked drain repair and drain cleaning problems are related to root intrusion. Tree roots can grow into sewer pipes and cause blockages. This happens a lot with old or aging clay or cast iron sewer lines or when you have species of fast growing trees on your property.
- Natural ground shifting can cause cracks.
- Heavy rain can overwhelm the sewer system and cause water to back up.
- Calcification is also a common problem. Over time calcium deposits form a crusty coating on pipes that cause clogging of pipes and drain lines, especially when hard water is in use.
- Blockages from overuse or because of foreign objects. Items like fat, oil, cooking grease, wipes, condoms, dental floss, and other personal hygiene products can clog pipes. Flushable wipes, even if they are labeled as “flushable” are unsafe to flush and can cause sewer backups.
Those are just some of the other causes of drain problems. What’s important to remember is that you can’t ignore small leaks. Small leaks lead to bigger problems and it’s important to address even those small leaks as soon as possible. Clogged or leaky sewage drains can cause serious health risks to you and your family. Contamination from mold and harmful bacteria is a very real problem. And it can cause problems for more than just your own family. Backed up sewer drains can lead to overflow that sends deadly waste water into our Mississauga streets, waterways and beaches. Next let’s talk about what you can do yourself to prevent basement flooding and how you can do your own drain repair…
Do It Yourself Drain Repair Tips
Before you call a professional drain repair company in Toronto, you can try combinations of the suggestions below to unclog drains as do it yourself drain repair tips…
- Boiling water: Pour boiling water directly down the drain to melt soap scum, grime, and toothpaste.
- Plunging: If that doesn’t work, you can use a snake or auger to break up the blockage. Keep in mind, using a snake or auger can damage your pipes if used incorrectly.
- Dish soap and hot water: Mix a few spoons of dish soap with about 2 liters of hot water and pour it down the drain. This works well for grease and other sticky residue.
- Salt and baking soda: An eco-friendly way to unclog a shower drain.
- Salt and borax and vinegar: Mix ½ cup of salt, ½ cup of borax, and 1 cup of vinegar. Let it sit in the drain for an hour before running the water.
- Baking Soda + Lemon Juice. Put 1/2 cup baking soda into the drain, then pour a 1/2 cup of lemon juice down the drain. Let it sit for one hour. Flush it with a pot of boiling water.
- Hot Water and Dish Soap: Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain, then follow it with a mixture of hot water and dish soap. The soap will help to break down the blockage, while the hot water can help to flush it away.
Baking Soda and Vinegar is not recommended! When you use baking soda and vinegar to clean out your drain, you may be causing more problems. The rubber and plastic that are used for the drain’s pipes can be eaten away by the mixture. Over time, this rubber and plastic will break down, causing the drain to become even more blocked.
If those methods don’t work, call a professional drain repair company.
When to Call a Drain Repair Company In Toronto
The most important thing to remember is that drain problems need to be addressed right away. Obviously, they don’t get better all by themselves. If you are able to take care of it yourself, that’s great. In any case, whether you do it yourself or call the best drain repair company in Toronto to help you, it has to be done as soon as possible or it can cost you thousands of dollars in damage to your home and landscaping.
Are you in need of a Drain Repair Company in Toronto or the GTA? Schedule your free estimate by clicking here or by calling us at 905-238-6800.
- Free Estimate, Up Front Pricing
- More than 20 years Experience in Toronto and GTA
- Licensed and Insured
- 1 Hour Response Time
- Step-by Step Explanation
All of our Toronto drain cleaning or drain repair service technicians are professional and courteous and treat your home with respect. If you live in Toronto or GTA, we provide swift emergency response to all of your drain repair and basement waterproofing issues. Our trucks are fully stocked with tools and parts to handle most drain or sewer problems.
And don’t forget about Basement flooding: Cracks in walls or foundations, broken water lines, or water heaters can cause basement flooding. The drain repair company in Toronto that you call should also be able to help you prevent basement flooding, especially with the recent flooding we’ve experienced here.
Don’t wait until your drain problems cause flooding or other serious damage. Call to schedule your free estimate today. 905-238-6800.
Other Drain Repair Services Offered by Draincom
Draincom is a licensed and insured drain repair company serving homeowners in Toronto and GTA. With more than 20 years of experience and the best guarantees in the business, you won’t find a better drain repair company. Here is a list of the services we provide related to drain repair.
- Drain Leak Repair
- Clogged Drain Repair
- Drain Cleaning
- Drain Camera Inspection
- Trenchless Pipe Repair and Replacement
- Sewer Cleaning
- Snake Drain Inspection
- Floor Drains Installation and Repair
- Backwater Valve Installation
- Pipe Severance and Capping
- Wet Basement Repair
Some of the services on the list may qualify you for rebates or subsidies offered by the City of Toronto. Call us at 905-238-6800or fill out this form to schedule a free estimate on drain repair or a free basement waterproofing inspection.
This is by far not the complete list of plumbing and basement waterproofing services we provide. Call us and explain the issues you’re having. We’re happy top help.