Drain Clog: Causes and Quick Solutions

Drain Clog: Causes and Quick Solutions

After you take a bath or use the kitchen sink, you notice that the water drains really slowly. This is a sign of a drain clog. Maybe the blockage is only partial. But sooner or later, the clogs can get bigger and completely block the flow of water.

When that happens, your normal daily activities will get disrupted. Sure, the plunger or a mixture of mild chemicals might do the trick. For most cases, this approach is enough. But if the problem occurs frequently or you notice a bad smell, perhaps it’s time to ask professionals for help.

What causes clogged drains?

For most drain systems (whether large or small), the common cause of clogging is the accumulated debris. In kitchen sinks, it’s the accumulation of food particles and grease. For tub or shower drains, it’s the collection of hair strands and soap scum.

The case is similar with toilets and stormwater drains. Solid particles might aggregate and eventually block the water flow. This could happen gradually as particles stick together. It can also happen suddenly when there’s a massive outflow of stormwater and dirt.

Aside from debris blocking the flow of water, another possible cause of clogged drains is the collapsed or warped pipes. These lead to the further narrowing down of the flow path. As a result, the debris gets accumulated much faster or the water won’t just be able to pass through.

Tree roots and the ground above might put weight on the pipes which results to partial or complete collapse. In addition, degradation of pipes can also lead to warping. Both these cases can block the free flow of the water.

Possible expenses

In the latter situation, warping or collapsing of the pipes might require repairs or replacements. This can be a bit expensive because of the costs on parts and labour. It can also cause inconvenience both on homes and commercial establishments.

That’s why many Toronto residents and business owners opt for early drain inspection or maintenance. This is to prevent problems and minimize interruptions. This also leads to cost savings because you prevent the damages early on.

For minor drain clog problems such as most clogs in toilets, sinks and shower drains, drain snaking or even the Do-It-Yourself approach might already suffice. This is already enough for relatively new homes or establishments or if the whole drain system is installed properly. For these minor drain problems, the cost would be free or minimal (if you hire a drain professional).

Clearing shower drains and toilets

Clearing a shower or tub drain can be an easy and straightforward task. You can remove the drain stopper and fish out the clog (most commonly hair strands).

Unblocking the toilet can also be an easy task. However, it’s an unpleasant one because of sanitary and aesthetic issues. It could also get messy on the bathroom floor even when just using a plunger.

Using the plunger is enough to solve almost all toilet clogs. But many residents don’t want to do it. That’s why they hire Toronto drain professionals instead. These professionals are willing to make their hands dirty (they do this type of job every day). They also ensure that the site is clean after fixing the toilet.

Clearing sink drains

In kitchens, bathrooms or wash areas, sinks can get clogged from time to time. A plunger is very handy for this type of problem. But for some clogs, drain snaking might be the more appropriate solution.

Drain snaking is a straightforward way to completely remove the drain clog. Even if the clog is deep down the drain system, the drain snake will find a way. It can move through joints and bends without difficulty.

However, drain snaking can still be laborious and messy. This requires disassembling of some parts and putting them back together. You also need to prepare the surrounding areas because water and dirt might come out.

If you have the time and the tools, you can do the drain snaking yourself. But if the clog is pretty solid and it requires a more powerful tool, professionals should do the drain snaking. The pros should also do it if you prefer having someone else do the dirty work.

Drain clog Toronto

Many Toronto families and businesses call AAA Drain Experts when it comes to clogged drains. For over 15 years, we’ve been solving drain problems in the most efficient and economical way.

We also clean up the mess after each job. Call us today at +1 416-858-4444 for a free consultation.