Drain cleaner: What you need to know

A drain cleaner can refer to a chemical (that somehow dissolves the clog) or a device that gets to the root of the problem (drain snake).

In both cases, the goal is to unclog the drain system. This is for the water to flow away through. If the drain system is always clear from clogs, there’s less risk for flooding or water backup.

What happens if the drains are clogged? When sudden heavy rains come (or light rains going on for days), water can accumulate especially in low-lying areas such as the basement. Water has no way to go through because of the clogs.

In our bathrooms and kitchens, clogged drains can also cause problems. Water can also accumulate in sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. Some of the dirt might back up, which can be a hazardous health issue. It’s also an unpleasant sight for both residents and visitors.

Clogged drains are a serious problem for the residential, commercial, and industrial establishments. Blocked drains can cause property damages and thousands of dollars of expenses if the problem was not taken seriously.

That’s why many people opt for a quality drain cleaner service. But before that, they usually take the do-it-yourself approach. Let’s explore that first. Then we will briefly discuss drain cleaner services offered by experienced professionals.

Drain cleaner: The DIY approach

Drain Cleaner Service - Drain Cleaning
We discussed earlier that a drain cleaner can refer either to a chemical or a device.

In many cases, chemicals and drain snakes can effectively unclog the drains. They both work because they usually directly deal with the root of the problem.

Many residents go for a drain cleaner on toilets and sinks when plunging no longer works. Using a plunger is laborious. Also, if the problem is frequent or persistent, a drain cleaner is the best way to go.

What is a chemical drain cleaner? It partially dissolves the clog. This way the clog can get smaller (or alter its shape). The clog can then freely move down the drain and there will be nothing to block the water.

Residents can easily buy a chemical drain cleaner from the store. In many cases, it can effectively dissolve or remove the clog. Drain cleaning solutions can be made up of strong or mild chemicals.

Many residents also try the mild “chemicals” readily available at home. Many try the use of baking soda and vinegar to clear the clogged drain. They commonly use it in sinks where the problem is just light and not too serious.

Aside from chemicals, some residents also use a mechanical drain cleaner. A common device for this is the drain snake (also called a drain auger or plumber’s snake). It’s called as such because the device resembles a snake.

The drain snake can move through the curves and narrow paths of the drain system. Then, once it touches the clog, the drain snake can pull it out or move it somehow so it can go down the drain. It’s a simple and straightforward approach to unclogging the drain system.

Residents can readily buy a mechanical drain cleaner from a hardware store. Some have figured out ingenious ways to make a drain snake of their own (by using a wire). Just like with the chemicals, a simple drain snake can solve many drain problems.

When do you need a drain cleaner service?

If the above approaches already work, why would you even need a drain service?

There are cases when the clogs are pretty solid. It could be the result of having a large enough object being accidentally dropped into the drain. It can also be the result of years of accumulated dirt and debris.

Another case is when the drain systems in commercial and industrial establishments are clogged. These are big systems which require a powerful device and professional approach.

In homes, offices, and other commercial areas, a professional drain cleaner service might be the best solution. A team of experienced professionals can take care of the problem and even prevent worse problems down the road.

Our team uses powerful drain snakes to completely remove the clog. This will help you prepare for the upcoming rainy days. You won’t have to worry much about sudden flooding because you know the drain is working perfectly.

We also offer a complete drain repair and waterproofing solution. We address each issue promptly and we offer a free consultation. Stay dry and call us at +1 416-858-4444.

Drainage Problems: Fix Common Issues

Drainage Problems
drainage blockage solution

img_20161120_200454_01Drainage problems are common in both residential and commercial areas.

However, most people aren’t even aware if their places have those drain problems. Worse, by the time they finally found out, it’s already too late.

When sudden heavy rains do come, flood is certain if the drains are clogged. This can cause damage to your property. As a result, you’ll be spending thousands of dollars for the repairs. You could have avoided those expenses if you found out earlier about the problem.

Well, some people are already aware their place has a drainage issue. However, the problem seems small and significant. But when the time comes, flooding and sanitation issues go out of hand.

That’s why it’s good to spot those problems early on. It’s also good to take urgent action on those problems. This way, you’ll avoid the more difficult problems once sudden heavy rains come. In the end, you’ll actually save thousands of dollars.

In this short guide, we’ll briefly discuss how to spot drainage problems. We’ll also discuss a few solutions you can apply immediately. Let’s begin.

Drainage problem signs you have to watch out

Do you see water stains in your basement?

It might be a common sight. But there might be serious problems hiding there. That’s the case especially if the stain extends in a line around your basement. It’s a high water mark that could be caused either by low basement level or fluctuating water table. Later in this article, we’ll discuss the solution to this problem.

Aside from water stains in the basement, you should also look for foundation cracks.

Those cracks might have been there ever since the house was built (or since when it was last renovated). Those cracks in the foundation could just be normal. However, there’s a problem if those cracks continue to widen.

The two signs mentioned above are both interior problems. Another sign to watch out for can be found outside. It’s time to look at the yard, especially after rains.

If the yard is always flooding, that means the soil doesn’t drain properly. The accumulated water (and its prolonged stay there) can cause frequent dampness in the yard. Also, the water can cause some carves on and around the landscape. It ruins the view and it’s simply not a pleasant sight to see.

These signs are pretty easy to spot. You can check your yard, foundation, and basement right now and see if there are any problems. Once you’ve confirmed your suspicions, you can go back to this article and explore the solutions.

If you’re uncertain whether you have drainage problems or not, you can also ask the experts for some help. You can call us at +1 416-858-4444 if you have any questions about drains. We offer a free consultation.

Drainage solutions: Drain clearing, repair, and waterproofing

Have you checked your yard, basement, and foundation?

If you see the signs and you’re sure there are underlying problems, it’s time to explore the solutions.

As mentioned earlier, water stains in the basement could mean serious problem. To avoid the potential flooding, one way is to install an interior drain system and sump pump. This will pump out the wastewater and flood out of the area. It will keep the place dry even during sudden rains or outflow of water.

What about the cracks in the foundation? If those cracks continue to widen over the months and years, there might be some risks. To know the extent of the problem, you can consult experts. They will help you assess the risks and figure out cost-effective solutions for the problem.

Now, let’s explore the solutions for your yard. If your garden turns into a swamp after some rain, there’s a problem with your outdoor drain system.

Water often accumulates in lower-lying areas because of gravity. If the pathways for the water to flow are blocked, it will continually accumulate there. Your garden might be naturally lower (or the area becomes lower due to soil erosion) compared to the surrounding areas. That’s why the water naturally accumulates there.

However, that’s no excuse for the garden to turn into an occasional swamp. The drainage system must carry the water further down and out of the area. Maybe the drain opening near the soil is somehow clogged. It could also be that the drain pipes underneath the ground are damaged or clogged due to accumulation of dirt and debris.

What to do?

Your drainage problems might require drain clearing, repair, or waterproofing. In all cases, a team of experienced professionals can help you solve those problems.

As a Toronto-based certified company, we have a team of pros with over 15 years of experience. We can clear the clogged drains (and prevent potential flooding). We provide Toronto waterproofing services as well.

Call us now at +1 416-858-4444 if you want a free consultation.