Clogged Drains in Cambridge, Ontario

Cambridge is famous for its close-knit community, beautiful historical paths, and beloved restaurants like Amici and Cambridge Hill. It also has attractions that residents and tourists admire. The city boasts a serene butterfly sanctuary and the delightful Strom's Farm & Bakery, providing year-round activities for families.

If you find yourself dealing with clogged drains in Cambridge, Ontario, fret not! Mr. Rooter is completely equipped to assist you in resolving any issues you may encounter with your drainage system. Give us a call today and tell us about your situation.

Causes of Clogged Drains

What causes clogged and slow drains? If the clog is in your kitchen, food is the likeliest cause. Your kitchen sink and garbage disposal cannot handle foods like these.

Bathroom clogs come from hair, soap scum, or improper waste disposal in showers, toilets, or sinks. Additionally, flushing unsuitable items down the toilet can cause blockages.

Even with cautious use, some drains inevitably clog. Cracked pipes can allow dirt and tree roots to infiltrate, leading to water backup in your drains. Are you noticing murky water in your sink? This might suggest a broken pipe that needs expert plumbers to remediate the situation.

Preventative Measures

The easiest way to deal with drain clogs is to prevent them in the first place.

Try these drain-cleaning tips:

Install a strainer or drain catcher to trap debris. Drain catchers cost just a few dollars and can save you from an expensive repair bill. Be sure to pull out the drain catcher and clean it every so often.
Only dump things down the drain that you are supposed to. If you have kids, you may need to give them a list of things that should never go in the sink or down the toilet.
Mix equal parts hot water and a cup of baking soda, then pour the mixture down the drain every few weeks to prevent buildup. White vinegar is another sufficient buildup buster.

DIY Solutions

Plungers are a time-tested tool for removing clogs. To use one, push the rubber end of the plunger down over the drain, then rapidly pull it up and down for 20 seconds.

If the plunger doesn’t work, you might need to use a snake or cable auger.

Follow these steps

1. Put the coiled end of the snake into the drain and turn the handle to unfurl it. Guide the snake down the pipe.
2. Continue rotating the lever until the serpent reaches its limit. If you feel the snake hit something, you’ve probably reached the clog.
3. Turn the snake so it attaches to the clog, then turn the handle to reel the snake back up.

Baking soda and vinegar can prevent buildup and unclog drains effectively

Here’s how:

1. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to loosen up the clog.
2. Mix one cup of water or white vinegar with one cup of baking soda.
3. Cover the drain with the plug and wait for 10 minutes.
4. Get another pot of boiling water and pour it down the drain again. This will push the clog down and out of the drain.

Chemical vs. Natural Remedies

Although drain cleaners containing chemicals provide quick fixes for blocked drains, they may entice you to choose the strongest product on the market, particularly for stubborn obstructions.

However, drain cleaners aren't a universal fix and can potentially harm your pipes. Their negative effects on the environment and toxic emissions present threats to your health as well as the safety of plumbers working on your plumbing system.

In contrast, natural remedies like vinegar and baking soda offer safer alternatives that are equally effective in addressing clogs without the associated risks.

When To Seek Professional Help

It may be time to call a professional plumber for clogged drain repair if:

DIY methods have failed
You have issues with multiple clogged drains
Your drains keep clogging no matter how often you clean them

Should your drain remain blocked, it's crucial to promptly contact a plumber, particularly if you notice dirt and vegetation debris backing up into the sink. This could indicate a broken pipe, and you’ll need to act fast to prevent further damage.

Mr. Rooter is a local plumbing company proudly serving Cambridge, Ontario. We offer 24/7 emergency service for clogged drains when you need it most.

For a local drain cleaning job estimate, call us. We're ready to help you clear a clog with ease.