Guelph, called the Royal City, has festivals, cultural events, and beautiful views that are fit for royalty. Guelph has something for everyone, from delicious food at Bar Mason to enjoying nature at Rockwood Conservation Area.
However, clogged drains can ruin the day. Dealing with a sink or shower causing home flooding is not good. Luckily, some clogs can be fixed by yourself. And if you can't, don't worry—Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help.
Cause of Clogged Drains
Has your naughty little one taken their favorite toy for a “swim” in the toilet? Flushing foreign objects is one of the biggest causes of clogged toilets. Sanitary products and baby wipes can clog toilets too.
Flushable wipes are not safe for most plumbing systems. Meanwhile, long hair is the nemesis of your shower and bathtub drains. If you're in a shower and there's water on the floor, your pipes are likely blocked by hair.
Many people believe that having a garbage disposal means they can throw anything down their kitchen sink for free. However, there are some foods your disposal just isn’t powerful enough to contend with. These include grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, and bread. Reach out to our local plumbing team if you are experiencing this problem.
Preventative Measures
Keeping kitchen sinks clear requires careful waste management. Don't put potato peels, onion layers, or stringy, starchy, or greasy foods down the drain. Throw them in the trash instead.
To clean drains effectively, opt for biodegradable drain cleaners. These enzyme-based solutions effectively dissolve soap scum while remaining safe for both you and your drains.
Use drain catchers to prevent future issues. These inexpensive and simple-to-install tools catch hair and food waste before it clog the drains. Regular cleaning, about once a week, ensures their continued effectiveness in keeping your drains clear.
DIY Solutions
Should you encounter a minor sink blockage, it might be possible to clear it using a plunger. Just press the rubber part firmly against the drain, then push up and pull down for about 20 seconds. When the drain makes a gurgling noise, you’ve loosened the clog.
Augers and snakes are a good choice for hair clogs that you can’t remove by hand. We suggest using a manual snake, as automatic models could damage your pipes if used improperly.
- To use a snake, put the metal tip into the drain, and turn the crank until you hit a blockage, then reverse the crank to pull the clog out.
- You may already have all the tools to fight clogged drains in your kitchen pantry. Baking soda and white vinegar are great clog-busters.
- To use this natural solution, mix a cup of baking soda and an equal amount of vinegar. Pour it down the drain, then cover the drain tightly with a stopper or towel. After 10 minutes, run the hot water to push the clog down the drain and say goodbye to slow drains.
Chemical vs. Natural Remedies
If you are a parent of young children, it's understandable that you might have worries about utilizing drain cleaners that contain chemicals. These products are poisonous and can be dangerous if you breathe in their fumes. They’re also harmful to the environment and can even damage your pipes.
Enzyme-based cleaners that are biodegradable are a more secure choice, and if your blockage is sufficiently minor, you might be able to eliminate it using natural solutions like hot water, baking soda, and vinegar.
When To Seek Professional Help
Not sure whether you need local drain cleaning?
Here’s how to tell if it’s time to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing:
You’ve tried plunging and snaking your drain but still can’t remove the clog.
Your drains are so badly clogged that water is overflowing onto the floor.
More than one drain is clogged, which could indicate a serious problem with your plumbing system.
You see soil or plant material in your sink or shower. This points to tree root intrusion, which requires professional repair.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a locally owned company offering clogged drain repair in Guelph, Ontario, and surrounding cities. When you call us, you can trust us to fix your clogged drains quickly and effectively. Check out our local reviews.
Contact us to get an estimate for drain cleaning.