What to Do if You Have a Clogged Sewer Line in Toronto, ON

Your home's sewer line, also called a mainline, is a key part of your entire plumbing system. All plumbing fixtures in your home connect to your mainline, through which all wastewater flows out and into the city sewage system of Toronto. This important pipe is your link to the rest of the city's plumbing infrastructure. In the event of a clogged sewer line, Toronto homeowners are at risk of serious issues throughout their homes.

Blockages in your mainline influence all the plumbing fixtures that it connects to, including toilets, sinks, showers, tubs, and all other outlets. A clog like that can have serious effects that lead to the need for sewer line repair and replacement. You could also suffer from sewage backups throughout your home that can lead to negative health effects from exposure to bacteria if you don’t get prompt help from a qualified Toronto plumber.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto, we know that there are several possible reasons for a sewer or drain blockage to occur, and there are many ways to prevent that sewer backup. If all else has failed, and you think you may be the victim of a clogged sewer line, Toronto plumbers will take the necessary steps to restore your plumbing system’s original functions.

What Are the Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line?

Water that won't exit your sink could be from either a simple pipe clog or a clogged sewer line. Toronto homeowners who know the warning signs of a clogged sewer drain will be able to determine if they simply need professional drain cleaning service or something more serious.

Major Signs of A Clogged Sewer Line in Toronto

• Toilets not flushing properly

• Slow draining

• Washing machines causing toilet overflow

• Flushing toilets causes water to back up in the shower or tub

• Gurgling noises or other strange sounds when water is running

• Sewage in and around floor outlets

• Foul smells in your yard or basement

• Basement flooding

If you notice one or multiple of these effects occurring in your home, it's likely a sign of a clogged sewer line. Toronto plumbers bring the tools and expertise to provide you with a dependable sewer scope inspection service to check for underlying issues.

Causes of a Clogged Sewer Drain Line

• Shifting earth

• Tree root intrusion

• Heavy rainfall

• Improperly flushed items

• Aging pipes

What to Do If You Have a Clogged Sewer Line

It’s difficult to determine the type of issue you have and the plumbing solution you need until you call a plumbing professional. But if you think you might be the victim of sewer drain backup, there are some steps you can take before contacting a licensed plumber for service or repairs.

Turn Off Water

The first thing you should do before anything else is to locate your main water supply line and turn off the water. You can also take extra steps at this time to decrease the pressure in your pipes by locating your sewer cleanout and removing the cap (typically in the basement or front yard). This line is usually a short, white pipe no more than four inches in diameter, sealed on one end with a screw-on cap.

Use Specialized Tools

An auger or drain snake is the most common tool for unclogging plumbing systems. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most effective kind for a drainpipe is a specially designed piece of plumbing equipment that's often power-assisted.

Another option used to break apart pipe blockages is a powerful water jet used to blast trapped material and clogs out of your system. Both this tool and the special drain snaking tool can cause damage if handled improperly. Although you have options, a licensed drain technician or professional plumber is often better equipped to safely and effectively handle clogged drains and clogged sewer lines. Toronto plumbing technicians use professional hydro jetting devices that only licensed service professionals can use.

Can You Use Chemical Cleaners?

If you suspect that tree roots or other organic debris are the cause of your sewer line clog, a chemical cleaner may kill roots and break down other material—but there are some important facts you should be aware of before you start this process.

Chemical Cleaners Are Not Suitable for All Systems

Chemical cleaning products can have a harmful and corrosive effect on your drain pipes, especially with repeated use. Some solutions are also unsafe for septic systems.

Chemical Cleaners May Be Prohibited

The use of certain chemicals may be prohibited where you live. The City of Toronto allows the use of common options like copper sulfate crystals to kill tree roots, but you should always check your local guidelines on hazardous household waste before using any chemicals.

Call Your Toronto Plumber

If the above attempts are in vain, or you need immediate assistance, please contact your emergency plumber at Mr. Rooter for drain services and reliable inspection. Before we go ahead with professional cleaning, we always complete a sewer and drain inspection to check for leaks and other damage. When dealing with a clogged sewer line, Toronto plumbing technicians will ensure your sewer lateral is in good health before they complete a sewer cleaning service to free the line from clogs and debris.

How Do You Avoid Clogs in Toronto?

The best way of dealing with any kind of plumbing blockage is to use the recognized best practices for how to treat your plumbing.

What Shouldn't You Flush?

• Tissues or wet wipes (even so-called "flushable wipes")

• Q-Tips

• Cotton balls

• Dental Floss

• Oils and fats

How Can You Avoid Future Drain Issues?

• Always properly dispose of grease and fats in the garbage after they have had time to cool

• Never flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste; never flush paper products

• Replace your old pipes

• Get a backwater valve installation

• Make time for routine or regular maintenance

• Keep your bathroom drain and kitchen sink drain opening clean with white vinegar and baking soda. Scrub the opening with an old toothbrush and wash the debris down with hot water. Repeat this process at least once a month.

How Do Toronto Plumbers Handle Sewer Backups?

One of the key options most Toronto plumbers have is the ability to perform a drain camera diagnostic check on your sewer pipes and waste lines. This process allows plumbers to find clogs, inspect and evaluate the potential damage to pipes, and accurately determine what kind of service or repairs might be needed.

A sewer line backup is a serious issue that should be handled with proper tools for effective cleaning and repairs. In addition to performing a drain camera inspection, plumbers may use augers, jets, and other specialized options to remove drain clogs.

The training and expertise of experts also come in handy when evaluating the problems related to a clogged sewer line. Toronto property owners who hire an experienced plumber will know to watch out for additional warning signs that could indicate a more serious issue with their sewer pipe.

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a plumber is that you don't have to worry about finding the tools, information, and time required to clear a blocked mainline.

Need Help With A Clogged Sewer Line?

The reliable plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto can always help you solve a plumbing problem quickly and easily. Whether you're experiencing minor issues like slow draining or a gurgling toilet, or major issues like sewage backing up in multiple waste lines, a knowledgeable professional will know what to do to restore your pipework.

Give our expert team a call today or request an appointment online. Our Toronto plumbers serve our local residents and property owners in surrounding areas like East York or King City. Let us help you take preventative measures to protect your plumbing system. From winterization to backwater valve cleaning and drain replacements, we are your dependable team!

While you’re here, why not learn more about our sump pump or trenchless pipe bursting services in Toronto?