A Homeowner’s Guide To Toilet Drainage Cleaning in Toronto

How are your toilet drains lately? Calm, cool, and collected? Or unsettled, disorderly, and discomposed? If yours are the latter, that is very unfortunate. Clogged toilet drains can be a nuisance and a smelly one at that. They can also lead to greater plumbing issues if you don't know how to go about fixing them. This blog is here to equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to effortlessly tackle any household problems, saving you from unnecessary headaches. We will offer you DIY solutions recommended by professional plumbers that will keep your toilet drains clog-free.

It is a great idea to take care of your toilet before you experience clogging. In today's fast-paced world, it's common to overlook household tasks that don't appear crucial. If you have a minor clog, you may be able to handle the situation on your own. If the issue persists, and you wish to avoid exacerbating it (or incurring additional plumbing costs), our team of Toronto plumbers is here to assist you in resolving your toilet problems.

Let's take a look at the reasons why a toilet clogs and how to address issues like tough clogs on your own! Furthermore, we will unveil the truth about chemical drain cleaners, and natural enzymes that you can use as an alternative!

Toilet Drainage Cleaning: Why Do Toilet Drains Clog?

Understanding why a problem occurs is likely one of the wisest things a homeowner can do. After all, if you don't know the “Why” behind the “What” when an issue strikes, how can you solve the problem? Common reasons why your toilet gets clogged drains are:

Toilet paper buildup: Though most of us are well past our potty-training years, it is still worth it to say that you should not be using more than three to six sheets of toilet paper. The excessive use of toilet paper, or even using a non-dissolvable brand will lead to stubborn clogs.
Paper towel: Have you ever seen a sign in a public restroom saying “Do Not Flush Paper Down the Toilet?” Paper towels are not composed of the same material as toilet paper, and they do not break down like toilet paper when wet. If paper towel is flushed down your drain regularly, it will create costly clogs that require immediate intervention.
Foreign objects: Avoid disposing of items like cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, and hair down your toilet. These items do not break down easily or efficiently before entering your sewage pipes, leading to damage and blockages.
Mineral deposits: If your water is high in minerals like calcium, magnesium, or sulfates, your water is considered hard water. Over time, these mineral deposits will accumulate and fester, reducing the diameter of the drain.
Tree roots: If your property has many trees, you're probably familiar with tree roots causing plumbing problems. If left unattended, tree roots have the potential to obstruct your plumbing system, leading to inconvenient toilet drainage issues. Therefore, it becomes imperative to seek the assistance of a skilled plumber who can effectively eliminate these intrusive tree roots.

DIY Solutions To Vitalize Your Toilet Drain

Now that we understand the cause of the clogging, let's explore effective ways to unclog your toilet drains. So grab your plunger, gloves, mask, and overalls, and get ready to play plumber!

Grab The Trusty Plunger

Turn off the water supply and empty half the toilet bowl. If your toilet is filled to the rim, shut off the water supply valve. Ensure that there is enough water in the bowl to cover the rubber on the plunger.
When using a plunger to unclog a drain, it's important to create a tight seal between the plunger and the drain opening. This will help to generate the necessary suction to effectively clear the clog. Press down firmly and then pull up forcefully to create the suction needed to dislodge the blockage.
Repeat the last part of step two several times: Push down firmly but gently, and then pull up forcefully.
Pressure should dislodge the clog, and your water should begin to resume flowing freely.

Use The Toilet Auger or Drain Snake

Insert the auger into the drain opening, keeping it straight.
In a clockwise motion, rotate the auger while pushing it down further. The auger is flexible, so it should be able to curve.
Keep rotating in a clockwise motion, and push until you feel a resistance or until the clog breaks free.
Pull the auger out gently, and the clog should come out.

The Natural Solution: Baking Soda, Hot Water, and Vinegar

Measure out one cup of baking soda and pour it into the bowl.
Following the same measurements as the baking soda, add the vinegar.
Wait 10 minutes for the mixture to sit.
Pour a full pot of hot but not boiling water into the toilet bowl.
Like a science project, you will see a chemical reaction brewing in the bowl, and the clog should dissolve.

Note: Please practice this with caution. This household remedy is ideal for keeping the drain opening clean and fresh; however, if you suspect a serious, messy clog down the line, this remedy could do more harm than good.

Enzyme-Based Cleaning Products

Enzymatic drain cleaners are eco-friendly, and are an excellent option for your toilet. However, they are typically more effective at clog prevention than actually unclogging them. Nevertheless, if you are striving to maintain the health of your toilet plumbing, these cleaners are the way to go. Here are some products that are enzyme-based cleaners:

Bio-Clean Ultimate Drain Cleaning Kit
Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver
Eco Strong: Leach & Drain Field Blast

Tips for Avoiding Toilet Clogs

There are several approaches you can take to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage in your toilet. Keep in mind that while you can take preventive measures, you cannot control the whims of a toilet!

Preventative Maintenance

Regular Cleaning: Minerals, bacteria and other substances will accumulate in the toilet bowls or pipes, leading to blockages and other drainage issues. Cleaning your toilet weekly can remove these substances before they even have the chance to clog.

Professional Drain Cleaning: Not many homeowners add professional drain cleaning to their annual chore list, but they should. Ensuring that all of your pipes are clean and clear will make it harder for issues to arise. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto offers exceptional professional drain cleaning services, using HydroScrub® Jetting, a powerful high-pressure hose that shoots water through your clogged pipes.

Don’t Flush Everything Down: That includes fat, oil, grease, hair, baby wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and anything that isn't liquid or toilet paper.

The Myth Surrounding Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners will sit in pipes and generate more heat and chemical reactions than some pipes are engineered to withstand. They are reactive, and the corrosion may already be present in your pipes. The chemical cleaners will create cracks in joints and in old pipes over time that can cause PVC pipes to break.

Are Your Toilets Giving You Grief? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto for Toilet Drainage Cleaning!

If your DIY methods didn't seem to do the trick, that is A-okay! There's a reason why professional plumbers are around! Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto is the number one choice when it comes to drain clearing and toilet maintenance, so never hesitate to reach out to our excellent customer service to schedule a Toronto toilet drainage cleaning service.

Contact us today, and we can get you set up with an appointment time that is most convenient for you! We proudly serve Torontonians and neighbours in the surrounding areas of East York and Beaches.