Clogged drains are a common household nuisance. First, determine ifIf only one spot is cloggedStillWhole house drains clogged：

  • Only one sink, toilet, or tub drains slowly: The blockage is mostly in this pipe section and can usually be fixed by yourself.
  • Several drains slow simultaneously, floor drains bubble, bathtub gurgles when flushing: it might be the main municipal sewer line clogging. Stop using water immediately and call a professional.

Kitchen sink

The main causes of kitchen clogs are grease and food debris.

  1. Hot water + dish soap: Boil a pot of hot (not boiling) water, add some dish soap, and slowly pour it down to dissolve some grease. Don’t pour boiling water down plastic pipes.
  2. Use a plunger: For double sinks, cover one drain hole with a wet cloth, leave a few centimeters of water, and push and pull hard over the drain several times.
  3. Remove the P-trap: Under-sink trap pipe: place a bucket underneath, loosen the nuts at both ends, clean out the trap, then reassemble. Many clogs are trapped here.
  4. Drain snake (auger): Hardware stores sell tools for a few dozen dollars. Insert the auger from the drain or behind the P-trap, rotate and push, and when you hit resistance, twist a few times to hook or break up the clog.

Toilet

  1. Stop flushing to prevent overflow.
  2. Use a toilet plunger with a flange around the bottom, align with the outlet, and push and pull vigorously.
  3. If that doesn’t work, use a toilet auger with a protective sleeve to avoid scratching the porcelain.
  4. Do not pour boiling water into the toilet; sudden heat may crack the porcelain.

Wet wipes (even those labeled “Flushable”), paper towels, hygiene products, and cat litter are common causes of toilet clogs; don’t flush them.

Bathtub, shower, washbasin

Mostly hair and soap scum here.

  • Remove the drain cover or stopper and use a plastic barbed drain snake (cheap, disposable) to hook out hair; often clears the clog immediately.
  • The sink stopper linkage is under the sink; unscrew it to remove and clean the stopper.
  • Use a hair catcher from now on; it greatly reduces clogs.

These methods are not recommended

  • Chemical drain cleaner: Highly corrosive, harmful to old metal and plastic pipes; if the clog remains after use, plunging can splash on skin and eyes, inform the plumber what you poured down.
  • Baking soda + white vinegar: Bubbling looks dramatic but has little effect on serious blockages; good only for routine maintenance.
  • Don't try to unclog the toilet with a wire hanger: Can easily scratch ceramic surfaces and may push the blockage deeper.

When to call a plumber

  • Multiple spots clogged at once or basement floor drains backing up
  • Tried unclogging once or twice, but it quickly clogs again
  • Smelly drains or gurgling sounds
  • Older homes or houses with big trees in front (roots may have grown into sewer pipes)
  • Objects fell in (toys, rings) and get pushed deeper with each attempt

Professionals usually use electric drain machines. For main Plumbing, cameras help identify clogs or pipe damage. Check prices beforehand. Drain Clearing cost; If a camera inspection finds damage to the main sewer pipe requiring replacement, see Sewer Line Replacement cost。

FAQ

How much does Drain Clearing usually cost?

Common price ranges for Greater Toronto Area can be found Drain Clearing cost guide. Emergency calls at night, weekends, and holidays are usually more expensive; camera inspection costs extra.

What to do if basement floor drains back up?

Stop using water immediately (don’t run the washer or flush toilets) and call a professional. This usually means the main sewer line is clogged. If water backs up only during rain, the municipal sewer may be overloaded; consider Backwater Valve Installation. Some cities offer subsidies.

How to prevent drain clogs?

Don't pour oil down the sink (let cool, put in an old container, and throw out). Flush toilets only with toilet paper. Use hair filters in the bathroom drains. Pour a pot of hot water with dish soap down the kitchen sink monthly.