Clogged drains are one of the most common household plumbing issues. Whether it’s the kitchen sink, bathroom drain, or laundry line, a slow or blocked drain can quickly disrupt daily routines. In Calgary, where harsh winters and hard water can cause unique plumbing challenges, drain cleaning is essential to maintaining the health of your pipes and preventing costly repairs down the line.
To keep your drains flowing freely and prevent blockages from forming, regular maintenance is key. Here are some simple habits that can help:
- Avoid grease buildup: Grease and oil can solidify in pipes, leading to stubborn clogs over time. Always dispose of cooking oils and fats in the trash, not down the drain.
- Properly dispose of food scraps: Food particles can create a sticky buildup that slows down drainage. Use a garbage disposal if available, or scrape plates into the trash before washing them.
- Use drain screens: Install mesh screens in sinks and bathtubs to catch hair, food particles, and debris before they enter your pipes.
- Refrain from flushing non-degradable items: Never flush wipes (even “flushable” ones), hair, cotton balls, or oils. These items don’t break down easily and can cause major blockages.
- Flush with hot water regularly: Periodically flush your drains with hot water to help clear out grease, soap residue, and debris that may accumulate inside pipes.
- Inspect for leaks and slow drains: Even small leaks or slow-moving drains can indicate bigger problems. Regularly inspect your pipes for signs of leaks or unusual water flow and address issues early to prevent major blockages or damage.
At ERM Plumbing & Heating, we understand the frustration that comes with a clogged drain, which is why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to drain cleaning. Whether you’re dealing with a simple blockage or looking to avoid future issues, this guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining clear, efficient drains in your home.
Your plumbing system works hard every day, transporting wastewater and debris away from your home. Over time, however, hair, grease, soap, food particles, and mineral buildup can accumulate inside your pipes, slowing down the flow of water or even causing a complete blockage. If left untreated, these clogs can lead to unpleasant odors, potential leaks, and even water damage.
By scheduling regular drain cleaning services, you can help maintain a smooth-running plumbing system and avoid the inconvenience of recurring clogs or costly repairs. Professional drain cleaning services help remove stubborn buildup and can even prevent future issues from occurring.
Top 5 Causes of Clogged Drains
To better understand why drain cleaning is so important, it's helpful to know the common culprits behind blockages. Here are some of the most frequent causes:
- Grease and Cooking Oils
In the kitchen, grease and cooking oils are some of the biggest offenders. When poured down the sink, these substances cool and solidify inside the pipes, leading to clogs. Over time, layers of grease accumulate, narrowing the passageway and slowing the flow of water. - Hair and Soap Scum
In bathroom drains, hair is a major cause of clogs. When combined with soap scum, it can form a thick sludge that sticks to the walls of pipes, leading to slow drainage or a complete blockage. - Food Scraps
While garbage disposals can help break down food waste, some scraps (like coffee grounds, potato peels, and fibrous vegetables) don’t break down easily. These particles can accumulate in your pipes and cause clogs over time. - Mineral Deposits
Calgary’s hard water can cause mineral buildup inside your pipes, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. Over time, calcium and magnesium deposits form scale that can reduce water flow and cause clogs. - Foreign Objects
Sometimes, clogs are caused by foreign objects that get flushed down drains or accidentally pushed into them. Items like paper towels, wipes, or small toys can block pipes, making it difficult for water to flow freely.
Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning
How do you know when it’s time to call in a professional plumber for drain cleaning? Here are some signs that your drains may need attention:
- Slow Draining Water
If water is draining slowly from your sink, shower, or bathtub, it’s often an early sign that debris is building up in your pipes. While a plunger or home remedy might temporarily relieve the issue, it’s important to have a professional drain cleaning to fully clear the clog. - Persistent Odors
A foul smell coming from your drains can be a sign that organic material has accumulated inside the pipes and is decaying. Regular drain cleaning can help eliminate these odors and keep your drains smelling fresh. - Frequent Clogs
If your drains clog repeatedly, it’s a sign of a more serious issue, such as a deep clog or buildup in the pipes. While some clogs can be fixed with a plunger, ongoing issues require professional attention to prevent further damage. - Gurgling Sounds
Gurgling sounds when water drains or when you run the faucet could indicate trapped air in the pipes, often caused by a blockage. This is a sign that the water isn’t draining properly and needs attention. - Water Backing Up
Water backing up into your sink or bathtub is a serious sign of a significant blockage somewhere in your plumbing system. If you’re experiencing this, it’s important to contact a plumber immediately to prevent water damage and further complications.
How Does Professional Drain Cleaning Work?
While there are DIY methods for clearing minor clogs, professional drain cleaning uses more advanced techniques to ensure that your pipes are thoroughly cleaned and any blockages are fully removed. Here are some common methods used by plumbing professionals:
1. Snaking (Drain Auger)
This is one of the most common methods used by plumbers to clear blockages. A long, flexible cable with an auger at the end is inserted into the drain and rotated to break apart the clog. The plumber can manually feed the cable into the pipes, allowing them to clear stubborn blockages deep inside the system.
2. Hydro-jetting
Hydro-jetting is an effective and environmentally friendly method that uses high-pressure water to clean and clear out even the toughest clogs and buildup inside your pipes. The high-pressure water stream is powerful enough to dislodge grease, debris, and mineral buildup, leaving your pipes clean and free-flowing.
3. Video Inspection
In some cases, plumbers will use a video camera to inspect your pipes. A small camera is inserted into the drain to give plumbers a clear view of the inside of the pipes. This allows them to locate the source of the clog and determine the best course of action.
4. Enzyme Cleaners
While enzyme cleaners are not as effective as professional methods like snaking or hydro-jetting, they can be used for routine maintenance. These non-toxic solutions break down organic waste in your pipes, helping to prevent future clogs.
DIY Drain Cleaning Tips: When to Try It and When to Call a Pro?
There are a few methods you can try at home before calling a plumber for professional drain cleaning. Here are some DIY tips that may help with minor clogs:
- Use a Plunger
A plunger can be effective for clearing minor blockages in sinks, bathtubs, or toilets. Make sure to use the correct type of plunger for the job (a cup plunger for sinks and toilets, and a flange plunger for tubs or showers). - Baking Soda and Vinegar
A natural solution for minor clogs is to pour a half cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then flush it with hot water. This combination can help break down small buildups. - Boiling Water
For grease or soap buildup, pouring boiling water down the drain can help to loosen and flush out the clog. - Drain Covers
To avoid hair and debris from going down your drains, use drain covers or screens, particularly in bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs. This can help prevent blockages before they even start.
When to Call a Professional?
If your DIY attempts haven’t cleared the clog or if you’re experiencing repeated blockages, it’s time to call a professional plumber. A professional will have the right tools and experience to handle stubborn clogs and prevent further damage to your plumbing system.
Why Choose ERM Plumbing & Heating for Drain Cleaning in Calgary?
At ERM Plumbing & Heating, we’re proud to offer comprehensive drain cleaning services to Calgary homeowners. Our experienced team uses the latest technology, such as hydro-jetting and video camera inspections, to ensure that your drains are thoroughly cleaned and free of blockages. We understand how important it is to have functioning drains, and our goal is to provide fast, reliable service to restore the comfort and convenience of your home.
Contact ERM Plumbing & Heating today for expert drain cleaning services in Calgary! Don’t let clogged drains disrupt your life—call us to schedule your drain cleaning appointment.
