If you have a small sink clog, you may be able to plunge it yourself. Firmly position the plunger's rubber tip over the drain, then proceed to push and pull for approximately 20 seconds to dislodge the blockage. If you have double sinks, try this: plug one drain with a wet rag, then plunge the open drain. The pressure may work the clog free.

Snakes and augers are suitable for shower drain clogs.

To use one:

• Place the metal end of the snake into the drain and turn the crank to unfurl it.
• Once you hit a blockage, stop. This is likely the clog.
• Twist the snake a bit to try and catch the clog.
• Turn the handle in reverse to extract the snake and, hopefully, the clog.

If you don’t have a plunger or a snake, try baking soda and white vinegar. Initially, dispense hot boiling water into the drain, followed by a concoction of one cup each of baking soda and vinegar, which should also be poured into the drain.

Cover the drain and wait for about 10 minutes, then dump another pot of boiling water down the drain. This should push the clog down and free up the drain.

Clogged Drain Repair in London, Ontario

London, Ontario has many great museums, exciting cultural events, and a downtown with parks by the Thames River. Its restaurants are second to none, and it’s a great place to kick back at a concert or cheer for your favorite sports team.

If your drains in London, Ontario are blocked, you might be able to unclog them on your own. Below, learn a few DIY tips for removing clogs from Mr. Rooter. If the clog won't move, contact us for assistance at (315) 887-4057.

Causes of Clogged Drains

In London, ON - clogged drains often result from improper disposal practices, which stands as the primary cause. Despite the potency of garbage disposals, they struggle against substances like grease, fruit pits, potato peels, and pasta, all of which can easily jam the disposal's blades and result in troublesome clogs.

Additionally, clogged toilets frequently prompt service calls. Overuse of toilet paper or flushing foreign objects down the toilet are common culprits. Sanitary products, paper towels, and toys should never be disposed of by flushing, even if they are labeled as "flushable" wipes, despite what the packaging might suggest.

Preventative Measures

To keep your drains clean and free of clogs, try these tips:

Avoid dumping clog-causing foods down your kitchen sink. These include eggshells, rice and pasta, bread, grease, and potato peels.

Install a drain cleaner to catch debris, and make sure to clean it regularly.

Brush your hair before showering. This helps to remove loose hair that would otherwise end up down the drain.

Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.

If you must bathe your pet in the bathtub, cover the drain with a towel or washcloth before beginning.

Regularly flush drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to keep them clean.

DIY Solutions

If you have a small sink clog, you may be able to plunge it yourself. Firmly position the plunger's rubber tip over the drain, then proceed to push and pull for approximately 20 seconds to dislodge the blockage. If you have double sinks, try this: plug one drain with a wet rag, then plunge the open drain. The pressure may work the clog free.

Snakes and augers are suitable for shower drain clogs.

To use one:

• Place the metal end of the snake into the drain and turn the crank to unfurl it.
• Once you hit a blockage, stop. This is likely the clog.
• Twist the snake a bit to try and catch the clog.
• Turn the handle in reverse to extract the snake and, hopefully, the clog.

If you don’t have a plunger or a snake, try baking soda and white vinegar. Initially, dispense hot boiling water into the drain, followed by a concoction of one cup each of baking soda and vinegar, which should also be poured into the drain.

Cover the drain and wait for about 10 minutes, then dump another pot of boiling water down the drain. This should push the clog down and free up the drain.

Chemical vs. Natural Remedies

Using baking soda, vinegar, and hot water is safer for you, your pipes, and the environment than chemical solutions. That’s why we always recommend these solutions to homeowners who call us about clogged or slow drains.

Drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that can make your family sick and even damage your pipes. Plus, they’re not capable of clearing every possible clog.

If you must use a drain cleaner, opt for a biodegradable enzyme-based product. These products dissolve clogs without harming your pipes.