Drain Cleaning Vancouver, BC

You’ll always know when something is out of the ordinary with your home’s pipes. Clogged drains are often the result of years of buildup that includes mineral deposits, food particles, cooking oil, toothpaste, and soap scum. There are a lot of myths out there regarding drains and what does and does not clog them up. Many people in Vancouver are shocked to learn about some of the biggest offenders on the list.

For example, the worst is oil and grease because, once cooled, they begin to solidify inside your pipes and attract any other debris that tries to flow past them. This is how pipe walls begin to narrow, causing the problems you are facing. The same thing happens when washing food waste down the kitchen sink, especially grains that expand, like pasta, rice, and quinoa. Certain types of food waste shouldn’t even go in your garbage disposal, as they can clog and jam the device.

If you believe you have fallen victim to clogged drains due to the scenarios mentioned above and need drain cleaning, our Vancouver drain cleaning experts are here to help.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common errors that people tend to make that end up in them needing drain cleaning in Vancouver:

• Washing food waste down the drain: Food will start layering onto the walls of your pipes and cause blockages, requiring a Vancouver drain cleaning service to address.
• Pouring grease down the kitchen sink: Hot grease may seem harmless, but it does not stay liquid for very long. Hot cooking oil can damage your waste lines, build up, and clog your drains. You may think a little teaspoon won’t hurt, but over time, it will.
• Small toys end up down the toilet: This is a problem that a lot of parents can relate to. If you have small children, it's impossible to know what could be causing a clogged toilet until you consult a Vancouver drain cleaning expert.
• You hear gurgling noises as you flush: This happens when there is only a small passage for waste to get through due to a buildup. When it’s time for drain cleaning, our Vancouver plumbers are at your disposal with trusted drain inspection, repair, and cleaning services.
• Water is standing in your sink before flowing down the drain: A slow drain issue always indicates the presence of a clog. It may be nearby and minor, but it could develop into a bigger problem if you don’t unclog it soon.
• The toilet is taking longer to flush: There might be a toilet clog that needs drain cleaning in Vancouver. Calling the experts sooner rather than later can eliminate the risks of serious damage.
• You have a busy household: It’s difficult to keep track of how the people in your household treat your home’s plumbing system. They might be grinding bones in the garbage disposal or flushing an excessive amount of toilet paper down the toilet, requiring costly repairs or frequent drain cleaning in Vancouver.
• Moving into a new home: You won’t know how much the previous owner cared for the existing pipes unless you have written proof that they’ve had services for drain cleaning. Vancouver homeowners should always receive plumbing documentation when possible.
• Foul odours from drains: It may be a nearby clog, such as a clogged P-trap, or an issue further down the drain that needs to be resolved with a service appointment for drain cleaning in Vancouver.
• Flushing bathroom products: Feminine hygiene products, dental floss, and other common bathroom products should always be disposed of outside your plumbing system.

If you suspect that your wastewater lines have experienced one or more of these common issues, it may be best to schedule a Vancouver drain cleaning service to address a potential drain problem before it becomes an expensive emergency that requires costly repairs or replacement services. Our Vancouver drain cleaning services are designed to meet all your needs for preventative maintenance, protecting your pipes from deterioration and damage.

Until a certified repair plumber assesses the problem, it is difficult to determine the issue that requires drain cleaning. Vancouver plumbing professionals will tell you there are various ways to discover the cause of your clogged drain. However, this is not something that can be done without the correct technology, training, and equipment.

One of the reasons clogs are so common is that numerous issues can lead to clogged drainage systems. This includes environmental obstructions, such as poorly installed pipes, the human errors mentioned above, and tree roots growing into your sewer pipe. It also includes simpler obstructions, like a buildup of paper towels or other debris inside your lines.

Another potential problem that nature can bring along is shifting soil, during which your sewer lateral could suffer from cracks and start leaking water into the soil that attracts tree roots. What is vital to bear in mind here is that obstructions like this are not related to how well your plumbing is maintained from inside your home. Of course, there is no denying that it is important to maintain your drains properly.

Luckily, you can still take preventative measures to protect your sewer lines and minimize drain issues by having one of our professional technicians examine your landscaping and install protective plumbing devices, such as backwater valves or a sump pump.

Vancouver homeowners can clean their drains by using a number of at-home remedies. Some ways you can do your own drain cleaning in Vancouver include:

• Pour a mixture of boiling hot water and baking soda or vinegar down your sink drain to help break down any buildup or clogs in the pipes. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before flushing the drain with hot water again. This can help to keep your drains running smoothly and prevent future clogs.
• Use a plunger to try to dislodge drain or toilet clogs. Be sure to use a different plunger on your sinks and toilets to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
• Use a plumbing auger or plumbing snake to clear clogs from your drains.

You may notice that we don’t mention using chemical cleaners on your drains. That’s because, depending on the state of your home’s plumbing system, chemical solutions can do more harm than good when attempting any drain cleaning. Vancouver homes with older plumbing systems or pipes made of certain materials, such as galvanized steel or cast iron, may be especially susceptible to damage from chemical cleaners. Any benefits this at-home Vancouver drain cleaning method may have can become negated by the potential harm it can cause to your plumbing system. Instead, it is recommended to use natural and environmentally friendly alternatives or seek professional help for a safer and more effective solution to drain cleaning in Vancouver.

There are many signs that indicate you have a clogged drain. While some homeowners attempt to remove them on their own, the following signs indicate that the clog is severe and professional intervention is required. When you have a clogged drain, you will notice:

• Slow drainage: Sinks, tubs, and showers that take longer than usual to empty are a major sign of a clogged drain. If the issue is isolated to one fixture, the clog may be local, allowing you to remove it on your own. If several drains in your home are slow, it indicates a larger blockage, possibly even in your main line.
• Water backing up: When water returns or rises in toilets, sinks, or showers during the draining process, it indicates a severe blockage. If you ignore this warning sign of a clogged drain, it can cause a sewage backup.
• Foul odours: When drains emit foul odours, especially those of rotting or sewage, this often signals a clog that is trapping waste or debris.
• Gurgling or strange noises: If you hear excessive gurgling in your pipes when water flows, it indicates air bubbles are being forced through a clogged pipe.
• Frequent debris or overflow: If you notice debris coming out of fixtures or experience toilet overflows, a clog is present and is getting bigger.
• Pests: Pests are attracted to organic matter, so if they are circulating around your drains, it indicates there is organic matter trapped in your drains.
• Cleanout leaking: If your exterior cleanout pipe is leaking, it indicates a pressure buildup due to blockages.

If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's time to call our professionals for drain cleaning. Vancouver plumbers will be able to solve your drainage problems on the spot, saving you time and money in the long run.

The City of Vancouver recommends annual to biennial storm and perimeter drain cleaning to reduce the risk of backflow. So yes, regular drain cleaning in Vancouver is necessary even if a clog is currently present. Regular drain cleaning services help prevent blockages and costly repairs, especially for homes in older neighbourhoods or areas with large trees. We encourage you to schedule routine inspections, especially before fall and rainy seasons, to ensure your drainage system is optimal.

Chemical drain cleaners are not recommended for even minor clogs. The properties present in them can severely damage your pipes and even pollute local waterways. In fact, the City of Vancouver warns against chemical drain cleaners due to the potential for pipe damage and environmental hazards. While you can try using baking soda/vinegar or a plunger for small clogs, you should rely on trusted professionals for persistent issues.

These are signs of a serious clog or sewage backup. If you're dealing with these issues, contact a licensed plumber immediately to prevent water damage and health risks. Backed-up drains can cause property damage and pose health hazards, especially in older homes and basements.

Is there an unpleasant smell coming from your floor drains? Do you have multiple backed-up shower drains that need professional drain cleaning? Vancouver residents should make sure they turn to the experts for Vancouver drain cleaning services. Get in touch with Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver BC today to get an estimate from a trusted, experienced plumber who will provide you with complete peace of mind.

Call us today for prompt, reliable plumbing services across the greater Vancouver area, including Killarney, Mount Pleasant, North Vancouver, Renfrew, South Cambie, Victoria-Fraserview, and West Vancouver! We look forward to meeting your needs with a wide range of plumbing repairs, including everything from drain cleaning and clearing clogged toilets to leak detection and sewer line repair.