From kitchen grease to tree roots, here's what's really blocking your drains.
Kitchen grease and food
Cooking fats go down as a liquid but harden as they cool, coating pipe walls and catching food particles. Over time, the opening narrows until water can't pass.
Hair and soap in bathrooms
Hair binds with soap scum and conditioner to form dense clogs in shower and sink drains, usually just below the drain opening or in the trap.
Wipes and other flushed items
So-called flushable wipes don't break down like toilet paper. They're a frequent cause of toilet and main line blockages.
- Wipes of any kind
- Paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
- Dental floss
Tree roots in older laterals
Many North York streets have large, mature trees. Their roots seek moisture and can enter small cracks or joints in older clay or cast-iron sewer pipes, eventually forming a mass that catches debris.
Pipe damage or sagging
A section of pipe that has settled creates a low spot where waste collects. Clogs that keep returning in the same place often point to this.
When to call
If one drain is slow, a plunger or drain cover cleaning may help. If several fixtures are slow or a clog keeps returning, it's time for professional service.