Several slow drains at once? It may not be the drains. It may be the sewer line.
Safety first: Sewage contains harmful bacteria. Avoid direct contact and keep children and pets away from any backup.
Multiple drains are slow
When the kitchen, bathroom and basement drains all slow down together, the common point is your main drain or sewer lateral.
Backups return after cleaning
If a drain is cleared but the problem returns within weeks or months, there may be roots, a sag, or a broken section in the line.
Odours and gurgling
Sewer smells in the basement, or toilets gurgling when other fixtures drain, can indicate restricted flow or venting problems.
Changes in your yard
A patch of lawn that's greener or soggier than the rest, especially along the path from your house to the street, can indicate a leak in the sewer lateral.
What happens next
A camera inspection is the most reliable way to see the condition of the line. It shows the type and location of damage so repair can be targeted. In Toronto, the City is responsible for the portion of the lateral on city property.