Clogged Drains

Recurring kitchen sink clogs are often caused by grease, food particles, soap residue and debris accumulating inside your pipes. If your sink drains slowly or repeatedly backs up, professional drain cleaning can remove stubborn buildup and help restore proper drainage.

Hair, soap scum and mineral deposits are common causes of slow shower and bathtub drains. Over time, these materials restrict water flow. If removing visible hair and debris doesn't solve the problem, professional drain cleaning may be necessary.

If your toilets, sinks and showers are all draining slowly or backing up, the problem may be in your home's main sewer line rather than an individual drain. Tree roots, grease buildup and damaged pipes are possible causes. A professional inspection can help identify the problem before it becomes a more serious backup.

Yes. During periods of heavy rainfall, excess stormwater and groundwater can overwhelm parts of the drainage system, particularly where pipes are damaged or improperly connected. If you notice basement floor drains backing up during heavy rain, it's important to determine whether the issue involves your sanitary sewer, storm drainage system or another source of flooding.

Yes. Tree roots can enter underground sewer pipes through cracks or loose joints and gradually restrict wastewater flow. This can be an issue around older properties with mature landscaping. Drain cleaning may remove the immediate obstruction, while a sewer camera inspection can help identify pipe damage that could cause the problem to return.

Gurgling sounds can indicate trapped air, venting problems or a partial blockage in your drainage system. If you also notice slow drains, unpleasant odours or water backing up into other fixtures, arrange a plumbing inspection to determine the cause.

Stop using toilets, sinks, showers and other plumbing fixtures immediately to avoid adding more wastewater to the system. Keep people and pets away from contaminated water, avoid electrical hazards and contact a qualified plumbing professional. You may also need to notify your municipality if a public sewer problem is suspected.

Chemical drain cleaners may temporarily clear some minor obstructions, but they can be hazardous and often don't address the underlying cause of recurring blockages. Repeated use may also damage certain plumbing components. Professional drain snaking or hydro jetting may provide a more effective solution, depending on the condition of your pipes.

Drain snaking uses a flexible mechanical cable to break through or remove blockages. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean buildup from inside pipes, including grease and debris. Stronghold Plumbing & Gas can assess your drainage problem and recommend an appropriate cleaning method based on the type of blockage and condition of the plumbing.

A sewer camera inspection is particularly useful when drains repeatedly clog, multiple fixtures back up or tree root intrusion or damaged underground pipes are suspected. The camera allows plumbers to examine the inside of accessible drain and sewer lines and identify problems that may not be resolved through cleaning alone.

Avoid pouring cooking grease and oil down kitchen sinks, use drain strainers to catch hair and food particles, and never flush wipes, paper towels or hygiene products down toilets. If your property has a history of recurring blockages, ask a plumber whether preventative drain maintenance would be beneficial.

Drain cleaning costs depend on the location and severity of the blockage, accessibility of the pipes and equipment required. A simple sink blockage may require less work than a main sewer line obstruction. Contact Stronghold Plumbing & Gas to discuss your drainage issue and receive pricing based on the work required.