A drain rarely stops working all at once. Most clogs start as a sink that takes a few extra seconds to empty, or a shower that leaves water around your ankles. Left alone, that slow drain often becomes a full blockage at the worst possible moment.
Scarborough Drain cleans household drains for homeowners, tenants and landlords across Scarborough. We focus on finding where the blockage actually is and clearing it properly, rather than pushing it further down the line where it will cause problems again.
Signs your drains need cleaning
- Water draining slowly from sinks, tubs or showers
- Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets after use
- Unpleasant odours coming from drain openings
- Water backing up in one fixture when another is used
- Clogs that return within days or weeks of plunging
What usually causes household clogs
In bathrooms, hair combined with soap residue is the most common culprit. In kitchens, it's cooking grease that cools and hardens inside the pipe, catching food particles as they pass. Wipes labelled 'flushable', cotton swabs, dental floss and small objects are frequent causes of toilet and branch line blockages.
When several fixtures are slow at the same time, the issue is often deeper in the system, in the main drain rather than an individual sink. That distinction matters because it changes how the problem should be cleared.
How we approach drain cleaning
We start by asking what you've noticed and checking which fixtures are affected. That helps narrow down whether the clog is local to one drain or further down the line. From there, we choose a clearing method suited to the pipe and the type of blockage.
If a drain keeps clogging after it has been cleared, we'll explain the likely reasons and whether a camera inspection would help confirm what's going on inside the pipe.
Before you call: a few safe steps
- Stop running water into the affected drain
- Try a plunger on sinks and tubs (cover the overflow opening first)
- Avoid mixing chemical drain cleaners; they can damage pipes and are hazardous if a professional later needs to open the line
- Remove and clean visible hair from shower and tub strainers
When to call a professional
Call us if plunging doesn't help, if more than one fixture is slow, if water is backing up into a tub or floor drain, or if the same drain clogs repeatedly. These are signs the problem is beyond the trap and needs proper equipment to clear.
Drain Cleaning in Scarborough
Scarborough's housing ranges from post-war bungalows to newer townhomes and high-rise condos. Older homes can have original drain lines that have narrowed over decades, while condos often share stacks where a clog affects neighbours. We work with both and adjust our approach to the building.
See the full list of neighbourhoods on our Scarborough service area page, or contact us to request service.
Related services
Drain problems are often connected. You may also find these helpful: main drain cleaning, kitchen sink drain cleaning and clogged toilet service.
Frequently asked questions
Do you clean drains in condos and apartments?
Yes. For shared buildings we recommend checking with property management first, since some drain lines are the building's responsibility.
Should I use chemical drain cleaner first?
We don't recommend it. Chemical cleaners rarely clear solid clogs, can harm older pipes, and make the work hazardous if the line has to be opened afterward.
Why does my drain keep clogging?
Recurring clogs usually point to buildup further down the pipe, a pipe defect, or a main drain issue. A camera inspection can help identify the cause.
Are you available on weekends and overnight?
Yes. Scarborough Drain is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (289) 277-9756.
Can you tell me the cost before starting?
We'll discuss the work and pricing with you before starting so there are no surprises.