Drain Troubleshooting & Emergency Guide — Montreal

This guide helps you quickly understand what’s happening with your drain, what you can safely check, and when professional drain service is required.

Step-by-step checks for slow or clogged drains

Before calling a professional, a few basic checks can help clarify the situation.

1. Is one drain affected or several?

• One sink, tub, or shower: the issue is likely localized.

• Multiple drains or floor drain affected: this often indicates a main drain or sewer line issue.

If more than one fixture is involved, professional inspection is usually recommended.

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2. Is the drain slow, or is water backing up?

• Slow draining: often caused by buildup forming inside the pipe.

• Water backing up: indicates a partial or full blockage further down the line.

Backing up water is a warning sign that should not be ignored.

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3. Are there gurgling sounds or sewage odors?

• Gurgling noises may indicate trapped air caused by a blockage.

• Sewage odors often signal buildup or restricted airflow in the drain system.

These symptoms usually point to deeper drain issues rather than surface clogs.

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What to do during a drain emergency

A drain emergency typically involves one or more of the following:

• Water backing up from a floor drain

• Sewage odors inside the home

• Water coming up in a bathtub or shower when using another fixture

• Rapid rising water in the basement

Immediate actions

• Stop using water fixtures affected by the backup

• Avoid flushing toilets connected to the problem

• Keep children and pets away from contaminated water

• Do not attempt repeated plunging or chemical treatments

If water is actively backing up, professional drain service is required.

When to shut off the water — and when NOT to

Shut off the water when:

• A pipe has burst

• A fixture is leaking uncontrollably

• Water is spraying from a supply line

• There are occupants or tenants in the property and active leaking could cause damage

  In these situations, shutting off the water helps prevent further flooding and property damage.

Do NOT shut off the water when:

• Water is backing up from a drain

• A sewer line is blocked

• The issue involves drainage, not a pressurized supply

Shutting off the water will not resolve a drain or sewer blockage.

What NOT to do with drain problems

• Do not use chemical drain cleaners repeatedly

• Do not force drain snakes without knowing pipe condition

• Do not ignore recurring clogs

• Do not assume a cleared drain means the problem is solved

Temporary fixes often allow buildup to worsen over time.

When to call a drain specialist

You should contact a drain specialist if:

• The same drain keeps clogging

• Multiple drains are affected

• Water backs up into the basement

• You smell sewage

• Previous snaking did not solve the problem

In these cases, camera inspection and professional cleaning are usually required.

Why inspection matters

Most drain problems cannot be accurately diagnosed without seeing inside the pipe. Camera inspections allow the exact cause to be identified and addressed properly, reducing repeat issues and emergency calls.