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Licensed & Insured · Serving the Greater Toronto Area (416) 555-1234

Drain Cleaning

Slow drains and recurring clogs are more than just an inconvenience — they can signal serious issues in your plumbing system. ProFlow’s drain cleaning service uses state-of-the-art hydro jetting and camera inspection technology to not only clear your drains but identify the root cause of blockages.

Our licensed plumbers handle everything from simple kitchen sink clogs to complex main sewer line blockages caused by tree root intrusion, grease buildup, or pipe deterioration. If your basement drains are backing up due to heavy rainfall or a high water table, a sump pump system may be the long-term solution to keep your lower level dry.

ProFlow technician performing drain cleaning in a GTA home

Signs You Need Drain Cleaning

Water draining slowly from sinks, tubs, or showers
Gurgling sounds coming from your drains after flushing
Unpleasant sewage odours rising from floor drains
Water backing up in one fixture when another is used
Recurring clogs that return within days of plunging
Multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time
Puddles or wet spots appearing near basement floor drains

What's Included

  • Video camera inspection to diagnose the problem
  • Hydro jetting for thorough cleaning
  • Snaking for immediate clog removal
  • Root cutting for tree root intrusion
  • Preventive maintenance recommendations
  • Written report with camera footage

Our Process

1

Book Your Appointment

Call us or fill out the online form. We'll ask a few questions about your symptoms and schedule a visit — often the same day.

2

Camera Inspection

We feed a high-resolution waterproof camera through your drain to locate blockages, cracks, or root intrusion. You'll see the footage in real time.

3

Clear the Blockage

Based on the inspection, we choose the most effective method — hydro jetting for grease and scale, mechanical snaking for solid obstructions, or root cutting for tree roots.

4

Verify and Report

A second camera pass confirms the drain is flowing freely. We provide a written report with before-and-after footage and maintenance recommendations.

Transparent Pricing

$150 – $450

Price depends on location and severity of the clog. Main line cleaning starts at $250.

All work performed to Ontario Building Code standards by licensed professionals. Prices are estimates — your written quote will reflect the actual scope of work.

Request a Detailed Quote

Tools & Methods We Use

Hydro Jetter

High-pressure water jets (up to 4,000 PSI) scour pipe walls clean — the most effective method for grease buildup, mineral deposits, and heavy scale.

Drain Auger

A motorized auger for drain cleaning breaks through solid obstructions like hair clogs, soap buildup, and small root masses in residential lines.

Sewer Camera

A waterproof push-camera with LED lighting lets us see exactly what's happening inside your pipes, from hairline cracks to full root blockages.

Pipe Locator

An electronic sonde transmitter paired with a surface receiver pinpoints the exact location and depth of a blockage — even through concrete foundations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does drain cleaning cost?
Professional drain cleaning in the GTA typically costs $150 to $450 depending on the location and severity. A simple kitchen or bathroom drain clearing starts around $150, while main sewer line cleaning starts at $250. ProFlow provides a fixed quote before starting any work.
What causes recurring drain clogs?
Recurring clogs usually indicate a deeper problem — tree root intrusion, a bellied (sagging) pipe, or heavy grease buildup inside the line. A plunger or store-bought snake only clears the surface blockage. A camera inspection reveals the root cause so we can fix it permanently.
Is chemical drain cleaner safe for pipes?
No. Chemical drain cleaners generate heat and corrosive reactions that damage pipes over time, especially older copper, cast iron, and ABS systems. They also pose health risks and harm the environment. Professional mechanical cleaning is safer and more effective long-term.
How often should drains be professionally cleaned?
We recommend professional drain cleaning every 18 to 24 months as preventive maintenance. Homes with mature trees near sewer lines, older plumbing, or a history of clogs may benefit from annual service. Regular cleaning prevents emergency backups.
What is hydro jetting and how does it work?
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water (up to 4,000 PSI) to scour the inside of drain pipes clean. It removes grease, mineral scale, tree roots, and debris more thoroughly than snaking alone. It's the gold standard for drain cleaning and is safe for most pipe types when done by a professional.
Why does my kitchen sink drain slowly?
Kitchen sinks clog primarily from grease, food particles, and soap scum building up inside the drainpipe over time. Running hot water and dish soap after each use helps, but once a clog starts forming, it needs professional cleaning to fully clear the buildup.
Can I prevent tree roots from entering my sewer line?
Once roots find a crack or joint in your sewer line, they'll keep coming back. Options include periodic root cutting (every 12 to 18 months), chemical root barriers, or a permanent fix like trenchless pipe lining that seals the line against future intrusion. Contact ProFlow to discuss the best approach for your property.
Why do my drains smell like sewage?
Sewer odours usually come from a dried-out P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under your sink), a cracked drain line, or a blocked vent stack on your roof. Running water in unused drains once a month keeps the trap filled. If the smell persists, call ProFlow — it could indicate a more serious venting issue.
What's the difference between snaking and hydro jetting?
A drain snake physically breaks through a clog, creating a narrow channel for water to flow. Hydro jetting cleans the entire interior of the pipe wall, removing all buildup. Snaking is faster for simple blockages; hydro jetting is more thorough for recurring problems or heavy buildup.
How do I know if I need professional drain cleaning?
Signs include slow-draining sinks or tubs, gurgling sounds from drains, recurring clogs despite using a plunger, water backing up in other fixtures when one is used, or unpleasant odours coming from drains. If you notice any of these, it's time to call a professional.
Is hydro jetting safe for older pipes?
Hydro jetting is safe for most pipe types when performed by experienced professionals. We always perform a camera inspection first to assess pipe condition. For fragile or deteriorated pipes, we'll recommend gentler alternatives like mechanical snaking.
How often should I have my drains professionally cleaned?
For most homes, we recommend professional drain cleaning every 18 to 24 months as preventive maintenance. Homes with mature trees near sewer lines or older plumbing may benefit from annual service.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners instead?
We strongly advise against chemical drain cleaners. They can corrode pipes over time, are harmful to the environment, and usually only provide temporary relief. Professional mechanical cleaning is safer, more effective, and better for your plumbing system long-term.
What causes most household drain blockages?
Kitchen drains are typically blocked by grease, food particles, and soap residue. Bathroom drains clog with hair and soap scum. Main sewer lines are most often compromised by tree root intrusion, pipe bellying (sagging), or accumulated sediment. A camera inspection identifies the exact cause so we can recommend the right long-term fix.
How much does a plumber cost in Toronto?
Most GTA plumbers charge between $100 and $200 per hour, plus materials. A typical service call runs $150 to $350 depending on the job. ProFlow provides free written estimates before any work starts, so you always know the cost upfront.
Do I need a licensed plumber in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario law requires anyone performing plumbing work to hold a valid licence regulated by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). Unlicensed work can void your home insurance and create safety hazards. Every ProFlow technician is fully licensed and insured.

Available Across the GTA

We provide drain cleaning services throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Select your community to learn more.

Ready to Get Started?

Our licensed plumbers are ready to help. Get a free quote today — no obligation, no surprises.