Last Updated: February 25, 2026 — Reviewed by Brian Hayes, Licensed Master Plumber
We all know the feeling: You’re running water for your morning shower, and you notice it’s turning into a bath, instead.
Don’t panic, instead, follow these tips to professional drain cleaning your drain.
5 Ways to Unclog Your Drain
Clogged drains are a reality of every household, but they’re never pleasant.
Whether your sink is taking a little longer to empty than usual, or you’ve got water pooling around your feet in the shower, these smart tips can help you unclog the drain and get on with your life:
1. Use a Bent Wire Hanger
This is a simple but effective method. Using a wire coat hanger, straighten it as much as possible. From there, bend one end to create a small hook. Push this hooked part past the drain cover and move it around within your pipes.
Bear in mind that you want to use a pulling motion, rather than a pushing motion, to try to remove whatever is clogging your drain. When you’re finished, run hot water to flush the drain.
2. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar is a tried-and-true method for clearing virtually any clog. Mix ⅓ cup of baking soda with a ⅓ cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain.
The fizzing created by the combination will help remove gunk, hair, and grime. Let the mixture sit for one hour, or overnight. Flush with hot water when you think it’s sat for long enough. If needed, you can repeat this several times.
If your drains are prone to clogging, it may be a good idea to simply do this on a regular basis to keep on top of any buildup.
3. Use a Shop Vacuum
Wet & dry vacuums, also known as “shop vacs” are an excellent option for unclogging drains.
First, make sure the vacuum is set to vacuum liquid. Next, cover the vent. Finally, create a tight seal over the drain, switch the vacuum to its highest setting, and get to work on the drain.
4. Use Boiling Water
If your drain woes are due to a clog made of fat or oil, boiling water can be an easy fix.
Simply boil a pot of water and pour it down the drain slowly, allowing the hot water to work its way down the drain completely between each pour. This is usually one of the quickest and easiest ways to unclog a drain. Again, you can do this multiple times if needed.
5. Hire a Professional
Of course, if none of the methods above work, it may be time to call in the professionals. A team of skilled plumbers will have the tools and equipment needed to unclog the problem drain for you in no time.
Contact Hayes Plumbing Today for Help
Don’t try to live around a clogged drain. Instead, contact our team for fast, customer-centric service you can count on.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does unclog drain cost in Oshawa?
The cost of unclog drain in Oshawa varies depending on the scope of work, materials selected, and bathroom size. Hayes Plumbing provides free in-home estimates throughout Durham Region so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
How long does unclog drain take to complete?
Most unclog drain projects in Durham Region take between 2 and 4 weeks depending on the complexity and material lead times. Hayes Plumbing coordinates all trades to keep your project on schedule.
Do I need a permit for unclog drain in Ontario?
In Ontario, you typically need a building permit if your unclog drain project involves structural changes or moving plumbing lines. Hayes Plumbing can advise whether your specific project requires a permit from the City of Oshawa.
Need help with your bathroom renovation? Hayes Plumbing & Bathroom Renovations serves Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, and Pickering. Contact us or call (905) 576-3043 for a free estimate.
