How To Clear A Main Sewer Line Clog Yourself

Have you ever wondered how to clear a main sewer line clog yourself? Clogs in the main sewer line can cause major problems in your plumbing system if they are not dealt with promptly. A clogged sewer line can lead to sewage backups, foul odors, and even damage your property. However, before seeking professional help, there are several things you can do to clear a main sewer line clog yourself. In this blog post, we will discuss some effective DIY methods to unclog your main sewer line and bring relief to your plumbing system.

Put Your Plunger to Work:

To begin, use a plunger to clear the obstruction in the main sewer line. To do this, close the drain of the sink, shower, or bathtub and use a plunger to suction the clog out of the drain. Try to keep the plunger seal tight against the drain, and push and pull the handle vigorously. If the plunger method doesn’t work, move on to another approach.

Try a Drain Snake:

A drain snake, also known as an auger, can go deeper into the drain thanks to its flexible body. Insert the snake into the drain by turning it clockwise. Once you reach the obstruction, rotate the snake counterclockwise to break it down. Keep pushing the snake until you’ve cleared the drain of any blockage. Once you remove the snake, use a strong stream of water to flush out the drain.

Use a Commercial Drain Cleaner:

A commercial drain cleaning solution might do the trick, depending on how severe the clog is. Purchase a drain cleaning solution from your local hardware store and pour it down the drain. Wait for the chemical drain cleaner to work its magic, then flush the drain with hot water. Be aware that drain cleaning chemicals are harsh, so make sure you read the instructions closely and take necessary safety precautions.

Rent a Plumbing Snake:

If you still haven’t cleared the drain of blockage, rent a plumbing snake. A plumbing snake is a more powerful tool than the drain snake and is perfect for severe clogs. It can go deep down into the sewer pipe and break down any residual blockage. Remember to wear gloves when working with a plumbing snake and follow all instructions to avoid damaging the sewer pipes.

Hydro Jetting:

Finally, you could try hydro jetting, which involves using a high-pressure water stream to clear out the blocked drain. Hydro jetting is usually the last resort because it’s a high-powered tool and can cause damage to pipes if not used properly. However, if the other methods have not worked, hydro jetting can help to clear up any blockages that exist deep within the sewer line.

What Causes a Main Sewer Line Clog?

A main sewer line clog can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. It is not only an unpleasant problem but can also be a costly one. Maintaining your home’s sewer and plumbing system is essential to prevent a disaster such as a sewer line clog. However, even with regular maintenance, your home’s main sewer line can still get clogged. But what causes it? Keep reading as we explore the common causes of a main sewer line clog and what you can do to avoid it.

Tree Roots

One of the most common causes of a main sewer line clog is tree roots. Tree roots are driven by moisture and nutrients in the soil, and they can penetrate small openings or cracks in the sewer line. Once inside the sewer line, the roots will continue to grow, causing blockage and damage to the pipe. If left unchecked, tree roots can cause significant damage to your plumbing system, leading to expensive repairs. To avoid this, refrain from planting trees near your sewer line and regularly inspect and maintain your plumbing system.

Flushing Non-Flushable Items

Flushing non-flushable items such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels down the toilet can cause a blockage in your sewer line. These items do not dissolve like toilet paper, and instead, they pile up and create a blockage in sewer lines. To avoid this, only flush toilet paper down the toilet and dispose of all non-flushable items in a trash can.

Grease and Oil

Cooking oil and grease can cause a blockage in your sewer line if poured down the drain. These substances stick to the inside of the pipe and can harden over time, causing a blockage. To avoid this, dispose of all grease and oil in a container and throw it in the trash.

Aging Pipes

Over time, your sewer line pipes will age and deteriorate, causing blockages. This is especially true for older homes with outdated plumbing systems. If you suspect that aging pipes are causing a blockage in your sewer line, it is best to call a professional plumber to inspect and repair the problem.

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects such as toys, jewelry, and other debris can get accidentally flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain, causing a blockage in your sewer line. To avoid this, always be mindful of what you put down the drain and avoid flushing or washing objects down the drain.

A main sewer line clog can be a challenging and expensive problem to tackle. However, by understanding the common causes of a main sewer line clog, you can take the necessary steps to prevent it. Always be mindful of what you flush or wash down the drain, regularly maintain your plumbing system, and contact a professional plumber at the first sign of a main sewer line blockage problem. By doing so, you can avoid the hassle and cost of a sewer line clog and ensure your home’s plumbing system functions efficiently and effectively.

Don’t Let Your Main Sewer Line Go to Waste: A Comprehensive Guide to Preventing Problems

A clogged main sewer line is a nightmare for any homeowner. Not only can it lead to waste backing up into your home, but it can also cause expensive damage to your property. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent clogged sewer lines from occurring in the first place. Below, we’ll explore the causes of main sewer line issues and provide you with a comprehensive guide to preventing them before they have a chance to strike.

Regular Maintenance:

The best way to prevent main sewer line problems is to schedule regular maintenance from a qualified plumber. They can perform a thorough inspection of your plumbing system, checking for any signs of wear and tear or potential issues. They can also clean your pipes with powerful hydro jetting equipment, ensuring that any debris or blockages are cleared away before they can cause a problem.

Mind Your Drains:

One of the leading causes of sewer line problems is flushing unsuitable items down the drain. This includes everything from grease and oil to wet wipes and feminine hygiene products. Make sure everyone in your household knows what not to flush, and provide a wastebasket in the bathroom for any non-flushable items.

Don’t Plant Over Your Sewer Line:

Trees and other plants can cause a lot of damage to your sewer line as their roots grow and invade your pipes. Be mindful of where your sewer line is located when planting anything new in your yard and avoid planting anything too close to it.

Be Careful with Your Garbage Disposal:

It’s easy to assume that anything that goes down the garbage disposal is fine, but this isn’t always the case. Avoid putting fibrous and starchy foods down drain line of the disposal, as they can cause a clogged drain. You should also avoid pouring grease and oil down the drain, even if you’ve ground it up first.

Look Out for Warning Signs:

Finally, be on the lookout for any signs that your sewer line might be in trouble. This could include foul smells coming from your drains, gurgling noises, or slow draining water. If you notice any of these things, don’t wait to take action. Call a plumber right away and have them take a look at your pipes.

Preventing main sewer line problems is all about taking steps to protect your plumbing and sewer system from potential issues. Whether it’s scheduling regular maintenance, being mindful of what goes down the drain, or watching out for warning signs, the key is to stay vigilant and take action as soon as you notice anything amiss. By doing so, you can avoid the nightmare of a clogged sewer line and keep your plumbing running smoothly for years to come.

In Conclusion:

Clearing a main sewer line clog yourself is achievable with the above tips. However, remember that sewer main line clogs can be tricky to deal with, and it might be best to seek professional assistance for a sewer cleanout if the above methods don’t work. Keeping your plumbing maintenance up-to-date and being mindful of what goes down your drains can prevent future clogs and save you the headache that comes with dealing with a blocked sewer line.

MD Sewer And Plumbing Service

If you think your main sewer line is clogged, give MD Sewer and Plumbing Service call and we will provide you with a free estimate and do the dirty work for you. We also have 24/7 emergency plumbers ready to assist you as well!