Table of Contents
Are you a home owner? Step 1: Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. Step 2: Open the cap and let the buildup drain out. Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe. Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond. Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable. Step 6: Slowly pull the auger back out of the pipe.
Can I unclog a sewer line myself?
There are a variety of reasons why sewer lines get blocked. Unclogging them yourself can make the problem worse, so it is always advisable to talk to a professional plumbing contractor. As they grow and the roots get bigger, they can break the sewer pipe and cause a clog.
How do I clear my main sewer line?
Steps For How to Clear A Main Sewer Line Clog Loosen the Drain Pipe Cap (Cleanout Pipe) The first step is to find your main drain cleanout location. Remove Cap, Allow Build-Up to Drain. Once you remove the cleanout cap, step away quickly. Insert the Snake into Pipe. Run the Tool Until Clog Is Gone. Clean Up.
What do I do if my main line is clogged?
Turn the handle clockwise to dig the tip into the clog. Twist, push and pull the cable to break it up and unclog the drain. When using a sewer rod, direct the rod through the pipe until you reach the obstruction. Push the rod forward and pull it back to break up the clog.
Can you pour Drano in main sewer line?
Bust a Sewer Clog With Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaner It’s hardly ever a good idea to put Drano or a similar product in the toilet because it contains sodium hydroxide, which generates heat and can damage the pipes. An enzyme-based main line cleaner is safer, but it takes longer to work.
How do you clear a main line block without a snake?
Combine 1 part baking soda and 1 part vinegar, then pour it into the sewer cleanout opening. Wait at least 1 hour before flushing it with hot water. The baking soda and vinegar will start reacting and fizzing immediately. Pour it into the pipe as quickly as possible.
How do you unclog a main drain without a snake?
How to Unclog Main Sewer Line Without a Snake Step 1 – Run Hot Water. Step 2 – Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner. Step 3 – Apply the Plunger. Another Way – High-Pressure Water. If Water Goes Through It Or To It, We Do It!.
How do you know if your main line is clogged?
Signs Your Sewer Line May Be Clogged Dark Water. One of the signature symptoms of a main-drain clog is water backing up in your tubs or showers. Slow-Moving Drains. Take a minute to think about the drains in your home. Gurgling Sounds. Clogged Plumbing Fixtures. Turn Off the Water. Call a Plumber.
What causes main line clogs?
Grease, fats, and oil are all some of the biggest culprits when it comes to clogging lines. It’s NEVER a good idea to pour grease, oil, or other fats down a drain. Always pour hot grease into a coffee can or jar. Once it solidifies, you can throw it away.
Why does my main sewer line keep clogging up?
While minor clogs can be cleared away with household tools, frequent clogging often suggest that you have a major clog developing in your drain line. Major clogs often form over months or years through the accumulation of soap residue, fats, hair, and other organic debris.
How long does it take to unclog a main sewer line?
The acid in these drains destroys the lining of your sewer pipes. That’s why smart homeowners choose professional drain cleaners to restore their pipes quickly. Drain cleaning from the professionals just takes a couple of hours. You can expect your cleaning company to finish the task in less than three hours.
What is the best Main Line Cleaner?
Best Overall: Drano Max Gel Clog Remover Drano Max Gel Clog Remover comes in 80-ounce bottles, and it’s safe to use on PVC, metal pipes, garbage disposals, and septic systems. Its thick formula cuts through standing water, allowing it to quickly dissolve any clogs, including those caused by hair and soap scum.
Does toilet paper clog sewer lines?
Yes, toilet paper can clog a sewer line. However, it doesn’t happen too frequently because toilet paper is water-soluble. In case it blocks your toilet, toilet paper probably got stuck to debris already in the plumbing system.
How much does it cost to unclog main drain?
Location of the clog Location of clog Average price range Bathroom sink, shower, or tub $150 to $225 Laundry drain $150 to $215 Toilet $110 to $275 Main sewer line $100 to $800.
Why do plumbers hate Drano?
Commercially available drain cleaners like Drano are an ugly monster—they are made of an extremely harsh chemical that can potentially be unsafe—harming people, pets, and the plumbing itself. Aside from being very easy to misuse, Drano is also often difficult to dispose of properly.
Does Drano work on main line?
NOPE. Drano® will not damage pipes or plumbing. Drano® products are powerful enough to dissolve nasty clogs, but they will not harm your plastic or metal pipes, so there’s no need to worry. In fact, Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover contains a special ingredient that prevents pipe corrosion.
Does Coke clear blocked drain?
Coke or Pepsi are great for vanquishing a clog! Coke and Pepsi are loaded with phosphoric acid, which breaks down buildup that can clog your drains! Phosphoric acid can even remove lime scale and other tough buildup that regular cleaners struggle with.
What can you pour down the toilet to unclog it?
Hot Water and Dish Soap Wait for 10-15 minutes while the dish soap and hot water soften the clog. Once you do so, the toilet will unclog and flush freely. Alternatively, you could use hot water and shampoo from the sink if you wish to clear your toilet without leaving your bathroom.
What do plumbers use to unclog toilets?
To unclog toilets that couldn’t be fixed with a plunger, use a toilet auger. Also called a plumbing snake, this flexible coil of wire is designed to extend into pipes and clear obstructions without damaging the plumbing. Feed the end of the cable into the toilet, taking care not to scratch the bowl.
When should you call a plumber for a clogged drain?
If you have more than one drain in your home that is backing up or there is a scent of sewage in the air, it’s time to call the plumber out to snake your drain line as soon as possible. If you have tried the plunger and it isn’t clearing the drain with vigorous plunging, you will need a plumber.
