Imagine you’re enjoying a peaceful evening at home when suddenly your toilet won’t flush, and the water starts backing up in the shower. You might start to panic, but aside from this, you will most definitely start looking for ways to get the problem fixed, and quick!
All you may be able to think of is that the main sewer line might have clogged, and it’s going to be expensive to call a plumber on an urgent basis. It’s a nightmare no homeowner wants to face, yet, surprisingly, it is a common issue.
In fact, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors, around 20% of homes experience a main sewer line blockage at some point.
But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with our simple and effective guide on how to unclog the main sewer line on your own. This way, you won’t have to pay those hefty bills for using a plumbing service when the clogs are small enough to be manageable with the right tools.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Unclog Main Sewer Line
Firstly, you’ll need some tools. Make sure you have all of them around so it’s easy for you to follow the steps.
Tools Needed:
⦁ Good quality work gloves
⦁ Pipe wrench
⦁ Plumbing snake (professional-grade auger)
⦁ Pipe or Garden hose
⦁ Waterproof shoes
Step 1: Locate the Main Drain Pipe
Now that you’ve gathered all the tools, it’s time to put them to work! To start with, locate the main drain pipe because that’s where you’ll be working. It is most likely outside your house on the side where you can easily access it. Make sure that the garden hose is long enough to reach it as well.
Step 2: Loosen the Cap
Now, use the pipe wrench you got earlier to loosen the cap on your main line drain pipe. Give it a good twist, but don’t take it all the way off yet. You’ll know why we aren’t pulling it out from the next few steps.
Step 3: Open the Cap and Let It Drain
This step can be messy. So, quickly open the cap and step back or the water will splash all over you. Now wait for a few minutes, and any waste that’s built up will come rushing out. Let it all drain out before you try to fix the clog.
Step 4: Feed the Auger Cable
Now, take your auger (or plumbing snake) and gently push the cable through the drain pipe. Keep running it through until you hit the clog. You’ll know when you reach it because the cable will get harder to move, hitting the obstruction.
Step 5: Run the Auger
Next, run the auger until the clog is completely cleared. You’ll notice the water level in the pipe should be going down. Keep running the machine a bit longer to make sure there are no smaller clogs left behind.
Step 6: Hose Down
After the clog is gone, use a hose to spray water down the drain pipe at full blast. This will help wash out any leftover debris and clean off the auger cable.
Step 7: Pull Out the Cable
Now, slowly pull the auger cable out of the pipe, rinsing it off as you go. You might need to hose it off a few times to get it clean. Finally, put the cap back on the drain pipe and tighten it with your pipe wrench.
And that’s it! Your main line drain should be clear of any minor clogs now. You can see how easy it is to give it a try! Keep in mind that if the clog does not respond to these methods, it most likely has become more serious and may need a sewer and drain repair professional to remediate the situation. For an assessment from sewer line and drain professional, give All Clear Sewer & Drain a call today at (704) 818-7495.
How to Unclog Main Sewer Line Using Homemade Drain Cleaner?
If the clog is only limited to your kitchen or bathroom sink, it might not be a bigger issue and can be resolved in a few minutes.
Try using hot water, as it works perfectly in most cases. Keep the hot water running for a few minutes. If it doesn’t work, use this homemade drain cleaner.
Things Needed
⦁ 1 cup of baking soda
⦁ 2 cups of white vinegar
⦁ Boiling water
Steps to Follow
⦁ First, remove any visible and solid obstructions from the drain, like hair or food particles.
⦁ Now, pour 1 cup of baking soda inside the drain and wait for it to settle down.
⦁ After that, slowly pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the drain over the baking soda. It will fizz, helping to break down the gunk.
⦁ Let the baking soda and vinegar mixture sit in the drain for about 30 minutes.
⦁ After 30 minutes, pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to flush everything out and help dissolve any remaining obstructions.
⦁ Check to see if the clog is gone. If the drain is still slow, you can repeat the process.
However, if the clog doesn’t go away, it might be due to more solid items. In that case, you can try the drain snake method mentioned above or contact your local drain cleaning experts like us here at All Clear.
Tips to Prevent Drain Problems
It is better to prevent drain clogs from happening rather than unclogging and spending hundreds of bucks. Here are some tips to keep your pipes clear:
⦁ Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down any drain.
⦁ Use strainers to catch hair in the shower and large particles in the sink, which can prevent most clogs.
⦁ Regularly clear potential build-ups in your drains with a mix of baking soda and vinegar followed by boiling water.
⦁ Be mindful of trees near your property, as their roots can invade and block sewer lines.
⦁ Occasionally, run cold water to clear out any debris.
Is Your Main Sewer Line Still Clogged? Let Us Handle it For You
If you’re still worried about how to unclog main sewer line, leave it to us. Don’t let clogs overwhelm you.
Our skilled technicians use the latest equipment to ensure your pipes are clean and clear. We pride ourselves on prompt, reliable service and customer satisfaction. With decades of experience, we guarantee excellent sewer cleaning service in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Contact us to book your emergency sewer cleaning service today. For a quick response, call us at (888) 834-3655. Let us restore your peace of mind and get your plumbing back to normal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which ways are best to unclog a sewer line?
To unclog a sewer line, you can use a plunger for minor clogs or a plumber’s snake for deeper blockages. For stubborn clogs, hydro-jetting with high-pressure water is highly effective. Chemical drain cleaners and a baking soda-vinegar mix can also help with smaller clogs. If these methods fail, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
Which chemical is best for unclogging a main sewer line?
Many solutions recommend chemical drain cleaners containing sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. These chemicals are powerful and can dissolve grease, hair, and other organic matter. However, they should be used only in situations where they may be absolutely necessary and with caution. They can cause damage to your home’s plumbing and are not recommended by our professionals here at All Clear Sewer & Drain.
What is the quickest way to unblock a drain?
The quickest way to unblock a drain is to use a plumber’s snake or drain auger. Insert the end of the snake into the drain and push it through the clog by turning the handle. The snake’s flexible, coiled wire can reach deep into the pipes to break up and remove stubborn blockages.
