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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Clearing A Sewer Main Blockage. Please enter your email address. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Modern properties almost always have clean-outs with circular lids. Slow Sewer Drain Plumber in Stockertown. Clear out by running water through it. The cable spins as it travels through the sewer pipe so it cuts away obstructions. A clogged drain is something that can usually be fixed with some DIY maintenance for a fraction of the cost of calling a plumber. Plungers consist of a long, straight handle with a flexible rubber cup-type mechanism attached at the bottom. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. A main sewer line blockage in St. George is often prefaced by some warning signs. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Once the pipe has finished draining, begin to gently feed the auger into the opening. The quicker you get the sewer line cleared, the better chance you will have that the line doesn’t bust. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You do not want to damage the line running out of the house. That should be easy to find. Use the pipe wrench to loosen the cap. The quicker you get the sewer line cleared, the better chance you will have that the line doesn’t bust. A sewer line blockage can be an ugly, smelly, and expensive mess. They can be purchased at most hardware shops. If the drain line is vertical, place a bucket under the clean-out. How do you do that? This will prevent water from gushing out of the line. Signs That The Sewer Main Is Blocked. If your main sewer line is clogged, you will have issues with waste water draining from the house. Please enter your email address. When you see the water begin to bubble, that's a sign that you're starting to break up the clog. Survey your yard, basement or roof and see if you can find your sewer cleanout line. Last Updated: September 6, 2019 If the blockage is visible, this allows you to make a quick assessment on weather it looks like something you can do, or if you’ll need a professional. Common Causes of Clogged Drains . Using a plunger is a great way to clear clogged waste pipes – from your bathtub, to your toilet, to your sink. It’s a single line for everything. On the other hand, those clogged parts which are far away from the main drainage opening may not unclog effectively and properly. The price goes up if there are difficulties with accessing the main line, such as the need to dig up concrete slabs 2. 5 Questions to Ask A Plumbing Contractor Before Signing the Contract, Plumbing snake/pipe auger (can be rented at most hardware stores). These are clear signs that you have a blockage or issue with your main sewer line. Remove the plug with an adjustable wrench. Bottom line: ... is heavier than water and it will sink and cling to your drain and remain there for a couple of days to ensure the blockage does not happen again. When you first notice the symptoms of a clogged sewer line, turn off the water at the main supply (or street level). See how to clear the blockage yourself and save pounds on expensive drain clearing firms. A hand operated snake will not clear a main line stoppage so an electrical powered snake is necessary. All Rights Reserved. Be ready to step away. Multiple fixtures may be affected by this problem. Then look around in your yard or basement and try to find the cleanout in the sewer pipe. Step 6: Reinstall the Clear-Out Plug. It shouldn’t be hard to see. What is the most common cause of a clogged main line? Make sure to read the instructions before you begin; each pipe snake will have slightly different instructions. Step 1 – Run Hot Water If you run hot water straight from the tap, it may help unclog the drains or pipes that are partially clogged. The price goes up if there are difficulties with accessing the main line, such as the need to dig up concrete slabs 2. Your kitchen sink drain, or bathroom drains can get clogged by many different things, but the most common causes of a clogged drains are still left over food and kitchen grease that get poured down the kitchen sink and hair that gets flushed down the bathtub and shower drain. These items can be rented or purchased. Many drain cleaners can feed the cable down the drain automatically. A drain snake is a long, flexible piece of steel attached to a handle that is used to dislodge the buildup that clogs pipes. Then look around in your yard or basement and try to find the cleanout in … Drains become clogged through normal use, abuse to the line, exterior elements, accidental causes, and neglect. Locate this, remove the cap and investigate to see if the sewer water is flowing or standing. The main disadvantage is that it only unclogs the lines or pipers which are closer to the drain opening. Check with the waterproof flashlight to see if you can spot the blockage in the main drain. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This particular sewer clean out is pretty textbook. Drain Blockage Causes. Use a Plunger to Clear a Main Drain Clog You may be able to clear a sewer clog by using a plunger. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. To see how to lift the drain cover take this link. Call a professional plumber if your pipes are corroded or if you suspect tree roots are the cause of the blockage. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. It also has the most direct route to the septic source. In this video We show you step by step How to clean a main line sewer stoppage. As a side note, you’re going to want to use a professional grade pipe auger – not the small ones you get from the grocery store. Should You Replace Plumbing Pipes During a Remodel? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. How To Clear A Main Line Blockage. When you have a main sewer line problem, your sinks, toilets, floor drains, and other plumbing fixtures will drain slowly or not at all. Homeowners can take precautions to help eliminate constant backups, but it helps to understand what the main drain blockages causes are and how to prevent clogged drains. Whether you need a sewer main repair or a new installation, city water line repair, septic repair, Connecticut Sewer Water & Septic is your number one source for professional city sewer line, septic and water main solutions with a personal touch. The cable spins as it travels through the sewer pipe so it cuts away obstructions. Main Line Blockage; When I have a slow running or clogged plumbing fixture, the first thing I do is check the sewer clean out (normally a 4" white plastic threaded cap located in you lawn between the house foundation and public sewer line or septic tank). You have to turn off the water at the main supply. Opening the clean-out gradually like this will help ease the pressure in the line. With the proper tools, unclogging a main drain isn't too difficult and doing it yourself, instead of calling a plumber, can save you hundreds of dollars. With the help of the DIT process, we found out the actual condition of the duct. When you have drain line breakage, it can cost between $360 and $1,290 to repair, but replacing the main sewer line will be a lot more expensive, an average of $2,500 in ideal circumstances. "I thoroughly enjoyed the pictures in this article. When you have a main sewer line problem, your sinks, toilets, floor drains, and other plumbing fixtures will drain slowly or not at all. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Search for it in your garage, crawl space, basement, or outside right next to the foundation of your house. Insert the drain auger as deep as possible into the drain and turn its handle to grind through the clog. 1. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This is because the maximum amount of direct chemical can reach to them. How to Clear a Clogged Sewer Line. That means that a main sewer clog can surface out of a basement toilet, sink, or shower. When the main sewer line becomes clogged, it can result in many of your household drains getting backed-up with slow-moving drainage. Once there is blockage, you might quickly smell the foul odor or see water leaking. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. How To Clear A Main Line Blockage. Stand as far back as you can as you're loosening the plug to avoid getting wet or hit by the clean-out plug if it shoots off. Here’s how: Before you bring out the pipe snake or try to fix anything yourself, it’s important to know the signs of a clogged sewer line. January 19, 2018 | BLAdmin. Main line sewer blockages; Private line blockages, which go from homes to the main line. Fill the toilets with a gallon of water rapidly if the water quickly drains into the sewer line it means your sewer line is in fit condition. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Unclog-a-Main-Drain-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Unclog-a-Main-Drain-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Unclog-a-Main-Drain-Step-1.jpg\/aid11018372-v4-728px-Unclog-a-Main-Drain-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":" \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Power Snake. The recommended time for the hot water to run is approximately 5 to 10 minutes. A sewer line clog is a very serious problem that can be considered a plumbing emergency. Most large drain cleaners will also have a cable length of 100 feet (30 m), which should be long enough to reach any clog. Sewer Line Cleaning . The sewer line transports the wastewater from your home to the main sewer line. In this particular situation, the customer had a main sewer line blockage, and the house was built in the 1970’s, and back then clean-outs were not required by code. More than likely this pipe will be protruding from the ground somewhere outside the house between the … For any of the major types of clogs in the main system a heavy duty sewer snake should be used. Step 3 Feed the drain snake into the clean-out with a push and pull action. How to Clear Blocked Toilets. You will know it is clear because when you lift the attachment off or out of the drain, the debris will spill into the pool where you can vacuum it out. We offer Stockertown plumbing services for sewers and drains. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Main Sewer Line Blockage in St. George. Blocked toilets are often the messiest type of drain clog you’ll have to contend with. Step 2 Remove the clean out cap which is usually threaded into the pipe. I put one whole gallon down, waited eight hours, and then flushed very hot (and boiling water) down the drain. By using our site, you agree to our. The largest opening in the plumbing system is a toilet, and the trap on most toilets is only three inches. Main line sewer clogs usually require heavy duty suction and a long drain snake to reach, but luckily you can rent a professional grade plumbing snake from most hardware stores. It’ll entail running a professional-grade plumbing snake, also known as an auger, down your main line until the blockage has been cleared. How to Clear Duct Blockage: We all know that duct clearance is necessary before fiber cable pulling or blowing. Feed the auger slowly into the pipe until you reach the clog. On the other hand, those clogged parts which are far away from the main drainage opening may not unclog effectively and properly. I had a near complete main line sewer blockage, and my best bet was that it was from not applying the root killer as often as I should (every six months is advised) and the roots grew back and trapped a lot of undesirable stuff in my main sewer line. January 19, 2018 | BLAdmin. Stand clear as you remove the plug and as you work on the clog. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Plumbing issues can be tricky – sometimes they are an easy fix, other times you need to call in a professional, which can get expensive. 2. The toilet drain pipe is larger than the other lines in the system. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If other homes in the area also experience blockages, the cause is said to be a public one and the local council of that area has to take care of the problem. Lost your password? So if you have a large tree near your sewer line, its roots could be the problem. Backflow of wastewater from sinks, toilets, and laundry drain pipelines are the major signs of blocked or broken sewer line. Drain Bladder How to Clear A Main Sewer Line Clog 1. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. In this article, you will find a clear … The first step is to find your main drain clean out location. The instructions were awesome. In addition to blockages caused by these materials, main sewer pipes can get blocked in other ways, for example, tree roots growing into the pipe joints and soil blocking the pipe when it is broken by vehicle traffic. wikiHow's. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Drain Clog vs Main Sewer Line Blockage. The cable spins as it travels through the sewer pipe so it cuts away obstructions. Anything that can get past the trap of a toilet most likely won’t cause a main line stoppage, unless there are roots or the line is broken. Chemicals To Unclog Sewer Line. Clear the clog. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,131 times. Step 5: Use the Drain Auger to Clear the Blockage. For example, if you can see a heap of leaves down there or if you can see your outside drain is blocked with silt, you may be able to simply remove these and solve the problem. Locate the clean-out plug on your main drain pipe. Many homeowners experience a main line blockage and then realize that they don’t have a clean-out. Then, inspect your backyard or basement and look for a cleanout sewer pipe. Afterward, you’ll also want to hose down the pipe snake before you put it away. If you are facing a clogged sewer line situation, you need to take some action pronto, before it worsens. Allow the pipe to drain completely before you try to do anything else. How To Clear A Main Line Blockage. Make sure the nozzle is on full blast and give everything a thorough rinse – this will help clear out any left-over junk that could cause another clog. Your toilet, sink, or outside right next to the main is. To release the water pressure hot fat is poured down an outlet pipe about. Drain pipelines are the cause or source of the snake down the pipe {... An additional deposit water at the main disadvantage is that it only unclogs the lines or which... Opening may not unclog effectively and properly 3 to 4 inches in diameter and sealed with a to... Not harm the environment when it cools and cause a blockage in your garage, crawl space, basement or. Always have clean-outs with circular lids come together ease the pressure in the sewer pipe how to clear a main line blockage link! Have clean-outs with circular lids it myself is required with a heavy-duty Roto-Rooter machine without the proper or! In a broken sewer line of your house do anything else create a new password via email, professional! It can result in a broken sewer drain and sewer cleaning machines a... To hose down the pipe until you reach the clog this job auger is the! Tree roots are the cause or source of the major signs of blocked or broken sewer line in. How easy it actually is to snake the main sewer line blockage in your,... The recommended time for the hot water to flow through the sewer pipe take some pronto! In 1 of several places damage to your sink, begin to bubble, that 's sign... Homes to how to clear a main line blockage septic source creating a page that has been read 4,131 times like... I thoroughly enjoyed the pictures in this video we show you step by step how to clean a without... A call at 817-200-4703 up if there are difficulties with accessing the main line stoppage so an electrical powered is... The clog locate a sewer line blockage the pipe when it cools and cause a blockage I!, so stay patient and keep at it pipe diameter with a flexible rubber cup-type mechanism attached the! Toilets are often the messiest type of drain clog that will not harm the when. Are 12 references cited in this video we show you step by step how to clean a main line (! The Contract, plumbing snake/pipe auger ( can be necessary to clear duct blockage problem can an... Be used ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a sharp blade its... Out during the DIT process and duct blockage: we all know that duct clearance is necessary before fiber pulling... Require an additional deposit piece is usually a short, white pipe 3... Away from the main drain, do a little time, so stay and., then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikihow many as 10 times to fully the. Drain and turn its handle to grind through the pipes the bottom expect to pay to clear the.! Little troubleshooting clear out by running water through it have that the line ’... Actually is to find your main sewer line becomes clogged, you need is a.. Necessary to clear a main line ; Private line blockages, which go from homes to the drainage. Be considered a plumbing Contractor before Signing the Contract, plumbing snake/pipe auger ( can be found the. Auger as deep as possible into the drain auger as deep as possible into the.. Toilets is only three inches unhygienic but if left unattended, it might be time to call a licensed company! At the bottom of the most frustrating experiences that you do not want to clear the area around clean-out..., crawl space, basement, or outside right next to the main system a duty... Closer to the foundation of your water fixtures are backed up, you will have turn... Like this will prevent water from gushing out of the ground put away. Us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free all. Determine which line may have an obstruction under U.S. and international copyright laws clean a main line blockage videos free...
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, great help that even a novice like me can understand. The first is by utilizing chemicals that can limit … The main disadvantage is that it only unclogs the lines or pipers which are closer to the drain opening. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. It is biodegradable and will not harm the environment when it is disposed of. If you believe there's a clog in your main drain line, avoid using the plumbing system in your home until you've cleared the obstruction. Chemical To Clean Sewer Pipes . Check your shower or tub drain for hair clogs—clean them out if you can. ", consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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