How Do You Know If Your Main Sewer Line Is Clogged?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Dark Water. One of the signature symptoms of a main-drain clog is water backing up in your tubs or showers. …
  2. Slow-Moving . Take a minute to think about the drains in your home. …
  3. Gurgling Sounds. …
  4. Clogged Plumbing Fixtures. …
  5. Turn Off the Water. …
  6. Call a Plumber.

How do I clear my main sewer line?

  1. Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. …
  2. Allow any sewer buildup to come out of the drain. …
  3. Gently feed the auger cable into the main line drain. …
  4. Run the auger until the clog is broken up. …
  5. Hose out leftover debris. …
  6. Pull the auger cable back out of the main line drain.

How much does it cost to unclog a main sewer line?

Cleaning a sewer line costs an

average of $323

with a typical range between $175 and $473. Snaking or Rodding: $100-$250 or about the cost of a service call. Fixing main line clogs can run twice as much.

How do I know if my sewer line is clogged?

  1. Gurgling sounds coming from the toilet. …
  2. Multiple slow-running drains in your home (low water pressure)
  3. Water coming out of your shower when using the washing machine.
  4. Foul odors coming from your drains.
  5. Sewage coming back up through drains.

How long does it take to unclog a main sewer line?

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

. In those three hours, we install all the drain cleaning equipment. This includes a hose, attached to a specialized machine and a water tank.

Can you snake a main sewer line?

Main sewer snaking can be

done through a ground level accessible cleanout

, a roof vent, or by pulling the toilet and snaking through the flange. Snaking through ground level cleanouts are preferred and usually the easiest way to tackle a tough main sewer clog.

Where is the main sewer line in a house?

It can typically be found in

the basement, crawl space or garage

. You will want to search for a pipe that is approximately four inches in diameter with a screw cap on the top that has a notch or square knob at the top. Note that some homes have an indoor sewer cleanout point, while others may be located outdoors.

Will Drano unclog sewer line?

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.

Can toilet paper clog a sewer line?

Eventually, toilet paper or other debris gets snagged on the roots, further preventing water from flowing through the main sewer drain line. Flushing sanitary products, such as paper towels, facial tissues, feminine hygiene products or even extra-thick toilet paper,

can also clog your sewer line

.

Can Coke unclog a drain?


Pour a 2-liter bottle of cola

— Pepsi, Coke, or generic brand substitutes — down the clogged drain. Coke is actually quite caustic and effective at clearing away buildup in your drains, but it's far milder than commercial drain cleaners.

How do you unclog a sewer line without a snake?

  1. Step 1 – Run Hot Water. Running hot water for 5 to 10 minutes can help shake loose anything that is partially clogging the drain. …
  2. Step 2 – Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner. …
  3. Step 3 – Apply the Plunger.

What is the best main line drain cleaner?

  • Best Overall: Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. …
  • Best for Shower: Pequa Drain Opener. …
  • Best for Sink: Rockwell Invade Bio Drain Gel. …
  • Best for Septic System: Bio-Clean Drain Septic Bacteria. …
  • Best for Garbage Disposal: Green Gobbler Refresh Drain & Disposal Deodorizer. …
  • Best for Hair: Instant Power Hair and Grease Drain Cleaner.

Who is responsible for blocked sewage pipes?

Both the lease and California law make

the tenant

responsible for clogged drains caused by their neglect.

How much does Roto Rooter charge to snake a sewer line?

Roto-Rooter costs

$225 to $500 on average

to snake pipes and clean drains. A Roto-Rooter sewer camera inspection costs $295 to $350 on average. Roto-rooter hydro jetting costs $500 to $900 on average, to clean a main sewer drain. Roto-Rooter is a national franchise, and each franchisee has a flat rate price list.

How do I unclog my basement sewer line?

Start by pouring a pot of boiling hot water down the drain, followed by

1⁄2 cup baking soda

. Let that sit a few minutes, then pour a mixture of one cup of vinegar and one cup of very hot water on top of the baking soda. Let it sit for five to ten minutes, then flush it one last time with another pot of boiling water.

Does washing machine drain into sewer line?

Washing machine drains are fed by an electric pump, which moves water from inside the cleaning drum, through a flexible drain hose on the underside of the machine, and out

into your home sewer system

where it makes its way out of the house.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.