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How to Clear a Main Sewer Line Blockage

How to Unclog Your Main Sewer Line in 5 Easy Steps


A clogged sewer line can be a real pain, and it’s not always easy to know how to fix the problem. 

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have any experience dealing with clogged sewer lines. And even if you do have experience, unclogging a main sewer line can be a daunting task.

We’re here to help. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to unclog your main sewer line. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future clogs from happening.

What Causes a Sewer line Clog in The First Place? 

common causes of clogged drain

There are a few different things that can cause your sewer line to become clogged. The most common causes are:

Tree Roots 

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of sewer line clogs. As trees grow, their roots can invade and damage sewer lines. Once the roots get into the sewer line, they can grow and block the pipe.

Over time, tree roots can even crack or break sewer lines. If you think that tree roots might be causing your clog, it’s crucial to have a professional check it out. There are a few ways to remove tree roots from a sewer line; check out our article 3 Bullet Proof Solutions: How to Kill Tree Roots in Your Sewer Line to learn these solutions.

Belly/break in The Pipe From Ground Shifting

Another common cause of sewer line clogs is a belly or break in the pipe. This can happen when the ground around the pipe shifts or settles. This can cause the pipe to break or crack, which can lead to a clog.

If you think that a belly or break in the pipe might be causing your clog, it’s important to have a professional check it out. Repairing a broken or cracked sewer line can be a difficult and costly process, so make sure to know your options before deciding on a course of action. 

You can learn more about the best sewer line repair options here

Build up of Debris From Non-Flushable Items 

Over time, a build-up of debris from non-flushable items can cause a sewer line clog. Even if you’re careful about what you flush down the toilet, small pieces of debris can accumulate over time and cause a clog.

To prevent this from happening, it’s important to have your sewer line cleaned on a regular basis. This will help to remove any build-up of the debris before it has a chance to cause a clog. Considering a sewer cleaning service can save you a lot of time and headache in the long run.

5 Steps: How to Clear & Clean Your Sewer Line Drain

Now that you know some of the most common causes of sewer line clogs, let’s take a look at the step-by-step process of how to clear and clean the main sewer line clog yourself.

Step 1: Find a clean-out access or pull a toilet 

a plumber removing the toilet to access the clogged sewer drain

The first step is to find the clean-out access or pull a toilet. The clean-out access is usually located in the basement or near the foundation of your home. If you can’t find it, you may need to pull a toilet to access the sewer line.

To pull a toilet, start by shutting off the water supply to the toilet. Then, flush the toilet to empty the water from the bowl. Next, unscrew the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. Finally, lift the toilet and set it aside.

Step 2: Use a cable auger machine to clear the drain 

using a drain auger to clear the blockage in the sewerline

Once you have access to the sewer line, the next step is to use a cable auger machine to clear the drain. A cable auger is a long, flexible cable that’s used to remove blockages from drains.

To use a cable auger, start by feeding the cable into the drain. Then, turn on the machine and push the cable through the drain. As the cable moves through the drain, it will break up any blockages that are in its path. 

Step 3: Use a sewer camera to inspect the condition of the sewerline 

using a camera to check the condition of the sewerline

After you’ve used the cable auger to clear the drain, the next step is to use a sewer camera to inspect the condition of the sewer line. A sewer camera is a small, waterproof camera that’s inserted into the sewer line.

The camera will allow you to see the condition of the sewer line and any blockages that may be present. If you see any blockages, you can then go to step 4 and use a hydro jetter to clean the rest of the debris in the sewerline.

Step 4: Use a hydro jetter machine to clean out any additional debris 

cleaning the with a hydro jetter machine

After you’ve cleared the blockages from the sewer line, the next step is to use a hydro jetting machine to clean out any additional debris in the sewer line.  Hydro-jetting utilizing high-pressure water to cut out and remove roots, grease, and any other debris that could be causing issues in the sewer line drainage system. 

To use a hydro jetter, start by inserting the hose into the sewer line. Then, turn on the machine and let the water run through the hose. The high-pressure water will remove any remaining debris from the sewer line.

Step 5: Determine if your sewer line needs repair or not.

an image of trenchless sewerline repair

After you’ve cleared the blockages and cleaned out the sewer line, the next step is to determine if your sewer line needs repair or not. If you see any cracks or breaks in the sewer line, it’s essential to have a professional repair them.

Additionally, plumbers nowadays are repairing sewer lines without having to dig up your yard. Trenchless sewer line repair is a method that relines the sewer pipe without having to dig it up. This is a less invasive and more cost-effective way of repairing your sewer line.

If You Can’t Clear Your Sewerline Clog You Will Need to Call a Plumber

group of plumbers clearing the sewer clog

If you’ve followed the steps on how to unclog your main sewer line and you’re still having trouble fixing the problem, then it’s time to call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and experience necessary to clear the clog and repair any damage that may be present.

If you live in Lower Mainland Canada and you’re in need of sewer line services such as repair, cleaning, or replacement, contact Your Guy Plumbing today. We offer a wide range of sewer line services that are designed to meet your needs and budget.

Our team is also experts in trenchless sewer line repair and equipped with state-of-the-art machines. So, if you’re in need of our services, call us or contact us today for a free estimate.

Conclusion

If you have a clog in your sewer line, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. The sooner you clear the clog, the less damage that will be caused to your home.

This guide on how to unclog your main sewer line will help you clear the blockage and prevent further damage to your sewer. So, if you think you have a clog, follow the steps above and call a plumber if you need assistance. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your sewer line.

preston

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