Can I unclog a sewer line myself?

It’s technically possible to clear out some small sewer line clogs yourself, but this is rarely advisable. The problem with DIY repair is that the majority of sewer line clogs are caused by broken pipes, tree roots and other issues deep within your plumbing system.

How does a plumber unclog a sewer line?

A manual drain snake, also known as a plumber’s snake, is a small auger that rotates as it’s physically pushed through the clog. At the terminal end is a corkscrew-shaped hook that is fed into a clogged drain or toilet.

Which is the best way to unclog a sewer line?

Sewer cleaning professionals have a few tools at their disposal for unclogging main sewer drain lines. Among the most effective is a specially designed, flexible cable that’s popularly known as an auger or drain snake.

What should I do if I cannot find the plug on my sewer line?

However, if you cannot locate the clean-out plug on your sewer line, you should also check outside. In some cases, near drainage lines are associated with rain spouts. The next step is to get a large bucket or container just below the plug.

What does it mean when your sewer line is blocked?

If every time you try to flush the toilet, you see that the water backs up into or comes up in the shower or tub, that is a clear sign that you have a problem regarding sewer line. When the sewer line is blocked, the water can’t flow normally through the drains.

What to do if your sewer line is backing up?

If you think your backup is caused by grease buildup or tree roots, pour a natural or chemical solution down the sewer line to dissolve it.

Where does the water go in a sanitary sewer line?

Sanitary sewer line A sanitary sewer, as its name implies, solely takes the flow of sanitary water. That is water used inside your home from toilets, sinks, showers, etc. All of this water gets treated by a public sewer treatment plant, or by a private septic system.

What are the different types of sewer lines?

1 Combined sewer line. A combined house sewer line collects and combines the flow from both waste water and storm water into one combined line. 2 Sanitary sewer line. A sanitary sewer, as its name implies, solely takes the flow of sanitary water. 3 Storm sewer line. A storm sewer line is dedicated to taking in rain water of all sorts.