How do you unclog a cleanout?

How to clean out a main sewer line clog

Step 1: Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. Loosen the cap on the drain pipe.
Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe.
Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond.
Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable.
Step 6: Slowly pull the auger back out of the pipe.

Why is sewage coming out of cleanout?

Once you find the cleanout, screw off or pull off the cap. If the sewer water is flowing up and out of the pipe or standing in the pipe, this confirms you have a sewer line clog. The first thing you’ll want to do is shut off your main water supply to your home.

What should I do if I have blockage in my foundation drain?

Clear any blockage at the end of the footing drain extension, open and check the end for water flow in wet weather. Foundation drainage – drain tiles also called footing drains and by some folks “French drains” (which is not correct) water flows in the path of least resistance.

What should I do if my foundation tile is clogged?

Foundation tiles clogged with dirt or debris will begin to drain the water slowly or not at all. You can usually clean the foundation drain tile using a sewer snake, routing out the dirt that has gathered in the pipes to make the way clear again for proper water drainage. credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images.

Is it necessary to clean Foundation drain tiles?

Cleaning the tile when it becomes clogged is necessary to retain the functionality. Foundation tiles clogged with dirt or debris will begin to drain the water slowly or not at all.

Can a wet Foundation cause a flooded basement?

When the storm water around your home is managed correctly you won’t have a wet leaky basement and the foundation of your home will not be compromised from water damage. For this job, you will notice that there are two pipes running to a serviceable catch basin.

How does a clogged foundation drainage cause a flooded basement?

Often times a clogged exit pipe for the footing drain is the culprit. Pictured here is the blocked exit pipe for the footing drain. The blockage was many feet from the outlet consisting of about 20 feet of packed mud. When footing drains fail, typically we find clogged exit pipes like this to be the culprit.

Where is the main clean out line in a house?

One way to find it is to visualize a line from a floor drain running out toward the municipal sewer lines, which usually lie beneath the street. In most cases, the main clean-out will be located at some point along this line from floor drain to street. In warmer regions, the main clean-out is more often on the exterior of the house.

Where is the main clean out in a slab house?

In slab homes in cold climates, the main clean-out may be in a utility room or attached garage. One way to find it is to visualize a line from a floor drain running out toward the municipal sewer lines, which usually lie beneath the street. In most cases, the main clean-out will be located at some point along this line from floor drain to street.

Can a homeowner clean out a sewer blockage?

Cleaning the main drain blockage can be done by a homeowner, but it may require special tools, such as a motorized drain auger available for rental at tool centers and major home improvement stores.