How to Unclog Main Sewer Line – WithWithout Cleanout?

How often do you get clogged drains or sewer lines? If you live in a city, chances are you’ve experienced this at least once. And if you don’t have a professional plumber come out to fix it, you might have to try unclogging it yourself.

Clogs can happen anywhere, even in places where you wouldn’t expect them. They can occur in pipes, toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, and other fixtures. When they do, you’re likely to experience some pretty unpleasant consequences.

You can try using a plunger, but sometimes that won’t work. Or you can call a plumber, but you’ll probably pay a hefty fee. In either case, you’ll have to wait until the next time you have a problem before you can try again. That’s why you should consider calling a professional drain cleaning service.

How to Unclog Main Sewer Line Without a Plumber?

If you want to know how to unclog main sewer line without a plumber, then follow these steps:

1. Turn off all water supply valves. This will prevent any water from backing up into your home.

2. Remove the toilet lid and place a bucket under the tank so that you can catch any overflow. Make sure you keep the lid closed while doing this step.

3. Use a snake to remove as much of the debris as possible. You can use a garden hose to help push the blockage through.

4. Once you’ve removed most of the blockage, you can pour some liquid dish soap down the drain. It will dissolve the remaining material and make it easier for you to flush it away with the rest of the waste.

5. After you’ve done this, turn on the faucet and let the water run for about 10 minutes. Then check the drain again. Hopefully, there is no more blockage.

6. If you still see something stuck in the pipe, repeat steps 1-5. Otherwise, call a plumber.

​

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog

To avoid having to call a plumber every time you need one, you may want to invest in a toolbox. A good quality toolbox can be found online or at your local hardware store.

You’ll also need a few tools, including a wrench, a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a flashlight, and a snake.

Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.

Step 2: Place a bucket underneath the toilet tank.

Step 3: Using a snake, carefully remove the obstruction.

Step 4: Pour some liquid dish soap down your drain. The soap will dissolve the blockage.

Step 5: Run cold water down the drain for about ten minutes.

Step 6: Check the drain again. Ideally, there shouldn’t be anything left blocking it.

If you find something stuck in the pipe after following these instructions, repeat steps 1-6.

6 Signs of a Sewer Line Clog

Sewer line clogs are common problems that homeowners face on a regular basis. But knowing what to look for when you notice one could save you money and trouble. Here are eight signs that indicate you need to call a professional plumber.

1. Water backs up into the house.

This is usually caused by a clogged drain. If you notice water coming out of the drains in your bathroom sink or kitchen sink, you’ll know that the problem needs to be fixed immediately.

2. Your toilets don’t flush properly.

This could mean that the pipes connecting your toilet to the city sewage system are blocked. If you notice that your toilet doesn’t flush completely, or if it takes longer than usual to fill up, contact a plumber right away.

3. There’s an unpleasant odor coming from your basement.

The smell could come from several different sources. For example, it might be coming from a leaky gas line. Or it could be coming from a sewer line clog. Either way, you should have someone take care of the issue before it gets worse.

4. Your septic tank isn’t working properly.

If you notice that your septic tank has stopped functioning properly, it could be because of a clog in your sewer lines. This means that your home is now being pumped directly into the environment instead of going through your septic tank first.

5. Your yard smells like rotten eggs.

If you notice a foul stench coming from your backyard, it could be due to a sewer line clog in your property. You should have a professional clean out the blockages as soon as possible.

6. Your lawn looks dry.

If you notice brown patches on your grass, you probably have a sewer line clog somewhere in your property. It’s best to get rid of them as soon as possible so they won’t cause any more damage.

How to Unclog the Main Household Drain?

The household drain is usually located near the kitchen sink. To unclog this drain, you’ll first need to shut off the water supply valve and open the kitchen sink drain.

Then, you’ll need to insert a long piece of stiff wire (such as an old coat hanger) into the drain. Do this by inserting the end of the wire into the drain opening.

Next, twist the wire around itself several times. Doing this will create friction between the wire and the inside of the pipe. Eventually, the blockage will start moving along the pipe.

Once you’re finished twisting the wire, pull it out of the drain. Now, turn on the water supply valve and allow the water to flow normally.

What if I don’t Know Where My Main Sewer Line Is Located?

If you don’t know where your main sewer line is located, then you’ll need a plumber. However, if you have access to a phone book, you can look up the number of a plumbing company in your area.

They should be able to tell you where your main sewer line runs.

In addition, they can give you advice on what you can do to prevent future problems from occurring.

What Is a Drain Cleanout, and How Do You Find Yours?

A cleanout is a hole that allows you to easily access the pipes under your home. This is especially useful when you need to replace a damaged pipe.

Cleanouts are typically placed at strategic locations throughout your house. For example, you might have one in your basement, another in your attic, and yet another in your garage.

However, not all homes come equipped with cleanouts. If yours doesn’t, then you’re going to need to hire a professional plumber.

How to Use a Plunger to Clear a Clogged Pipe

This technique works best when dealing with small clogs. It involves using a plunger to push the clog through the pipe.

First, place the tip of the plunger against the clog. Then, slowly press the handle down until you feel resistance.

Now, continue pressing the handle down until the clog starts to move. Afterward, stop pushing so quickly. Instead, just keep applying pressure until the clog moves completely past the point where you started.

Why Should You Cleanout Main Sewer Issues?

When you have a problem with your main sewer line, you may notice a foul odor coming from your bathroom or kitchen. This could indicate that sewage has backed up into your home.

You should also check for signs of flooding. These include standing puddles of water in your yard or driveway. In addition, you should see wet carpeting or furniture.

You should also check for damage to your property. For instance, you might notice holes in your walls or ceilings. Or, you might find that some items have been ruined due to moisture.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

The most common cause of leaking faucets is worn-down washers. They can become loose over time. When this happens, water leaks out of the faucet.

To fix this problem, you’ll first need to remove the screws holding the faucet together. Next, unscrew the outer ring of the faucet assembly. Finally, lift off the whole thing.

After removing the old parts, install new ones. Make sure you use an anti-seize compound before putting everything back together.

One word of caution about unclogging a main sewer line

If you try to unblock your own sewer line, you run the risk of causing more damage than good. The reason for this is because you won’t be able to drain any excess water while you work.

Instead, you’ll only make things worse by allowing the water to build up again. This will eventually lead to even bigger problems.

Do You Need to Call a Professional About Your Sewer Line?

If you think you have a problem with a main sewer line, then it’s probably best to call a professional. A plumber knows how to deal with these kinds of issues.

They’ll be able to tell if there’s something wrong with your plumbing system. And they’ll know what needs to be done to fix the problem.

In fact, many people don’t realize that their pipes aren’t properly maintained. This means that they end up having to pay a lot of money to repair them.

However, if you do decide to hire a plumber, you’ll want to make sure that he or she has experience working on sewers. Otherwise, you could end up paying too much for repairs.

​

Conclusion

Main sewer lines run underneath your entire home. Therefore, they’re extremely important. Unfortunately, these systems often develop problems.

Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with them. The easiest way to get rid of a blockage is to call a plumber.

If you’d rather try fixing it yourself, then read our guide on how to unclog a drain. We hope you found this article helpful!