Dealing with a clogged sewer line can be a stressful experience. It can disrupt your daily routine and cause unpleasant odors and backups in your home. When faced with this issue, it’s crucial to resolve the problem quickly to avoid the risks it poses.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to unclog a sewer line, as well as the causes and signs you might be dealing with clogs. We will also explore what you can do if your main sewer line gets clogged, which is often a more significant and complex problem.
Understanding Sewer Lines
Sewer lines are underground pipes that carry wastewater from our sinks, showers, toilets, and other drains to the main sewer or septic tank. In simpler terms, they transport all the icky stuff away from our homes, sparing us from dealing with it ourselves.
Most sewer lines are made of durable materials like cast iron, clay, or plastic and are built to withstand the test of time. However, they are not invincible. Over the years, these pipes can deteriorate, become damaged, or be infiltrated by tree roots, leading to potential blockages.
What Causes Sewer Lines to Clog?
Before diving into the tips for unclogging a sewer line, let us first understand what causes it.
Several culprits can cause clogged sewer lines. Here are some of them:
1. Solid Waste
Flushing down solid materials like diapers, wipes, hygiene products, and even small toys can cause clogging. These items can get stuck along pipes, causing blockages that can cause significant headaches.
2. Grease and Oil
While it may be tempting to wash away grease and oil down the drain, don’t be fooled! These substances can cling to the pipe’s inner walls, attracting other debris and eventually causing clogs.
3. Hair and Soap Scum
Bathroom drains can be a sneaky trap for hair and soap scum. When these two combine forces, they build up over time and can form a slimy obstruction in your sewer line, leading to clogs.
4. Tree Roots
As much as we love the shade and beauty they provide, trees can be a real menace to your sewer line. If there are cracks or leaks in pipes, tree roots might be the culprit. They can cause blockages when they grow.
5. Food Waste
While garbage disposals can work wonders in reducing food waste, they can also contribute to sewer line clogs. Certain food items can clog the line if not correctly disposed of.
6. Corrosion and Structural Damage
Corrosion and structural damage can weaken pipes, making them more susceptible to clogs. In some cases, these issues can cause the line to collapse, resulting in a complete blockage.
How to Spot a Clogged Sewer Line
Before we tackle the ins and outs of unclogging a sewer line, it’s crucial to know how to spot clogs. Here are the telltale signs:
1. Multiple Drains Backing Up
If water starts to back up into different drains simultaneously, it’s a strong indicator of a clogged sewer line. So, if you’re experiencing a toilet backup, a shower resembling a pool, and a sink that refuses to drain, you can bet your plunger you’ve got a clog.
2. Unpleasant Odors
If you’re getting a whiff of that distinct stench in your home, it’s a clear sign that something is amiss in your plumbing system. The smell may be more pronounced near drains or in the basement.
3. Gurgling Sounds
If you hear gurgling or bubbling noises when you flush the toilet or run the sink, it’s a good bet that a clog is causing severe pipe agitation.
4. Slow Drains
While a single slow drain is usually a minor inconvenience, it’s a red flag if all the drains in your house are taking their sweet time to empty.
5. Sewage Backup
If you have a clogged sewer line and it goes untreated, it can eventually cause sewage to back up into your home. If you notice sewage coming up through the drains or toilets, it’s time to spring into action.
What can unclog a main sewer line?
Unclogging a main sewer line requires more effort and specialized equipment than clearing minor drain blockages. While you can try some DIY methods for minor clogs, like using boiling water, it’s best to call a professional plumber for main sewer line issues.
Here’s how to unclog a sewer line:
1. Plumbing Snake or Auger
Using a plumbing snake or auger is one of the go-to methods for unclogging a sewer line. A snake is a long, flexible metal cable that plumbers insert into the drain until it reaches the blockage. Once the snake is in place, they rotate it to break up the clog and clear the pipe.
2. Hydrojetting
Hydrojetting is a highly effective technique for clearing stubborn clogs in main sewer lines. It involves using a specialized machine that blasts high-pressure water into the pipe, removing the blockage and flushing away any debris.
3. Video Camera Inspection
Before attempting any unclogging method, it’s wise to have a video camera inspection of your sewer line. This will help identify the exact location and cause of the clog, saving you time and effort.
4. Chemical Drain Cleaners
While chemical drain cleaners can be effective in clearing some clogs, they are not recommended for main sewer line blockages. The chemicals can corrode pipes and cause more significant problems. Remember that this method carries a higher risk, and it’s best to consult a plumber first.
5. Excavation
If all else fails and the clog is severe, or there are damaged pipes, excavation may be necessary. This is the last resort for unclogging a main sewer line and involves digging up the pipe to remove the blockage or replace the damaged section.
How long does it take to clear a clogged sewer line?
The time it takes to clear a clogged sewer line depends on various factors, including the severity of the blockage, the chosen method for clearing it, and the plumber’s expertise.
Minor clogs in smaller drain pipes can be cleared within a few hours or even less. However, more stubborn blockages in larger sewer lines may take longer to fix.
Here’s a timeline that can give you an idea of what to expect when unclogging a sewer line:
1. Initial Assessment (30 minutes to 1 hour)
When you contact plumbers to address clogs, they will first conduct a preliminary assessment of the problem to determine how to unclog your main sewer line. This step involves inspecting the affected drain, checking for any backups or leaks, and choosing the best course of action.
2. Clearing the Blockage (1 to 4 hours)
The actual process of clearing the clog can take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the complexity of the blockage and the method being used. If the plumber can quickly locate and access the clog, unclogging a sewer line will likely be faster.
3. Testing and Cleanup (30 minutes to 1 hour)
Once the clog is cleared, the plumber will test the drain to ensure it functions correctly. They will also clean up the work area, leaving your home in its original condition.
4. Additional Steps for Complex Clogs (1 day to several weeks)
In the case of complex clogs that require extensive repairs, such as replacing damaged pipes or excavation, the total time for the job can range from one day to several weeks. The plumber will provide you with a more accurate estimate after assessing the severity of the clog.
5. Preventive Measures (Ongoing)
It’s essential to take preventive measures to avoid future blockages. These can include regular sewer line maintenance, such as scheduled cleanings or inspections, and being mindful of what you flush or drain.
How to Prevent Sewer Line Clogs
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to clogged sewer lines. Here are some tips to keep your pipes flowing freely:
1. Dispose of waste properly.
To avoid potential sewer line disasters, dispose of waste properly. This means avoiding the temptation to flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste.
2. Install a mesh screen.
In the battle against clogs, mesh screens are your best friends. Install them over drains in sinks to catch gunk, preventing them from sneaking into your sewer line.
3. Be mindful in the kitchen.
Grease and oil should never be poured directly into the sink; instead, let them cool and dispose of them in a designated grease container. Also, avoid washing large food scraps down the drain.
4. Get regular plumbing checkups.
Schedule regular checkups with your trusted plumber to catch any potential sewer line issues early on. Remember, if left unchecked, a small leak today can become a full-blown pipe catastrophe tomorrow.
5. Watch for indications of sewer line problems.
Keep an eye out for any indications of sewer line problems, such as soggy patches in the yard or an increase in pest activity. Early detection can save you from a world of headaches and expensive repairs.
Key Takeaway
Unclogging a sewer line is a challenging task that often requires professional help. When faced with the issue of what to do if your main sewer line is clogged, it’s best to call a plumber to deal with main sewer line clogs.
Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Taking care of your plumbing system and being mindful of what you dispose of can save you from the hassle of unclogging a sewer line.
Need reliable plumbing services?
If you’re dealing with a clogged sewer line, it is now time to contact a professional plumber. Trying to fix the problem yourself may worsen the situation.
Contact A Better Plumber today for all your Aurora, Colorado plumbing needs! Our team of skilled plumbers is ready to provide prompt and efficient solutions to any plumbing issue you may have.
