How to Fix a Clogged Sewer Line?
Does the water level in your toilet intermittently change without any reason, your sink emits foul odors, and after showering you notice gnarly noises coming from the walls? All of these could be indications that the sewer lines in your home are clogged and need to be cleaned. The main goal of cleaning a sewer line is to eliminate non-biodegradable debris, sludge buildup, and grease from a sewer pipe. If you noticed at least one of the signs listed above occurring in your home, it is necessary to act immediately since such blockages can result in the wastewater coming back up the pipes, which is considered a major health hazard. In this article, we will describe several cleaning techniques that can be used to unclog blocked pipes.
Five Ways to Unclog A Sewer Line
1. Bent Wire Hanger
This is probably one of the simplest and safest ways to clean pipes. This particular method requires an ordinary wire hanger, which needs to be unwound and straightened out. Next, you need to shape the end of the hanger into a hook in order to pull out all debris that might be blocking the sewer line. Be cautious and try not to push the tool too far down the drain. After getting everything out, clear the clogged pipe with hot water.
2. Vinegar and Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent cleaning product, which effortlessly removes dirt, while vinegar counteracts unpleasant smells. To prepare this cleaning solution, combine 1/3 cup vinegar and 1/3 cup baking soda. When the mixture is ready, you need to pour it into the clogged pipe immediately and wait one hour before flushing the pipe with hot water.
3. The Wet and Dry Vacuum
When it comes to unblocking a clogged sewage line, a wet and dry vacuum is an effective and convenient tool. Make sure that you cover the vent to prevent dirt from getting everywhere and create a thigh seal over the drain. Don’t forget to change the vacuum settings to Liquids, so it has enough power to bring up the contents from the pipe.
4. Cleaning the U-Pipe
Dirt that has accumulated in the pipe underneath the skin can be the reason for pipe clogging. To clean this pipe, loosen the nuts around the pipe with a wrench and remove them. Put a bucket underneath the sink and fill it with the contents of the U-shaped pipe. Remove all remaining debris from the pipe with a toothbrush. After flushing it with hot water, tighten the nuts and bolts to secure the pipe.
5. Dish Detergent
Another simple way to unclog a pipe is to pour 1/4 cup of dish detergent into the toilet bowl, then add some boiling water to it. Hot water will loosen the dirt. Add more water and use a plunger to clear the pipes.
Hire A Professional Plumber to Unclog the Line
If after taking all those actions the situation doesn’t improve, it could indicate that the issue is more serious or that the issue is municipal and not related to your sewer line. In that case, you have only one option left: call a professional who will snake or hydro-jet the pipe that connects the drains in your home to the municipal sewer line.
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