How to Fix a Clogged Sewer Line – A Step-by-Step Guide

A main sewer line clog is always one of the most serious plumbing issues a homeowner can face. Backed-up drains, gurgling noises, unpleasant odors, a blocked sewer line can disrupt your house and even potentially damage it. If you are facing this issue, you have to consider searching for the best plumber near me or try to fix the issue yourself. 

Warning Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line

It is very important to identify the warning signs of clogged sewer lines. These signs might include:

• Slow drainage in multiple plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, or showers. 
• Gurgling noises coming from drain or toilets.
• Foul odors from sewage backups or drains. 
• Water pooling appears in unexpected places, such as the basement or yard. 

Causes of a Clogged Sewer Line 

Several reasons may be responsible for a clogged sewer line. Some of the most common include:

• Tree roots invading the underground pipes of your house 
• Flushing paper towels, hygiene products, or foreign objects down the toilet
• Buildup of different types of food particles, grease, and soap
• Sediment accumulation in old cast iron pipes
• Damaged or broken pipes due to shifting soil

These issues can lead to frequent clogs that can’t be solved with simple tools and may require a professional plumber or emergency plumbing service. 

How to Clear a Main Sewer Line Clog Yourself?

If you want to try fixing the problem yourself before calling a professional, follow these steps:

1. Find the Sewer Line Cleanout

Search for a white or black ABS cap near your home’s foundation or yard. This is your home’s sewer line cleanout. Proceed by removing the cap carefully – there might be some built-up pressure.

2. Understand the Difference Between Domestic and City Sewer Cleanouts

When you are searching for the sewer cleanout, it’s important to understand who is responsible for what. Generally, there are two types of cleanouts:

• Homeowner/Domestic Cleanout – This cleanout is usually located closer to your house, often near the foundation or in the yard. As the homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining and clearing clogs on this side of the sewer line.
• City/Utility Cleanout – It is usually found near the street or sidewalk (often at the edge of the property line), this cleanout gives your city or utility company access to the municipal sewer system when they have to fix plumbing issues. The city is responsible for clearing clogs and maintaining the sewer line on their side, starting from that point toward the street.

The image shows a double cleanout plumbing system – one pipe leads towards your home (your responsibility), and the other leads toward the street (city’s responsibility). This setup allows both parties to access and maintain their sides of the sewer line efficiently.

3. Use a Plumbing Snake or Sewer Snake

Insert a plumbing snake or sewer snake to break up the clog. These tools can reach deeper into the drain and dislodge the clog. They are pretty effective for tackling sewer blockage caused by grease, debris, or roots.

For homeowners trying to fix this sewer drain clog issue, purchasing these tools is not necessary. Instead, you can rent professional drain cleaning equipment from many home improvement stores. Home Depot, for example, offers a wide range of drain cleaning machines with root cutters, plumbing augers, plumbing snakes and sewer snakes. 

4. Avoid Overusing Chemical Drain Cleaners 

While a chemical cleaner may be appealing as a solution, overusing them damages your pipes by corroding them with chemical reaction, especially cast iron pipes. They are also not effective when it comes to major blockages or tree roots. 

When to Call Drain Cleaning Services or Professional Plumbing Companies 

If your efforts to fix this plumbing issue failed, you should bring in plumbing contractors who specialize in drain cleaning services and sewer line cleaning. They have professional equipment like:

• Video inspections with line cameras to find the exact cause of the blockage
• Water jetting to blast through tree roots and clogs
• Pipe repair or sewer line replacement if the pipe is severely damaged

The main sewer line clog repair cost can start from $800 and more, depending on how severe the issue is. Full sewer line replacement or septic tank repairs can range a lot higher, especially if you will need excavation. 

Why You Should Always Choose a Licensed Plumber for Sewer Line Repairs

When it comes to sewer line repairs, cutting corners can lead to serious and costly consequences. While sometimes a handyman might appear like a more affordable option, it can expose you and your house to major liability and property risks in the future. 

At United HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured — and all of the employees are covered by workers’ compensation. That means you are protected if something goes wrong on the job. If an uninsured handyman is injured on your property while doing the job, you could be held personally liable for medical bills or lawsuits.

Prevent Future Clogs in Your Main Drain Line

When you resolve main sewer line blockage, taking preventive steps is the best way to avoid future plumbing issues. A properly functioning drain system maintains a steady water flow, reduces risks of further damage, and saves money on expensive repair services in the future. 

Important habits and preventive measures:

• Avoid flushing hygiene products, tampons, baby wet wipes, or coffee grounds down the toilet or sink drain. These items do not break down easily and might cause severe clogs in your main sewer pipe.
• Never pour grease or oil down your kitchen sink—they solidify over time and block your water line.
• Use a drain snake to clean out minor issues before they become major.
• Install drain strainer or drain screen in sinks, tubs, and showers to catch hair, soap scum, and debris. 
• Be cautious if you live in an older home with older pipes, as they’re more vulnerable to damage and corrosion.
• Schedule routine inspections, especially if you’re connected to a septic tank or city sewer line.

If you’re noticing recurring slow drain issues or toilet overflows, these may point to a larger sewer line problem. Early intervention prevents standing water, sewage water backups, and other unsanitary issues that can affect your health and home.

If you have issues with your sewer line or need other plumbing services – we can offer professional assistance.

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Phone Number: (408) 715-3265

Email Address: [email protected]

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