How do I unblock my main drain in my house?

Author: Sterling Toy  |  Last update: Monday, February 17, 2025

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog
  1. Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. ...
  2. Allow any sewer buildup to come out of the drain. ...
  3. Gently feed the auger cable into the main line drain. ...
  4. Run the auger until the clog is broken up. ...
  5. Hose out leftover debris. ...
  6. Pull the auger cable back out of the main line drain.

How do you unclog a main drain line in a house?

Boiling Water, Baking Soda, and Vinegar: Sometimes, a combination of boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar can help dissolve and dislodge minor blockages. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then flush it with boiling water.

What is the best way to unblock a main drain?

Boiling Water, Baking Soda, and Vinegar: Sometimes, a combination of boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar can help dissolve and dislodge minor blockages. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then flush it with boiling water.

How do you unclog a main sink drain?

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar Pour a cup of baking soda into the clogged sink and wait for about four minutes. Afterwards, pour a cup of vinegar down the same sink. Plug the sink and leave it for 10 minutes to break down the blockage. Afterwards, run hot water to see if the clog is gone.

How much does it cost to unclog a main sewer line?

You will likely pay around $350 to $650 to have a plumber unclog a main sewer line unless you have complications like serious damage to the line.

It cleans the drain better than a machine. The stench disappears

Will Drano unclog a main sewer line?

With a clogged basement drain, pouring Drano or similar products down your sewer drain can actually damage your pipes or the glue holding them together, causing more sewer system problems in the future.

Is a clogged sewer line covered by insurance?

Homeowners insurance may cover sewer line damage if it stems from something already included in your policy, like a fire or windstorm. Sewer line damage that is the result of wear and tear is excluded from home insurance coverage.

What is the fastest way to clear a clogged drain?

A lot of folks know the baking soda and vinegar trick. Simply pour some hot water down your clogged drain and follow it up with equal parts baking soda and vinegar (baking soda first), cover the drain with a plug if you have one, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then follow it up with more hot water to clear the clog.

How much does hydro jetting cost?

Hydro jetting costs $475 on average but range from $350 to $600. A plumber can give you a quote and get rid of your sewer clog. Having to keep your plumber on speed dial is no fun for any homeowner. If chronic sewer clogs are giving you issues, it might be time to call in the big guns.

How do you know your main drain is clogged?

If you think your main sewer line may be clogged but you're not sure, here are some clues:
  • More than one of your drains is running slowly or appears clogged. ...
  • You hear gurgling or bubbling sounds when you flush the toilet or run water. ...
  • It smells like a sewer in your home. ...
  • You see water where it shouldn't be.

How to tell if the main sewer line is broken?

The Top 10 Most Common Signs of Broken Sewer Lines
  1. Sewer Smell. Usually, one of the first signs of a sewer line is a bad odor. ...
  2. Gurgling Toilet. ...
  3. Pests in Your Home. ...
  4. Slow Drains. ...
  5. Sewage Backup in Your Toilet or Tub. ...
  6. Mold or Mildew On Your Ceilings or Walls. ...
  7. Cracks in Your Walls. ...
  8. Unusually Green Patches on Your Lawn.

What chemical do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Properties and Uses: Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a highly corrosive acid used extensively by plumbers to clear severe clogs. It reacts rapidly with organic materials in drains, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be easily flushed away.

Why does my main drain keep backing up?

Clogs, clogs, clogs: Recurring clogs can be one reason that sewer lines keep backing up. You'll experience persistent clogs if things like oil, grease, hair, “flushable” wipes, or other items keep entering your drains and sewer line. The good news is that this is one of the easiest problems to fix.

What is the best way to unblock main drain?

#1: Use baking soda and vinegar

Simply mix one-third of a cup of vinegar with one-third of a cup of baking soda and when it starts to fizz, quickly pour it down your clogged drain. Let it sit for an hour or more (or overnight if you suspect the blockage is really bad) and then flush with hot water.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.

What to do if main water line is clogged?

When you start to notice a drop in water pressure in your home, or if water ceases coming out of some taps entirely, you may have water supply line clogs. Unclogging them requires professional plumbers: there's no plunger you can use to affect an incoming water line!

Is hydro jetting better than snaking?

Typically, professional plumbers will start with a snake, since most clogs are relatively minor. But hydro jetting may be the best option for clogs in multiple drains or severe clogs that continue to recur.

How much does it cost to clean the main sewer line?

The national average rate for sewer cleaning prices ranges between $200 and $600, with most people paying around $250 for a main sewer line cleaning with minimal-to-no excavation to access the cleanout. This project's low cost is $150 for light-duty professional sewer cleaning with a snake.

Why is hydrojet so expensive?

Why is hydro jetting so expensive? Hydro jetting is usually pricier than other options, including snaking and chemical drain cleaners. This is because there is expensive technology, plus a very advanced level of skill required.

How to clear a main sewer line clog yourself?

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog
  1. Step 1: Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. ...
  2. Step 2: Open the cap and let the buildup drain out. ...
  3. Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe. ...
  4. Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond. ...
  5. Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable.

How do plumbers clear blocked drains?

In many cases, professional drain cleaning tools like a toilet auger or hydro jetting equipment will be enough to deal with a deep clogged pipe. However, if there is damage present, you may need additional repairs or pipe replacement services.

Can homeowners obtain $10,000 coverage for sewage and drain backup damage?

Sewer and Water Backup coverage is an endorsement on homeowners' policies. It usually comes in different coverage increments: $5,000. $10,000.

How often should a sewer line be cleaned?

Expert Recommendations for Sewer Line Cleaning

We recommend homeowners schedule sewer line cleaning every 18 to 24 months to prevent buildup and clogs. Regular cleanings help avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your plumbing system.

Is sewer line replacement tax deductible?

As a general rule, sewer line repairs are considered to be standard home maintenance expenses, which means you are not eligible for a tax break on your personal income tax returns.

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