A manual drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or a drain auger, is a small boring tool that rotates slowly as it's physically pushed through a stubborn clog. The terminal end of the device is a corkscrew-shaped hook that is fed into a clogged drain or toilet.
Using hydro jets: Hydro jets are a sophisticated tool used by plumbers to clear out drains. Using a high-pressure hose with a distinctive nozzle connected to the terminal end and a machine that pressurises water, water is forced to free clogged drains.
Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a strong acid that is commonly used to dissolve clogs in drains. This acid works by breaking down organic materials such as hair, grease, and soap scum that can accumulate in pipes and cause blockages.
Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Water Pressure
Mix baking soda and vinegar in the ratio of 1:2 and add the mixture in 60 gallons of water. Use the plunger or drain snake as you pour the water into the drain. If you are wondering how to unclog main sewer line, the pressure of the water will dislodge the debris easily.
Hydro-Jet. For the toughest of clogs, a plumber may use a hydro jet. This tool sends pressured water through pipes to break down drain build-up. This tool is often faster and more efficient than a typical drain snake.
If water starts coming out of the drain in a main floor tub or shower, or if the toilets start filling up when you use a drain or run the washing machine, most likely you have a main sewer line clog.
When you are using a baking soda and vinegar solution to clean out your drain, you are actually causing the rubber and plastic that are used for the drain's pipes to be eaten away by the mixture. Over time, this rubber and plastic will break down, causing the drain to become even more blocked.
Using a snake is also more invasive and time-consuming than using a chemical cleaner is, and can often become a dirty job. When it comes to getting at and removing major clogs or clogs that are deep down in your pipes, however, a plumber's snake is your best bet.
Final Verdict. Our best overall pick for drain cleaners is Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, which also comes recommended by experts. We love that this formula works on every type of drain pipe and can clear just about any clog.
Mix 1/3rd of a cup of bicarbonate of soda with 1/3rd of a cup of vinegar in a measuring cup. It will fizz immediately, and you should waste no time pouring it down the clogged drain. The fizzing action will help to remove the gunk, hair, and grime that has built up in the pipe.
Hot Water and Dish Soap
Pour or squeeze ½ cup of Dawn® dish detergent (or any detergent you have around the house) down the drain. Let the detergent work its way down the drain for 30 minutes. Bring a kettle of water to a boil. Once boiled, pour the entire kettle down the clogged drain.
How long should I wait to flush the drain after using Liquid-Plumr® Clog Destroyer Plus+ Hair Clog Eliminator™? Wait 15 minutes before flushing the drain with water. This product is safe for pipes, and if you have an especially slow drain you can safely let it sit overnight.
Our top pick, Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, is easy to find and use on common clogs, like hair, food, and grease. We also like the Rockwell Labs InVade Bio Drain Gel.
Drano is not only ineffective, but it's also extremely damaging to your plumbing system. The heat created by the chemical reaction is more than your drains are designed to take. Corroded, aging plumbing can easily breakdown. Pipes can split and the glue holding them together can disintegrate.
You need to make sure that you've securely tightened thumbscrew(the piece that secures the cable inside the drum or handle). If the thumbscrew is loose, the cable will not rotate at all when you twist the handle. The cable rotation is how the drain snake picks up debris, so if it can't do this, your auger won't work.
Why Plumbers Dislike Drano & Other Liquid Plumbers. One of the main reasons plumbers dislike liquid drain cleaners is that they can actually cause more harm than good. These products contain harsh chemicals that can corrode your pipes and cause damage over time.
You may be surprised to learn that pouring soda down the drain does work for some clogs. To be specific, you need a dark-colored cola (such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi). This type of carbonated beverage usually contains a good amount of phosphoric acid, which given enough time, can eat away at some types of clogs.
Can you leave baking soda in the drain overnight? It is safe to leave baking soda (and vinegar) to work overnight to unclog a drain.
If your drain is clogged with hair, baking soda can dissolve hair in a drain. To try this safe and easy method at home - first, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour a cup of vinegar (white vinegar) down. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes.
Clean Your Drains
One way to try to clear a clogged sewer drain is to create a solution out of vinegar and baking soda. Mix 1/3 cup of each and pour them down the drain lines immediately, while they're still fizzy. The chemical reaction should help break down any build-up that could be causing a sewer clog.
The most common cause of a main sewer line backup is a blockage. Food particles, hair, and other solid materials can build up inside drain pipes until the clog becomes big enough to obstruct the flow of wastewater. At this point, the water has no choice but to back up into your toilet or bathtub.
Main drains are located in the walls and floors of your home, while sewer line drains are located outside underground. Each drain pipe in your home is connected to a different household fixture on one end, including toilets, sinks and bathtubs, and the other end is connected to the main sewer line.
The highly effective Green Gobbler Liquid Drain Clog Dissolver Formula not only clears clogged drains but it also dissolves hair, toilet paper, flushable personal care wipes, soap scum and other organic matter that may cause clogs. It's safe to use in pipes, toilets, sinks, tubs, showers and septic systems.
Baking Soda and White Vinegar
This mixture is a great green alternative to Drano because most people have these items somewhere in their kitchen. To use this method, pour half a cup of baking soda into the clogged drain and follow it with a half cup of white vinegar.
LET IT SIT IN THE DRAIN FOR ONE HOUR, DON'T USE THE DRAIN, THEN RUN HOT WATER DOWN THE DRAIN! Hot water is the key, let it run for about 5 minutes! It is safe for PVC pipes!