How do you unblock a clogged sewer pipe?

Author: Lora Cummings  |  Last update: Monday, November 10, 2025

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.

What is the easiest way to clear a blockage in the sewer line?

Start by removing any visible and solid obstructions from the drain, like hair or food particles. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Slowly pour the 2 cups of white vinegar down the drain over the baking soda. The mixture will create a fizzing reaction, which can help break down the gunk in the drain.

How do you clear blocked sewage pipes?

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 blocked drain pipe.

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.

What dissolves toilet paper clogs in a sewer line?

The chemical reaction that occurs between vinegar and baking soda is a classic solution for unclogging drains. Pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. Follow with two cups of vinegar. Wait for 20 minutes, then flush.

How to clean a sewer pipe in 60 seconds

How do you unclog a toilet main sewer line?

Mix 1/3 of a cup of vinegar with 1/3 of a cup of baking soda and pour the fizzy mixture into the clogged sewer drain immediately. If you don't know how to unclog main sewer line, take advantage of vinegar to eliminate the grime, grease, and hair in the pipe. Flush the pipe with hot water after one hour.

Will baking soda and vinegar unclog a sewer line?

A completely clogged drain will require the help of a professional plumber, but baking soda and vinegar might be a quick fix for a partially clogged drain. This solution will dissolve and push the sludge through the pipes to allow water to flow through easily. Let hot water run for a minute to warm up the pipes.

How much does Roto Rooter charge to unclog a sewer line?

Roto-Rooter's most popular service is clearing sewer lines using an auger strong enough to cut through tree roots. This service typically costs $400 to $600. Unclogging a branch line, or plumbing within the home, costs $350 to $500 on average. The technician uses a smaller auger to snake a drain in your home.

Who is responsible for blocked sewers?

Repairs to sewers

Sewers and lateral drains connected to the public network used to be the responsibility of the property owner. However, most are now maintained by local water companies. If you have any problems with your sewer or lateral drain, for example if it's blocked, contact your local water company.

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.

How to unblock a badly blocked toilet pipe?

How To Unblock a Toilet Drain
  1. Source & Locate the Problem. ...
  2. Add Dishwasher Liquid & Hot Water. ...
  3. Plunge the Toilet to Loosen Blockage. ...
  4. Hook Toilet Blockage With Coat Hanger. ...
  5. Remove Deeper Blockages With a Plumbing Snake/Auger. ...
  6. Enzyme-Based Chemicals.

How much does it cost to unblock a sewage drain?

Cost Factors of Cleaning and Unclogging Drains

The overall cost of drain unclogging will depend on the blockage type, for instance, a small blockage in a toilet or sink is normally only priced at around £50 to £70. However, a more extensive blockage deep in your drains could end up costing you around £150 to £200.

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.

How do you unblock a main waste pipe?

Mix half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of table salt and pour it into your blocked drain. Leave it to work for twenty minutes or so and then pour boiling water into the plughole.

When I flush the toilet, water comes up in the sink.?

A mild blockage refers to a clog in the toilet, which is often the first reason you experience drained water returning through the other outlets. When an obstruction is in the toilet, the water you flush down the outlet will find other outlets to use, eventually leading the water to come out of the sink or tub.

How do plumbers clear blockages?

How Do They Do It? 10 Tools Plumbers Use to Unclog Drains
  • Pipe Inspection. Most plumbers upon entering the home will conduct a pipe inspection. ...
  • Pipe Cameras. ...
  • Plunger. ...
  • Manual Drain Snake. ...
  • Motorized Drain Snake. ...
  • Drain Auger. ...
  • Hydro-Jet. ...
  • Hair Snake.

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.

Who is responsible for a clogged sewer line?

The city is responsible for any sewer problem starting from the main sewer line. This line carries waste from your home and surrounding homes to places like the city's treatment plant. The pipe usually sits outside your property line on public property.

How to fix blocked sewage pipe?

Use Chemical Solutions

You can make your solution out of household supplies, using vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. It can loosen up any build-up that blocks the pipes—considering that this mixture is an eco-friendly method of clearing a sewage blockage.

How long does it take a plumber to unclog a main sewer line?

Clearing a clogged sewer line can take an hour to a few hours, depending on the blockage. If your lines are severely blocked, a video inspection and more advanced techniques may be necessary to find and address the clog.

How much does it cost to unclog a sewer pipe?

Severity and Size of Clog

This is even more true if the main sewer line is clogged with tree roots, which are much harder to clear than a grease clog. The cost to snake a drain is $100 to $250 while unclogging a main sewer line costs $350 to $600.

Can a plumber fix a clogged sewer line?

The Plumber Will Handle the Problem

Plumbers have specialized tools to help clear problem clogs, such as a hydro jetter or more industrial drain snake. If they can unblock the pipe that way, then the cost should be minimal. If the problem is a broken pipe or tree roots, then the repair will be costly.

What happens if you put too much baking soda down the drain?

If you put too much baking soda down a drain onto a clog, it can sit on the clog and become a solid mass as it is subjected to more and more water. This will make the block worse and even harder to remove.

Can I pour boiling water down the drain?

Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.

What is the best homemade drain cleaner?

Baking Soda + Vinegar
  • Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drain.
  • Plug drain and let sit for one hour.
  • Then, pour a pot of boiling water down drain. Repeat if necessary.

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