How to unblock a badly blocked sewage pipe?

Author: Prof. Armand McKenzie IV  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 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 unblock a badly blocked sewer pipe?

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.

How to clear a main sewer line clog yourself?

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 drain deeply in a pipe?

Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain and let the mixture sit for an hour, then flush with hot water. Plumbing Snake or Auger: A plumbing snake can physically remove blockages that are deeper in the pipe.

How do I clear a blocked septic pipe?

How to Manually Unclog a Septic Tank Drain Pipe Yourself. Start by opening up your septic tank and probing into the inlet pipe to move clogged waste down further into the system. You can either do this with a long pole or dipstick, or you may even be able to use an auger to work the blockage out.

How to clean a sewer pipe in 60 seconds

How much does it cost to unclog a septic line?

Method of Removal

Snaking a main line—also known as rodding or augering—costs between $100 and $250, but it can leave residue or smaller debris. Hydro jetting uses a high-pressure hose for major clogs and clears out the pipe more extensively. This service runs a bit higher at $350 to $600.

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.

What do plumbers use to unclog pipes?

Plumbers choose hydro jetting equipment for the most stubborn, deep-set clogs. This drain clearing tool uses high-pressure water to flush your pipes and remove years of buildup. The water jet is so strong that it can even break up any tree roots that have found their way into your sewer line.

How to unclog main sewer line without a snake?

First, you can run hot water down the drain for 5 to 10 minutes to see if that helps break up the clog. If it doesn't, pour equal parts of vinegar and baking soda into a bowl and then pour that mixture down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then run hot water down the drain.

How do you fix a severely clogged drain?

Loosen clogs by running hot water down the drain for two to three minutes. Pour 1/2 a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and let the cleaning solution sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Pour hot water down the drain (or boiling water if your water doesn't get very hot).

What chemical can unclog a main sewer line?

2. Sulfuric Acid Products. You can identify these products by their sulfuric smell. Sulfuric-acid-based drain cleaning chemicals work best for clearing organic clogs like grease and food waste.

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.

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 unclog a pipe when nothing works?

One option is to use a drain snake or auger to physically remove the clog. Another effective technique is to create a chemical reaction using baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.

How do plumbers fix a clogged sewer line?

How Professional Plumbers Clean Your Drains
  1. Manual Drain Snakes. 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. ...
  2. Motorized Drain Snakes. ...
  3. High-Definition Drain and Sewer Line Cameras. ...
  4. Hydro-Jetting Machines.

How long does it take 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 do you unblock a sewer pipe yourself?

High Water Pressure with Baking Soda and Vinegar

To do this, use a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda, and mix it into 60 gallons of water. As you pour the water down the drain, use a drain snake or plunger to dislodge debris that is blocking water flow.

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.

Why won't my snake clear a clogged drain?

If your plumber snake isn't clearing the clog properly, try: Cleaning the drain snake. If you haven't cleaned it since using it last, the old clog may still be embedded on the corkscrew end. You must clean this end for it to be effective.

What tool to use to unblock sewage pipe?

Use a Plunger To Help Dislodge Blockages

Select the right plunger: Select a plunger specifically designed for drain clearing, such as a cup plunger or a flange plunger. These types of plungers provide better suction and are suitable for different types of drains.

How do I unclog a deep clog?

How To Unblock A Clogged Drain Deep In Pipe
  1. Using a Toilet Plunger or Plunger.
  2. Applying Baking Soda and Vinegar.
  3. Employing a Drain Snake or Plumbing Auger.
  4. Hydro Jetting Techniques.

How much does it cost for a plumber to snake drain?

On average, the cost to snake a drain can range from $100 to $300. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and prices may vary depending on the factors.

What to do when sewage is blocked?

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.

How do you unclog a pipe fast?

Vinegar And Baking Soda

This is a safe, natural way to break up clogs in drains. Start by pouring one-third of a cup to one cup of baking soda into the drain and let it go as far down as possible. Also pour in an equal amount of vinegar. The mixture will bubble and foam as it works to clear up the clog.

How to clear blocked toilet waste pipe?

Pour two or three cups of Domestos thick bleach into the bowl and leave it to do its work breaking up clogged elements and killing any germs lurking in your U-bend for about ten minutes. Then flush to clear your blocked toilet drain. Repeat if necessary.

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