What is the main cause of sewer blockage?

Author: Ms. Nikki Runolfsson I  |  Last update: Saturday, June 13, 2026

By far, the most likely culprit behind a clogged sewer is accumulated trash inside the sewer's piping. In particular, non-flushable materials, such as baby wipes, medications, and plastic wrappers, can remain inside the home's plumbing without breaking down indefinitely, causing the line to clog.

What is the most common cause of blockage in household sewer?

The most common reason for sewage backing up are items being flushed down the toilet. Many people are unaware of the consequences that flushing foreign objects down the toilet may cause. There are many reasons why blockages occur, but the most regular culprits of blocked drains are: Diapers and baby wipes.

What causes 80% of our sewer blockages?

Around 80% of these blockages that clog up the cycle are caused by either inappropriate items being put down the toilet, or fat, oil and grease being put down the sink. The waste water drain which runs from your house to the public sewer is usually about 4 inches wide.

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 much does it cost to fix a main sewer line clog?

People usually spend $376 on sewer line clog repair, but it can range from $186 to $566. A pro will need to assess the clog severity, pipe accessibility, and the method of removal.

Who is responsible for a sewer blockage?

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line repair?

Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.

How do plumbers unclog the main sewer line?

With the main sewer line clogged, you need a professional plumber to snake or hydro-jet the pipe that connects drains in your home to the municipal sewer line. Hydro jetting is a complex process that entails using high-pressure jets through the drain pipes to break up blockages and get rid of all debris.

How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged?

When the sewer line that carries waste away from the house is blocked, you'll notice the four signs that follow.
  1. All Your Drains Reek. ...
  2. Your Drains Are Blocked or Slow-Moving. ...
  3. You Hear Loud Gurgling Sounds Coming From Your Pipes Throughout Your Home. ...
  4. You Have an Unnaturally Lush Landscape or a Smelly, Sunken Lawn.

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 it cost to unblock a sewer?

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.

Can too much toilet paper clog a main sewer line?

Understanding Why Toilet Paper Can Cause Clogs

Here are some frequent triggers: Excessive use: It's easy to go overboard and pull off a hefty chunk of paper, but using too much can cause a real sewer line bottleneck.

Does shower water go to the sewer?

Once you shower or bathe, the water that is used does not disappear – instead, it begins a journey through your home's plumbing. Different parts of the plumbing system must work together in order to deliver the used water away from your house and into a larger sewage system.

Will Drano unclog the sewer line?

No, Drano® is not recommended to clear a clogged sewer line. Bottle unclogging solutions are designed for minor clogs and are not strong enough to break up more extensive sewer line blockages.

How to find out where a drain is clogged?

You can drain the pipe, fill the partially blocked pipe with hot water, and use your forearm to feel the pipe. Alternatively, instead of using your forearm, you can opt for other tools like an infrared camera or a temperature gun if you're in a position to get one.

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.

Does insurance cover Roto-Rooter?

Most insurance companies will cover unexpected water damage. However, damage caused by an ongoing issue or structural problem may not be covered. Roto-Rooter makes the water damage insurance process as easy as possible by working directly with your insurance company.

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

Clearing a clogged sewer line costs $250 to $800, depending on where the clog is located, what causes it, and the necessary cleaning. A clogged sewer line is typically an indication of a much larger problem.

What is the lawsuit against Roto-Rooter?

A class action lawsuit filed in Minnesota claims Roto-Rooter is running a sewer line repair scam in which it lies to homeowners about the severity of their plumbing problem in order to charge them unnecessary repairs or replacements costing thousands of dollars.

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.

Can you clear a main sewer line clog yourself?

You can tackle a clogged sewer line using other strategies if you don't have a snake on hand. 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.

Why is my shower drain backing up when I flush the toilet?

The most common cause of your toilet backing up into your shower is a sewer line clog. Because of the connectivity of your drains, pipes, and sewer lines, a minor clog could cause problems in more than one place.

How long does it take to fix a main sewer line clog?

Clearing a clogged sewer line may take between one and three hours. Performing a complete sewer line replacement using trenchless methods may take two or fewer business days. Replacing a sewer line using traditional trench-reliant methods may take three or more business days.

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.

What is the best drain clog remover?

Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover

The 100-year-old company Drano is the Q-tip of drain cleaners — the brand most people think of first for tackling clogs. In our tests, we've been consistently impressed by the clearing power of Drano's gel formulation, which is safe for all plumbing and septic systems.

Previous article
Why did my water pump go bad?
Next article
How to get rid of brown hard water stains in a toilet?