When a blockage occurs in a sewer drain, the toilet paper will generally float to the top of the water column. Therefore, when you add more wastewater into the drain, say from a shower, it will cause the toilet paper to rise further in the drain until it eventually overflows onto the ground around the drain.
Outside drains can be unclogged by using a drainage rod and a quality pressure hose to shift the debris and spray the remaining particles through the drain. This will remove the blockage and promote the return of water flow.
If connected to municipal sewer line, blockage is often tree roots catching toilet paper. If old pipes, especially cast iron, they can narrow indide diameter causing blockages. Sounds like it needs a proper drain line treatment. If on a septic tank system, thats a different treatment altogether.
Clogged Drains: A blockage in the main sewer line or in individual drain lines can cause sewage to back up into fixtures. Common causes of clogs include hair, grease, soap buildup, and foreign objects.
Epsom salt helps break down toilet paper stuck in the sewer line. Pour one to two cups of Epsom salt into the toilet bowl. Add warm (not boiling) water. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes or even overnight.
The only form of Drano® product recommended for use in a slow toilet is Drano® Max Build-Up Remover. When used according to label directions, the microorganisms in this product will break down toilet paper and organic matter in pipes, which can slow water flow. (This product will NOT open a completely clogged toilet.)
You'll need boiling water, a cup, bicarbonate of soda and some vinegar. Take the drain cover off and pour the boiling water down the drain. Add a cup of bicarb followed by a cup of vinegar, it should begin to fizz and bubble up. Replace the drain cover and repeat every couple of hours until the blockage is cleared.
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.
Your home's sewer line is the main connection between your drains and the overall sewage system. The most common cause of your toilet backing up into your shower is a sewer line clog.
Outside kitchen drains often become blocked by mud, dust, moss and other particles that fall into the drain. The process for unblocking a dirty outside drain differs from an inside drain.
Understanding Why Toilet Paper Can Cause Clogs
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.
The Santeen Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener proved to be the most potent among all the chemical drain cleaners we tested, effectively dissolving 80% of the hair, 80% of the organic matter, 40% of the grease and 76% of the paper products.
After your drain is mostly free of water, simply pour around half a cup of soda crystals or caustic soda into the drain followed by boiling water. Be very careful when using caustic soda because it can be extremely dangerous.
If the part of the line that is on your property is damaged by something sudden and unexpected, it's usually covered. If there is a sewage backup or the damage is due to a chronic issue, you will likely have to pay out of pocket to repair or replace the 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.
Depending on the severity of the problem, your sewer line could take anywhere from a half hour to 5 hours to be cleaned.