Cleaning out the main sewer line of a home can be a dirty job. When clogs do develop it is something you are going to want to address as quickly as possible. If you do not address these issues in a timely manner you could have bigger problems later down the line. Some issues that could occur are blocked pipes from backed up toilets, showers, and sinks. If this is something that is not dealt with at the time of discovery, you could have to potentially replace your entire sewer system. So, we have compiled 5 tips that could help you clean your sewer lines on your own.
Tools you will need to help you complete the job:
Step One: You will want to loosen the cap on the drain pipe. The pipe wrench will be a good tool to use to help with this task, making it easier to get the cap off.
Step Two: You will want to release the cap and allow any build-up of gases or overflow to be released. You are going to want to let any excess buildup drain from the pipe before you attempt to dive in and fix any occurring issues. This is just safer for you and helps avoid any damage that could be caused by the fumes and clogged drain.
Step Three: You will want to use the auger or plumbing snake that you either own or rented, to extract debris from the clog in order to open the pipe back up. You will know when you hit the clog because the rod from the auger or snake will get progressively harder to feed through the pipe.
Step Four: You will continue to run the auger back and forth until you have completely broken up the debris from the clog. Even after the drain has cleared and the water has drained you will want to continue to run the auger for a little bit to clear any additional debris that may be stuck to the sides of the pipe.
Step Five: Once the clog has been officially removed from the pipe you will want to spray your hose down the pipe at full blast. This will help remove any additional debris that may be stuck in the pipe that the auger was unable to remove. Little by little you will be able to remove the auger rod from the pipe, and you will be able to clean off the auger as it is removed. When you are finished you will use the pipe wrench again to place the cap back on the pipe.
Overall, these are some tips for removing a clog from your main sewer line. If you feel like you need additional help you can always call the professionals at Team Plumbing at (719) 226-0711 to schedule your plumbing appointment or emergency plumbing service today!
- Garden Hose
- Pipe Wrench
- Professional Auger – If you do not own one of these personally, most home improvement stores rent them out for a small fee.
- Professional grade work gloves that can protect your skin and hands from the potential chemicals built up in the sewer lines.
Step One: You will want to loosen the cap on the drain pipe. The pipe wrench will be a good tool to use to help with this task, making it easier to get the cap off.
Step Two: You will want to release the cap and allow any build-up of gases or overflow to be released. You are going to want to let any excess buildup drain from the pipe before you attempt to dive in and fix any occurring issues. This is just safer for you and helps avoid any damage that could be caused by the fumes and clogged drain.
Step Three: You will want to use the auger or plumbing snake that you either own or rented, to extract debris from the clog in order to open the pipe back up. You will know when you hit the clog because the rod from the auger or snake will get progressively harder to feed through the pipe.
Step Four: You will continue to run the auger back and forth until you have completely broken up the debris from the clog. Even after the drain has cleared and the water has drained you will want to continue to run the auger for a little bit to clear any additional debris that may be stuck to the sides of the pipe.
Step Five: Once the clog has been officially removed from the pipe you will want to spray your hose down the pipe at full blast. This will help remove any additional debris that may be stuck in the pipe that the auger was unable to remove. Little by little you will be able to remove the auger rod from the pipe, and you will be able to clean off the auger as it is removed. When you are finished you will use the pipe wrench again to place the cap back on the pipe.
Overall, these are some tips for removing a clog from your main sewer line. If you feel like you need additional help you can always call the professionals at Team Plumbing at (719) 226-0711 to schedule your plumbing appointment or emergency plumbing service today!
