How to Unclog Your Sewer Main

Did you know that one of the most common household emergencies is a clogged sewer main? If your home is experiencing this problem, it can be a real hassle. Thankfully, there are some steps that you can take to unclog your sewer main yourself! You may still need to reach out to a professional to make sure that there isn't a bigger issue in the making. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do if your sewer main becomes clogged. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent this from happening in the future.

What Happens When Your Sewer Main is Clogged?

The sewer main is the pipe that connects your home's plumbing system to the municipal sewer system. When this pipe becomes clogged, it can cause sewage to back up into your home. This can lead to serious health hazards, as well as expensive damage to your property. If you suspect that your sewer main is clogged, it's important to act quickly to unclog it. Otherwise, you could be facing a very costly repair bill.

What Causes a Clogged Sewer Main?

There are several things that can cause your sewer main to become clogged. One of the most common causes is tree roots. Tree roots can penetrate the sewer pipe and cause blockages. Another common cause of clogged lines is grease or other foreign objects that are flushed down the drain. Over time, these materials can build up and cause a blockage.

How to Unclog Your Sewer Main

If your home is connected to a sewer main, it's important to know how to unclog it in the event of a blockage. These can become clogged for a variety of reasons, such as tree roots growing into the pipe or someone flushing something down the toilet that doesn't belong there. Whatever the reason, a clogged sewer main can cause serious problems for your home, so it's important to unclog it as soon as possible.

 

There are a few different ways that you can unclog your main, but the most common method is to use a plunger. Start by filling a plunger with water and then placing it over the drain. Pump the plunger up and down a few times to create suction and then pull it up quickly. This should break up the clog and allow water to flow through the pipe again.

 

If a plunger doesn't do the trick, you may need to use a sewer snake. A sewer snake is a long, flexible piece of equipment that can be fed down into the drain to break up the clog. Start by feeding the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Then, turn the handle to spin the snake and break up the clog.

 

If you do decide to try and unclog your main yourself, it's important to be very careful. Sewer lines are made of very strong material and if you're not careful, you could cause serious damage. Make sure that you read all instructions carefully before attempting any type of repair. If it is still clogged after trying these methods, you may need to call a professional.

How to Avoid Clogging Your Sewer Main in the Future

 

Now that you know how to unclog your sewer main, it's important to take steps to prevent future clogs.  Here are a few tips:

 

  • Don't pour grease or oil down the drain. Grease and oil can solidify in your pipes and cause a blockage.
  • Don't flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Feminine hygiene products, diapers, and paper towels should all go in the trash.
  • Don't put any food scraps down the garbage disposal. Food scraps can easily become stuck in your pipes and lead to a clog.
  • Invest in a drain strainer or hair catcher for your shower and sinks. This will help to catch any hair or debris before it has a chance to clog your pipes.

By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent clogs in your sewer main and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Conclusion

If you do find yourself with a clogged sewer main, it's important to call a professional plumber to unclog it for you. This is not a job that you should try to tackle on your own. Our professionals at Oak Plumbing will have the tools and experience necessary to unclog your pipes quickly and efficiently.