Plumbing problems that occur by clogged sewer lines can be very frustrating as well as it is a very expensive task for homeowners. However, if you want to fix this issue by yourself, then you need to take the required precautions, and to clear the sewer line filled with sanitary products and food particles, you need to use a power washer. If the sewer line clog is occurred by tree roots or grease build-up, then get a chemical or natural solution and pour it into the sewer line, these products can easily unclog the sewer line. 

As a homeowner, you know that clogged drains are a big concern, but when it comes to clogged sewer lines, it is a much bigger problem. To unclog the main sewer line can be a very difficult task. The grey or black wastewater cannot outbreak your home plumbing system. When you flush the toilet, all the waste that you are trying to eject from your home will not go through the pipes and in the long run, it will come back through the drains. 

That is why when you find a clogged sewer line, then immediately you need to unclog it. Of course, it is not a fun task, but it is very important to keep your home plumbing system operating efficiently. 

When your main sewer drain is clogged, you can hear some kind of strange noise that sounds like gurgling from your toilet. Also, you can see water coming out from the drain when you use the shower. If you observe sewage is coming out from the shower drain, then it is a sign of a clogged main sewer line, and you should consider it a very serious plumbing problem. 

A clogged sewer line can affect the plumbing throughout the home. In some severe cases, you can see raw sewage move backward from drains, which takes a lot of time to clear this mess. 

What Causes a Clogged Sewer Drain Line?

The old houses that are built long back are the ones that get affected by these clogged sewer drain line issues. Tree roots can affect the operation of the sewage system in your house, as tree roots creep into the sewer lines due to the moisture and warmth of the sewer line. The roots grow through small cracks or unattached joints in the pipe. Also, toilet paper or any other things that you throw in the toilet will create a clogged sewer line. These wreckages get caught on the roots, which further stops water from flowing through the sewer line. 

How to Unclog a Sewer Line:

If you have clogged sewer line issues at your home, then it is a big headache to clear all as this clogging makes your home dilapidated. However, you can take action immediately to restore all your plumbing structures to good condition, so that you can live without smell and fear of clogging drains. 

Discharge the Pressure:

When you notice the initial indications of a clogged sewer line, turn the water supply off at the main drain line. Check thoroughly your basement, roof, or yard and see if you see the cleanout sewer line. Generally, it is a small white pipe, which is about three to four inches in diameter and closed with a screw-on cap. After finding the cleanout line, take off the cap. This discharges the pressure in the sewer line and pushes the backed-up water from the drain. 

Chemical Drain Cleaning:

 If the sewer line clogs are happening due to tree roots, then the best way to clear them off is by using chemicals. These chemicals like copper sulfate can remove the clogs easily, it is also some plumbers’ choice. The copper sulfate chemical when you pour down the drain kills the tree roots. However, this can flush away rapidly, which means you might have to repeat this chemical cleaning process several times to clear the clog. 

However, using copper sulfate solution is not recommended for the septic system as it is not safe to use, also it is banned in some municipalities. If you think this copper sulfate is not a suitable choice for unclogging the sewer line, then you can as well try root-killing foam made of herbicide dichlobenil, and pour it into the toilet. This herbicide foam goes through the drain line and sticks to the pipes and in a few hours, it kills the tree roots. But, clearing the entire dead roots from the sewage system can take a few months. 

Power-driven Drain Cleaning:

Plumbers or professional cleaners use some tools to unclog the main sewer line. Most of them use a powerful, flexible, and specially designed tool called a drain snake or an auger. This power tool uses the power sent into the sewer line in section till it can break the clog apart. Also, some plumbers use a high-pressure water jet to clear the tree roots and fragments down the sewer line. These power-driven cleaning tools are also available on rent so that you can use them by yourself to clear the clogs from the main sewer line. 

However, if you do not use the tools properly, then there is a chance of damaging the pipes so it is advisable to get professional help to unclog the sewer lines. You can find many services that offer the best sewer drain cleaning service and other plumbing services easily as they are available in most locations. Some services provide 24/7 services as well.

Conclusion:

Sewer lines get clogged due to several reasons. If you want to unclog drains yourself at your home, it is possible to do but at the same time, it can also lead to other severe plumbing problems. That is why it is recommended to get professional help when you are facing clogged drains issues at your home. A professional plumbing service provider can check the sewer system at your home and can clean it using professional tools. 

Professional plumbers use several tools that can clear sewer clogs easily and safely. They use video sewer line cameras to find the issue, and use high-power hydro jitters, auger or drain snakes, and other tools to unclog sewer lines.