When you think of plumbing issues, the basement is probably not the first place that comes to mind. However, sewer lines in basements can also become clogged and cause problems for homeowners. In fact, clogged sewer lines in basements are a common issue for many homeowners who don’t have a clue on how to resolve the issue – but don’t worry. In this blog post we have outlined some ways on how you can clear a clogged sewer line in a basement:
Turn off the main water supply.
The first step to resolve a clogged sewer line in a basement is to turn off the main water supply. This will help you determine if the clog is coming from your plumbing or if it is coming from the city's sewer system. To do this, shut off the water main valve located in the street outside your home. This is usually a large lever or gate-style valve that is labelled "shut-off" or "stop". It might also be labeled "meter", "pressure tank" or "service line". Turning off the main water supply will help you pinpoint the source of the sewer clog. If the clog is coming from the city’s sewer system, you will need to contact the city’s public works department to come out and clear the line.
Use a snake to clear the line.
If your home’s sewer line is clogged, a basic method of clearing the line is to use a plumbing snake. There are several types of plumbing snakes on the market, and they all work in essentially the same way. The snake is inserted into the sewer line and then pulled back out. As the snake is pulled back out, it will unclog the line and allow the water to flow freely once again. The best method for clearing a clogged sewer line in a basement is to use a pipe camera. However, if you don’t have access to a camera or don’t know how to properly use a plumbing snake, we have outlined some tips below:
Check the toilet for a clog.
If you have a toilet that is clogged, this will also cause a clog in the sewer line. To prevent this from happening again, check the toilet for any buildup. You can do this by removing the toilet’s trap nut and looking at the inside of the toilet bowl. If you find any buildup, clean it out with a toilet auger or plunger. If you can see the toilet bowl is clogged, you can try pouring water down the toilet to help unclog it. If this doesn’t work, you may need to call a plumber to dig a sewer line from your home to the city’s sewer main.
Dig a new line.
If you cannot clear the clog on your own, the next best option is to dig a new sewer line. This is a very expensive option and will require the assistance of a plumber. You can try to clear the line on your own, but this can be very difficult and time-consuming. If you cannot clear the clog in the sewer line, the best option is to dig a new line from the house to the street. This will allow you to clear the clog on your own and avoid spending thousands of dollars on excavation services.
Conclusion
When you think of clogged sewer lines in basements, the first thought is that the problem will be difficult to resolve. However, there are several ways to clear a clogged sewer line in a basement. First, turn off the main water supply to identify the source of the clog. Next, use a plumbing snake to clear the line. Finally, dig a new sewer line if the line cannot be unclogged.