What are the most effective ways to unclog a sewer drain?

Unclogging a sewer drain can be tricky, but with the right techniques and tools, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Fortunately, there are many ways to unclog a sewer drain. Clogging a sewer can clog the pipes with organic matter such as hair, food, paper products, and other items that are not biodegradable. When this happens, the sewer system cannot flow freely and the contents will back up into the house, and any other drains in the house that lead to the sewer will also back up. If left unchecked, the back-ups will continue until they reach a height high enough to break through the sewer pipe and flood the house. This article will teach you how to unclog a sewer with simple tricks and simple tools.

Change your diet

First and foremost, you should change your diet if you live in an area with a high sewer flow. Eating too much of certain foods, such as fats, sugars, and proteins, can clog your drains and cause them to become backed up. If you live in an area with a high sewer flow, try to eat more plant-based foods and less meat. If you live in an area with low sewer flow, changing your diet is not as important, but you should still avoid eating too many fats, sugars, and proteins.

Use a plunger

If you live in an area with a high sewer flow, you should try to avoid plunging the toilet as often. If the toilet is backed up, it will create enough pressure to force sewage up through your toilet’s trap and into your sewer. If you have to use your toilet, try to keep the water in the toilet bowl to a minimum. A plunger can help you push trapped waste out of the toilet bowl, and prevent back-ups from happening.

Use a snake and auger

If you live in an area with a high sewer flow, you should also try to avoid plunging the toilet as often. If the toilet is backed up, it will create enough pressure to force sewage up through your toilet’s trap and into your sewer. If you have to use your toilet, try to keep the water in the toilet bowl to a minimum. A plunger can help you push trapped waste out of the toilet bowl, and prevent back-ups from happening.

Bend and scrape with a shovel

If you live in an area with a high sewer flow, you should try to avoid plunging the toilet as often. If the toilet is backed up, it will create enough pressure to force sewage up through your toilet’s trap and into your sewer. If you have to use your toilet, try to keep the water in the toilet bowl to a minimum. A plunger can help you push trapped waste out of the toilet bowl, and prevent back-ups from happening.

Dig a hole

If you live in an area with a high sewer flow, you should try to avoid plunging the toilet as often. If the toilet is backed up, it will create enough pressure to force sewage up through your toilet’s trap and into your sewer. If you have to use your toilet, try to keep the water in the toilet bowl to a minimum. A plunger can help you push trapped waste out of the toilet bowl, and prevent back-ups from happening.

Conclusion

Unclogging a sewer can be tricky, but with the right techniques and tools, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Fortunately, there are many ways to unclog a sewer. Changing your diet, using a plunger, using a snake and auger, and digging a hole all can help unclog a sewer. If you live in an area with a high sewer flow, you can also try to avoid plunging the toilet as often. With these methods and tools, unclogging a sewer is easy.

Frequently Asked Question

What is the best way to clean out a sewer line?
  • Loosen the cap on the drain pipe
  • Allow any sewer buildup to come out of the drain
  • Gently feed the auger cable into the main line drain
  • Run the auger until the clog is broken up
  • Hose out leftover debris
  • Pull the auger cable back out of the main line drain
​How often should you clean your main sewer line?
A good general rule is to have your home's sewer lines cleaned out every 18 to 22 months. That may be difficult to remember, but think of it as a year and a half to slightly less than two years
How do you clean a perimeter drain?
Consider using a sewer jetter to clean and remove dirt, sand, and yard debris that clog the foundation perimeter drain tile outside your home. A sewer jetter that's powered by your pressure washer can help you flush away the silt and debris so fewer clogs come back.
How long do perimeter drains last?
Perimeter drains or weeping tiles can last for decades. If properly installed, you can expect to have a problem free basement for a very long time. Older clay weeping tiles tended to deteriorate, and become clogged with soil and tree roots, but even these systems lasted for many years.