A clogged or broken sewer main can mean an expensive cleanup with tons of sewage and tons of headaches for you and your neighbors. If you have a clogged sewer line or another type of sewer emergency, you need to act quickly before the problem grows even worse. At some point, your toilet will back up and flow into your home through a sewer line. This is when you need to know what to do if you have a sewer main clog or other type of sewer emergency. If you ignore these issues and let them persist, you might have to pay for expensive repairs or call a plumber to come out and fix the problem. Fortunately, the majority of sewer main issues are preventable with simple precautions and maintenance that you can take at home. If you suspect a sewer line clog or another type of sewer emergency, you can try these tips to avoid a full-scale cleanup or call a plumber as soon as possible:

Know the difference between a clogged sewer and a broken sewer line.

A sewer clog occurs when waste material builds up inside the sewer line and blocks the flow of water. This could be due to a buildup of hair, soap scum, laundry detergent, or other materials. A clogged sewer can be avoided by making sure to regularly clean your pipes. This can be done by using a sewer auger or another method outlined below.A broken sewer line, on the other hand, is a more severe issue. A broken line will cause sewage to back up into your home even if the blockage is cleared. This can become a much larger issue if the broken line leads directly into the street. A broken sewer line will require immediate attention by a plumber.

Use a plunger to remove buildup and debris that may be clogging your sewer.

If you suspect a clog in your sewer line, you can try to use a plunger to remove the buildup and debris. Plungers are often used to clear a clog in a toilet or other small pipe. You can use one on your sewer line, but be sure to avoid the sewer clean-out or access panel since you do not want to disturb this area.You can also try to use a commercial cleaner to remove buildup and debris. There are many commercial cleaners on the market, but always use these in a controlled manner with the help of a plunger if needed.

Use a sewer auger to clear a clogged sewer line.

If you suspect a broken sewer line, you can try to use a sewer auger to clear the blockage. A sewer auger is a type of cable that can be fed into a sewer line to break through a blockage. You can rent a sewer auger from a plumber or buy one online.If you have a clogged sewer line, you can try to use a plunger and a sewer auger at the same time. This will help you to clear the clog and avoid having to dig up the entire sewer line. If you have a broken sewer line, you can use a sewer auger to break through the clog and then clear out the rest of the line with a plunger.

Call a plumber to clear a clogged sewer line or break a sewer main.

If you have a sewer main clog or other type of sewer emergency, you will need to call a plumber to fix the issue. Before you call, make sure to have the address of the main in your area. This will help the plumber to find the location more quickly. When you call a plumber, be prepared for the issue to be expensive.You may be able to avoid this expense if you follow these tips. If you have a clogged sewer line or another type of sewer emergency, you should know what to do.

Frequently Asked Question

  • 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
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
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.
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.