How to Troubleshoot a Residential Sewer Drain

Sewer drains off private property are a municipal issue.

Finding the problem with a residential sewer drain may save you time and money. When a drain backs up, whether in the sink, tub or even garage, a homeowner may find herself inconvenienced or left with a mess to attend to. A residential sewer drain can clog for any number of reasons. Always contact the utility company in your local area first to ensure there is not a widespread problem. Have utility workers come out to check the sewer lines in the surrounding area to verify that the problem is not theirs to solve.

Things You'll Need

• Plunger
• Plumber snake
• Assistant
• Copper sulfate crystals

Instructions

1. Plunge the drain. Residential sewer lines may become clogged with debris including paper, plastic and other matter. When this occurs, often creating a suction will release the clog and free the drain. Place a plunger directly over the drain and push down. Pull and push in an up-and-down motion several times.

2. Check the vent. Drainage systems for a home include a ventilation system. If this vent becomes clogged, drains will run slowly or not at all. Locate the vent, typically on the roof, and have an assistant stand inside the home. Run water down the vent. If the water backs up in the pipe or leaks into the home, the vent is clogged.

3. Snake the drain. If plunging the line does not work and the vent is not clogged, a plumber's snake tool is the next step. Stiff clogs may not clear with the use of a plunger. Remove the drain head and place the snake into the drain. Turn the handles and let it spiral down the drain until the clog clears.

4. Use copper sulfate crystals according to the manufacturer's direction. If tree or shrub roots are penetrating a residential sewer line, they create a mass that becomes a clog. If use of a plunger and snake does not solve the problem, commercial grade copper sulfate crystals are the next step. The crystals can break down the mass created by the tree and clear the sewer line.

5. Dig up the line. If all other attempts to troubleshoot the problem have failed, locate and dig up the sewer line. Check for damage. Bent or broken pipes may be causing the backup.

Tips & Warnings

• If a drain is not used often, clean it regularly with baking soda and vinegar to prevent clogging. Add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to the drain followed by two cups of white vinegar, then rinse the drain with water.

• Always wear protective gloves and goggles when working with sewer problems. Bacteria may transfer from splashes and touching.

References

• Plumber Washington DC: How to Detect Sewer Plumbing Problems
• Ask the Builder: Clog Free Vent Pipes
• Pipe Doctor/Lowes: 5 Steps to Dealing with Invasive Tree Roots