How to Clear Sewer Lines

That gurgling sound in the bathtub, followed by the appearance of a black, smelly substance coming up from the drain can mean only one thing--a clogged sewer line. The clog can arise from roots in the line or from items put down the drain that just won't dissolve and float away. Here are some tips on how to clear sewer lines.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Commercial root killer
• Auger
• 1 1/2-inch PVC pipe
• Copper sulfate
• Sewer rooter

Clearing the Lines

1. Use a commercial product, such as Root Clear, to kill the roots of trees and retard new growth in the sewer line.

2. Tackle roots in spring as they start growing. Dig a 2 1/2-inch diameter hole with an auger, stopping 2 feet above the sewer. Insert a 1 1/2-inch diameter PVC pipe, making the top level with the ground. Pour copper sulfate crystals into the pipe and pour in hot water to dissolve them. Cap the pipe.

3. Rent a sewer rooter, if one is available, to cut and grind up roots.

Preventive Maintenance

1. Avoid putting grease, oil, or animal fats down the drain. They have been known to narrow the sewer line to 1/4 inch as the fat congeals and hardens in the cold pipes.

2. Scrape your plate clean of grease and food scraps. Put them in the garbage instead of down the drain.

3. Use a sink strainer to catch scraps during food preparation.

4. Keep items such as coffee grounds, eggshells, motor oil, baby diapers and kitty litter out of the sewer line. Don't laugh; sewer cleaning crews have run into all of these things while cleaning out sewer lines.

Resources

• Information About Root Clear