How to Unclog Sewer Lines

The sewer lines on personal or business property run from the outside of the building to the main sewer line of the municipality. For those installations that use septic systems, this line is the one between the building and septic system. Things flushed down toilets may clog these lines, especially in places where there is a fitting that changes the direction of the line.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe wrench
• Large screwdriver
• Power drain snake
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Locate the sewer line cleanout nearest the building. This may be a pipe sticking aboveground with a threaded cap. In other installations, the cleanout may be belowground beneath a round metal sewer plate.

2. Remove the threaded cap by using a pipe wrench to turn it counterclockwise. If the cleanout is beneath a metal plate, insert a large screwdriver into the slot in the top of the plate, angle the screwdriver to about 20 degrees and lift the plate up. Some access plates, such as those for commercial buildings, may require a special key.

3. Plug a power drain snake into a 120-volt outlet and test the built-in GFCI by pushing the test button. If the indicator light goes out, the machine is ready to use. If the light does not go out, do not use the machine until it has been repaired. If the machine does not have built-in GFCI protection, then plug it into a GFCI-protected outlet.

4. Select a cutting head and attach it to the end of the cable and reset the GFCI by pushing the reset button.

5. Place the cable into the cleanout, angling it into the horizontal pipe running away from the building, and feed it into the line until it stops.

6. Set the motor switch to forward.

7. Step on the motor switch to put the cable in motion, and use two hands to feed it into the sewer line. If it hits an obstruction, put gentle pressure on the cable to keep it from backing out of the pipe and allow it to work its way through the obstruction. If the cable starts to hang up, switch the motor to reverse for a second or two, and then switch it back to forward. Repeat as necessary until the cable breaks through the obstruction.

8. Shut off the machine and put the end of a garden hose into the sewer line. Turn on the water full force and watch to see if it backs up. If it does, resume power to the cable and continue feeding it through the line until the water drains freely.

9. Run the motor in reverse to remove the cable from the sewer line once the clog has been cleared.

Tips & Warnings

• Stoppages or clogs caused by broken underground pipes may only be temporarily fixed by using this method.

• Never wear cloth gloves when working with a mechanical drain snake, since the fabric can get caught in the cable.

References

• Howe Rental & Sales: Sewer Snake Operating Instructions
• General Wire Spring Company: General Rodrunner Operating Instructions