How to Fix a Clogged Main Drain

If water is backing up in your house plumbing, or if more than one sink or bathtub does not drain, your main drain pipe is probably clogged. A stopped-up main drain affects all the plumbing in your home. You won't be able to flush toilets or use the washing machine. The main drain pipe is connected to all the drains in your house and eventually empties into your septic system or sewer. In many instances, you should be able to unclog the drain without calling a plumber.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Bucket
• Power auger or plumber's snake
• Garden hose and water

Instructions

1. Locate the clean-out plug for your plumbing system, usually found in your basement or crawl space on a large pipe. It is usually a vertical pipe with a cap fitting on the top.

2. Remove the cap on the clean-out plug with an adjustable wrench.

3. Take a plumber's snake or power auger and insert into the pipe through the opening. Turn on the auger and run it in both directions in the pipe. Try to break up any clogs. If there is debris on the auger when you pull it out, dump it in a bucket to discard.

4. Insert a garden hose in the side of the clean-out pipe leading to the sewer or septic system. Turn on the water and try to flush out the drain.

5. Replace the cap on the clean-out pipe with the adjustable wrench.

References

• Reliable Remodeler Ideas: Repair Main Drain Pipe, Clearing the Clog
• Lowes: Clear Clogged Drains