How to Clean Sewer Systems

Sewer back ups prevent your toilet from flushing properly.

Sewer system back ups are common in many homes. They occur when items such as coffee grounds, animal fat, baby wipes or plastic are flushed down the toilet or the drain of your sink. Sewer back ups also occur as a result of tree root invasion into the sewage piping and drainage system. This occurrence causes dirty water to come up into your tub, sink or toilet and prevent water from draining. To clear your sewer system, you must identify the problem and know the different methods of cleaning to avoid damage to your pipes and drains.

Instructions

1. Locate the cause of your clog. Inspect all visible sewer lines and landscape to determine if your clog is a product of tree roots or household items. If you are unable to determine the cause of your backup, you can rent a small, waterproof camera attached to a flexible rod to see deep inside your sewer lines.

2. Insert a drain snake into your drain where the clog is present. Insert the rod first with the flexible snake, retracted. Once the rod is inserted, turn the crank at the top of the rod to guide the snake into your lines. This motion will push small clogs out of the lines.

3. Purchase an over-the-counter drain cleaner. According to package directions, pour 1/4 to 1/2 of the bottle into the drain. Wait for 15 minutes and then flush with hot water. If this does not work, use more drain cleaner and wait up to an hour before flushing.

4. Remove roots by adding a herbicidal root eliminator to your sewer lines, such as "RootX". These products work by killing the roots that invade your sewer and preventing regrowth without damaging your trees.

References

• 411 Plumb: How to Unclog a Main Sewer Line
• Drains and Plumbing: Sewer Drains and Cleaning Tree Roots: What to Do When They Meet
• RootX: How RootX Works