How Can You Clear a Main Sewer Line Clog in Florida?

A clog in the main sewer line can affect multiple drains and plumbing fixtures in your home, as well as creating some unpleasant side effects such as foul odors and gurgling noises.

Needless to say, if you think you have a clog in the main sewer line, you’ll want to have it cleared ASAP.

The fastest and most reliable way to clear a clog is to have a professional plumber perform a drain clearing service, especially if you have a main sewer line clog. Because clogs in the main sewer line are often deep within your plumbing system, they tend to be more complicated to clear than simple drain clogs, and professional equipment is needed to find the source of the clog and clear it.

In this blog, we’ll explain:

• How to verify that you have a main sewer line clog
• How a professional can clear a main sewer line clog
• How to prevent main sewer line clogs in the future

Want your main sewer line clog cleared ASAP? Contact Climate Design today. We offer fast and convenient scheduling—including weekend drain clearing services.

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How to verify that you have a main sewer line clog

The first thing you should do is verify if the clog is in the main sewer line or a secondary line that feeds into the main line.

If the clog is in the secondary line, you may be able to clear it yourself (depending on the severity of the clog). But if the clog is in the main sewer line, you should contact a plumber for assistance.

To determine if you have a clog in the main sewer line, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is there standing water in multiple sinks or tubs?
• Are multiple sinks or plumbing fixtures draining slowly?
• Do you hear gurgling noises or notice foul smells coming from multiple plumbing fixtures?
• Does water back up into the shower when you flush your toilet? Or, when you drain your bathroom sink, does the toilet water level rise?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, you’re probably dealing with a main sewer line clog, which means it’s time to call a professional plumber for assistance.

How a professional can clear a main sewer line clog

The plumber will first try to find the location and cause of the clog. To do this, they may use a special drain camera to find any clogs that are located deep in the sewer line.

After the plumber finds the clog, they will clear it using one of the following methods:

• A powered drain auger: An auger (also called a “plumbing snake”) is a long metal wire used to dislodge drain clogs. The most advanced augers have rotating blades powered by an electric motor that can break through tough clogs. Depending on the model, these augers can also extend up to 100 feet or more, making them an ideal way to clear clogs deep in the sewer line.
• A Hydro-Jet System: This advanced tool uses high-pressure water to clear through the toughest clogs, including any caused by tree root invasion. A hydro-jetter is also effective at removing sludge from the inner lining of the pipe, helping to prevent future clogs.

Depending on the clog’s severity and location, it can take about one to three hours for the plumber to clear the clog completely.

How to prevent main sewer line clogs in the future

To prevent future clogs from forming in your main sewer line, follow the tips listed below:

1. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet, including wipes and other hygiene products.
2. Do not pour grease, large food scraps, or food fats down kitchen drains. Instead, dispose of these items in the trash.
3. Use an enzyme-based drain cleaner once a month to prevent clog buildup. Experts suggest that you avoid using chemical-based drain cleaners because they tend to do more harm than good for your pipe system.
4. Treat your pipes with an herbicide or remove plants/trees that are close to your sewer line. If the clog was caused by an invading tree or plant root, you might consider hiring a plumber to treat your pipes with an herbicide to kill nearby tree roots (but not the entire tree). In some situations, it may be best to remove the plant or tree to prevent repeated clogs.
5. Schedule an annual drain cleaning with a professional. A plumber can use a hydro-jetter to remove debris and prevent buildup from occurring in the main sewer line.

Want a trusted Florida plumber to clear your sewer line clog?

You can count on Climate Design’s experienced plumbers to clear your sewer line clog thoroughly and correctly—the first time around. We also back up our drain clearing services with a warranty on our work as part of a complete maintenance plan.

Schedule service today