How to Unclog a Sewer Pipe

Unclogging a sewer pipe is never an easy task.  There are many things that you can do to unclog a pipe. If one thing does not work you can try something else. There are many things out there on the market that are specifically made for unclogging sewage pipes.

Some Tools that You May Need Include:

• Drain cleaner
• Plunger
• Sewer snake

Step 1: Assess the damage

The very first thing that you will want to do is to access how bad the clogged drain is. This will make the difference when trying to unclog the pipe.  You should be able to tell how bad the damage is by where the sewage is leaking or not leaking.

Step 2: Unclogging a Simple Clog

A simple clog can be an easy fix. A liquid draining cleaner can clean or a household plunger can help unclog the sewer pipe. If using a plunger, plunge with strong motions up and down rapidly several time in a row.  You may have to repeat this cycle 2 or 3 times for it to take effect.  When using drain cleaner, just make sure that you take your time and assess the damage and give the drain cleaner time to work.  It is best to use a drain cleaner several times a year to make sure that your system stays free of clogs.

Step 3: Unclogging a Larger Clog

If there is a larger clog you may have to go to the sewer clean out pipe located on the outside of your home. This pipe will be found somewhere outside your house. If you do not know what you are looking for it typically is a white pipe with a hole in the middle. This pipe should be sticking out of the ground.  Now you can take your sewer snake and run it into the hole on the pipe. You can use a hand sewer snake or an automatic sewer snake.  Depending on the clog, if the sewer snake does not break it up, the pipe may have to be dug up and replaced. This typically has to be done by a professional and will be very expensive. If you do decide to do it yourself, keep in mind that it will be a massive job and you will have to have inspections from your county government.

Step 4: Making Sure the Clog Doesn’t Happen Again

Once you have the pipe cleaned out you will want to try and figure out what clogged the pipe in the first place. If you need to use a different kind of toilet paper or not flush things down the toilet do so. Flushing things like paper towels down your toilet can lead to massive clogs and so can using the wrong kind of toilet paper.

Left alone a clogged sewer line can cause massive problems. The sewer could back up into your home and cause serious issues and even force you out of your home. The clean up could be very costly and it is a must that you get your sewer unclogged if you suspect that your sewer pipes are clogged.