cancel

Find Qualified
Local Contractors

Select Service:
Enter Zip:

community forums

Featuring over 100 topics of interest to DoItYourselfers.

Clearing Heavy Blockage in the Main Drain

comments

A major block may be caused by large items failing into the drains, or tree roots breaking into the drain system. For any of the major types of clogs in the main system a heavy duty sewer snake should be used. The two types of large snakes are a hand operated or electrical powered snake. These items can be rented or purchased. This often is a job for a plumber. You do not want to damage the line running out of the house.

There are three ways to access a major clog:

  1. Lifting the toilet which is a procedure we have already covered will access most of the system.
  2. In most newer homes there is an outside clean-out plug to access most of the system. Just locate the cap, unscrew the cover and put the power snake through the system.
  3. Through the main roof vent for the entire system. This is the hardest to access and power tools can be a problem depending on the roof incline.

Note: When using any power tool always follow the MANUFACTURER'S instructions on the right way to use the tool.





member comments

or Register to leave a comment.

If you have a question you would like answered, please visit our Community Forums.
posted Feb 16, 2009

I think you should point out that even if you could clean your line from the vent on top the house, the machine should be lef on the ground and two people should clean the line... it is also REAL DANGEROUS and is NOT recommended way to clean the sewer line. Pulled toilets also has two 90 degree bends (most the time) and if you get the cable stuck in tree roots it my be real hard to pull out and get unstuck. altho you can do this yourself, BE CAREFULL. I do this for a living and I've had my hands arms and one leg cought up in a sewer cable at one point or another.. its scary and sometimes hurts.

posted Dec 21, 2008

your comment fly on my top !


Related Articles

Unclogging Bathtub Drains
Instructions for clearing out a blocked bathtub drain, tools you'll need for the job, and... read more

articles we like

Dry Cleaning
The process of dry cleaning, just as the name implies, is cleaning garments and textiles... read more

AdhesivesAdhesives
This tool section introduces you to adhesives... read more

Make Money Running Your Own Online Children's StoreMake Money Running Your Own Online Children's Store
There are more than 73 million children under age 18 in the United States, according... read more

sponsored articles of the day

diy centers

Research and explore a wealth of wisdom on these topics