How to Clear a Clogged Sewer Drain In Your Regina Home

Clogs happen and homeowners can fix most clogs with a plunger. But what if the usual methods don't fix the clog? In that case, you could be dealing with a bigger problem deeper in your sewer lines.

Many homeowners don't realize that it's their responsibility to maintain the sewer lateral connected to their house. That means taking action when you suspect a clog in your sewer lines.

Think you're dealing with a sewer line problem and want to know how to clear a clogged drain in your Regina home? Find out everything you need to know about clogged sewer drains and learn the plumbing tips that can help you fix the problem.

Signs of a Clogged Sewer Drain Line

The first step is to look for common signs of a clogged sewer drain. Go around the house and check the toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers. If you notice any of the following signs, you're likely dealing with a sewer line clog.

Many Slow-Draining Pipes Throughout the Home

Do you notice the water moving slowly through your drains or does the water seem to back up? If you notice slow-moving water in your sinks, tubs, and showers, try using a plunger to fix the clog. But if plunging doesn't fix it, the problem may be further down the lines.

Slow-draining plumbing is one of the most common plumbing problems but could be one of the more serious plumbing issues that homeowners face. If you notice the water draining slowly in more than one location, it could be tree roots in your sewer line.

Multiple blocked or slow drains are one of the most common signs that you may need sewer service. You could try using a chemical drain cleaner, but chemical cleaners can be harsh and damage your pipes.

Bad Smells

A bad odor in the home can mean lots of things, but if you notice a foul smell from the drain that can be a sewer problem. If you run the disposal or unclog the sink and still notice the smell, it can mean you have a pipe blockage.

Your drain should have a trap and a vent to prevent sewer gas from seeping into your house. A bad smell could also mean a cracked vent line or a dry trap.

Run the water and if you notice the pooling water has a stench, it's a sign your sewer pipes may need attention.

The Water Backs up in the Shower When the Toilet Flushes

When you flush the toilet, does the water back up in your tub or shower? Or when you run the washing machine, do your sinks and toilets start to overflow?

The drain lines in your home meant to carry wastewater away are all connected. If your sewer drain gets blocked or clogged, the water can't escape and backs up into another line.

One of the most common signs of a sewer line problem is a water backup in the shower when the toilet flushes.

Sewer Line Problems: How to Clear a Clogged Drain Step-By-Step

Have you noticed any of the above signs? If so, and you think you're dealing with a clogged sewer line in your Regina home, act fast to fix the problem.

While a clogged sewer line may not seem like a big deal, ignoring the problem could lead to raw sewage leaking out. A sewage backup can cost thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the spill. So it's best to deal with a clogged sewer line as soon as you notice a problem.

1. Turn Off the Water and Locate Your Sewer Cleanout Line

The first step is to find the water supply to your home and turn it off.

Next, find your sewer cleanout line so you can remove the cap. A sewer cleanout line is a pipe that connects to the main sewer line of your house. It could be in your yard or your basement.

Look for a black pipe roughly 3-4" wide with a cap. Sometimes, the cap will say "cleanout" or "sewage" or something similar.

2. Release the Pressure

Once you've found the sewer cleanout line, remove the cap to release the pressure. Any waste that couldn't escape before should spill through the mainline now.

3. Use a Drain Snake or Auger

A drain snake, plumbing snake, or auger is one of the most effective tools when it comes to cleaning sewer drain lines. You can rent an auger or drain cleaning machine from most home improvement stores.

A drain cleaning machine is a motorized tool that's guided into the sewer line until it reaches the clog. If you can't move the tool any further, you've likely hit the source of the problem. However, there may be more issues deeper in your sewer lines.

For instance, there could be roots or debris blocking the sewer line that prevents the auger from moving further or fixing the problem. Some professionals use high-powered water blasts to remove the blockages.

4. Get a Camera Inspection

If using the auger doesn't work, it may be time to get a camera inspection of your sewer lines. This is a tool with a tiny camera often used by professionals to inspect your lines and look for problems.

A camera inspection is usually used if water jets and the auger don't fix the problem. By using a camera, a plumber can find also find any cracks in your pipe. If the problem is a damaged sewer line pipe, you may need to contact your sanitation department.

When to Call a Plumber

Sometimes, it's too difficult for homeowners to fix stubborn clogs on their own. And because it can be so easy to damage the pipes in your sewer line, it's best to leave this job to the pros.

If traditional methods of clearing the clog don't work, the problem could be deeper in your sewer lines.

Even though you know how to clear a clogged drain in your Regina home, you should avoid doing this work yourself. Leave sewer line inspection and repair or replacement to a professional plumbing company.