Clogged sewer lines are not something you want to let linger. You want to get that fixed as soon as possible. If it’s left alone, the problem can just get worse – which means it could end up resulting in raw sewage backing backing up and out of your drains.

4 Signs Of A Clogged Sewer Line

  1. Gurgling sounds from your drains or toilets.
  2. Water backing up out of drains or toilets.
  3. Water pooling around drains or toilets.
  4. Smell of raw sewage coming from your drains.

How Do Sewer Lines Get Clogged?

Most homeowners believe that their sewer line probably got clogged because of something being thrown down the toilet or a drain. And of course, that can happen by the diameter of a standard sewer pipe is 6 inches so it’s unlikely that something bigger than 6 inches would be thrown down a toilet or drain to cause that clog.

The most common reason for clogged sewer lines that we have come across here in Georgia is the infiltration of plant / tree roots. They find a crack in the pipe and make their way in. it’s very normal for plant roots to be attracted to the moisture and the warmer temperature in and around these pipes.

Once these roots get into your sewer pipes they continue to grow, going deeper and deeper into the pipe and before you know it – there’s a big clog in your sewer line.

It would be extremely difficult for most homeowners to identify this problem – we recommend that you call in professional plumbers who can do a Sewer Line Camera Inspection. This is a very efficient and cost effective solution to finding that clog and its cause.

How Do You Unclog A Sewer Line?

The answer to this question depends entirely on the specific problem that is causing the clog.

  • If the clog is due to tree or plant roots in the line – then there’s not much that the average homeowner can do except to call in their plumber.
  • But if the clog is due to an object wedged in the pipe then you may be able to flush it out. But know that it requires an auger cable (or plumbing snake – a really, really long one).
  • It may also be that the clog in the sewer pipe could be a backup in the city main line instead of in your own sewer line. The signs would be exactly the same so the best way to know is to contact a few of your neighbors and ask if they are having the same problem. If they are – you can then check with your city to get some information on the problem.

How Do You Unclog A Sewer Line Without A Snake?

The first thing you must do is to stop running water and stop flushing the toilet. Adding water to the problem will not help the situation. If you want to take it an extra step you can turn off the main water supply to your house.

Two methods that plumbers use to clear out clogged sewer pipes are…

  • Hydro Jet Cleaning
  • Trencheless Plumbing

Hydro Jet Cleaning

The process of hydro jet cleaning is extremely efficient, cost effective and environmentally safe. It’s simply a superior method of cleaning out your pipes, downspouts and sewer lines.

Hydro Jetting (aka Water Jetting) is an effective technique used in cleaning the downspouts, drains, pipes and sewer lines using maximal water pressure to unclog debris and buildup that accumulates over time.

The process is extremely efficient, cost effective and environmentally safe. It’s simply a superior method of cleaning out your pipes, downspouts and sewer lines.

Hydro Jetting removes solid obstructions as well as blockages from buildup of grease, soap, sludge, etc. The use of a high pressure water jetting can clear out almost any blockage.

Hydro Jetting is a superior method to snaking because it can scrub and cleanse the entire area. Snaking can only clear out an area as wide as the tip of the auger that is used in the tool.

Trencheless Plumbing

If you haven’t yet heard of “trenchless plumbing” – that is probably because you haven’t had to deal with any repair of your sewer system or have not had to deal with broken pipes under concrete floors or driveways, etc.

Trenchless pipe repair is basically the process of replacing a broken pipe in the ground with a new pipe without having to dig up the old one or break through any concrete or other construction that the pipe may be laying under. This is a great time and money saver for the property owner. Not only does the yard or floor NOT have to be destroyed (and later repaired) but the amount of time it takes to make the repair on the pipe is greatly reduced. It’s a win-win!

However, it’s important to know that the trenchless method cannot be used in every single situation. There are situations where this process is not appropriate.

  • If your pipes are old, corroded, show significant amounts of cracking.
  • If your pipes are thin.
  • If part of the pipe has collapsed.
  • If the pipes are not buried properly (if they are not deep enough).

A discussion with your plumber (along with his inspection) will help you to determine if the trenchless method can be used to repair your sewer pipes.

Will Drano Unclog A Sewer Line?

We recommend that you avoid using a chemical drain cleaners like Drano or Liquid-Plumbr. They tend to be harsh and abrasive on your drain pipes and can end up causing more damage – especially if you have older pipes.

If you have any questions about your water pipes or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.