A clogged main drain line can cause you to deal with water backing up into your shower or your toilets refusing to flush. This can be a stressful issue, especially in a busy household. Main line clogs can still catch you by surprise even if homes in Meridian can range from older properties to brand-new builds. Thankfully, there are ways to handle it. You can try some of these, while others might require a plumber’s help. This website can bring you to a trusted plumbing service to help with your clogging issue. Keep reading to learn how to clean your home’s main drain line:
Identify the Signs of a Main Line Clog
Make sure the problem is in the main line before you grab your tools. This could be the case if you notice multiple drains are slow or backing up or if water comes up in a tub or shower when you flush the toilet. Also, your main line might also be clogged if you hear gurgling sounds from your sinks or toilet or if there is a foul odor coming from your drains. Bubbling or overflowing titles are also signs of clogging.
Find the Main Clean-Out Pipe
The clean-out pipe gives you direct access to your home’s main sewer line. It is found outside, usually along the side of the house, or in the basement or crawl space. You can open this pipe by using a wrench or pliers. Remember that water and waste might spill out when the cap comes off if your line is fully clogged. Prepare some towels or a bucket, just in case.
Use a Drain Snake or Auger
A snake is a long, flexible cable that can reach deep into your pipes to break up clogs or pull out debris. You can use it by inserting it into the clean-out pipe and feeding it in slowly. Twist the handle when you hit resistance to help the snake break through the blockage. Then, pull it back out to remove debris if needed and repeat the process until the snake moves freely through the pipe.
Try a Hydro Jet for Tough Clogs
Hydro jetting can be a powerful solution for harder-to-clear blockages. This method uses a high-pressure water stream to blast through grease, sludge, and roots inside the pipe.
Hydro jetting is usually done by a professional plumber. Machines are available to rent, but they can be hard and dangerous to use if you are not trained. Plus, the pressure could make things worse if your pipes are older or damaged.
Use Enzyme Drain Cleaners
You can use an enzyme drain cleaner If the clog is not too serious. These cleaners use natural bacteria and enzymes to break down organic material such as grease, food, and hair.
They work best if you pour them into your drains overnight and avoid running water until morning. They are also a great way to keep your pipes clean after you have cleared the main line. Look for eco-friendly versions that are also safe for septic systems. Many Meridian homes still depend on septic tanks.
Flush the System with Hot Water
You should flush your system with hot water after clearing the clog to wash out any remaining buildup. Use a few large buckets or pots of hot water and pour them down your tub, toilet, or clean-out pipe.
Call a Plumber
You should call a professional plumber, especially when the problem keeps coming back or if you are dealing with tree roots or a broken pipe. Meridian’s mix of mature trees and varying home ages means that underground pipes can sometimes shift, crack, or get invaded by roots. A licensed plumber can perform a camera inspection to see what’s happening inside your line and take care of any repairs.
