The plumbing in your home or commercial problem is like a network of many pipes. The main line is the big one that connects your property to the city sewer and carries dirty water away from it. When this pipe gets clogged, it’s like a traffic jam for all the yucky stuff. And that’s when the trouble starts!
Main Line Stoppage Video Explanation
He says when he flushes upstairs it comes out of this bathroom sink okay yep, it does okay I got it I see it yep I see it I see it you don’t you don’t need anymore no more no more no more no more
flushing the freaking turd just came up That’s good okay I saw enough and he flushed again no that’s it no more oh no more okay no more see that oh yeah I see it.
So what’s happening is here is the line is backed up and it’s a Mainline stoppage and so this is the lowest point on this line so when they’re flushing the upstairs toilets more likely it’s coming
up through the sink and it’s weird it’s not coming up through the toilet so probably something is plumbed in wrong. So he’s got toilet water coming up through the sink that situation run upstairs grab the guy shut his toilet off yeah that’s the only thing you can do and then probably snake it from the top so you’re not flooding anything at the bottom when you’re opening things up
that’s when it’s nice to have a Alper with you, not the homeowner because they don’t understand it.
You hardly see toilet water like that coming up through a sink cuz usually it comes up through
your bathtubs and your toilets because they’re lower. So this is a really uh odd situation either they tie a sink into a like a toilet stack usually it would be just coming up and filling in your
bathtub and your shower first and then the toilet this was just a really bad stoppage possibly who knows what they put down that line.
Why Does My Main Sewer Line Keep Clogging Up?
Main sewer line stoppage is a pretty common issue but can result in serious plumbing problems. Several reasons are at play here that can cause this to happen to you repeatedly:
- Tree Root Infiltration: Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, and your sewer line can be an attractive source. With time, roots can penetrate even small cracks in the pipes and grow inside, which leads to stoppages.
- Pipe Damage or Sagging: Older pipes, especially clay or cast iron ones, can crack or sag, which causes the waste to gather in the main line and clog.
- Flushing Wrong Items: Making it a practice to flush non-degradable products like wipes, sanitary pads, paper towels, or grease down the drains solidifies them in the main sewer line and results in major stoppage.
- Excessive Rain or Storms: When it’s running heavy, stormwater can infiltrate the sewer system and may cause it to back up. If your main line has existing issues, it may not be able to handle this increased flow and clog quickly.
What Are the Signs of Main Line Stoppage?
- Fixtures are backing up at the same time, like water backing up in the shower when you flush the toilet.
- Drains and toilets are gurgling because of the air trapped in the clogged pipes.
- Drains in your home are running slow or take a lot of time to empty.
- A bad smell is coming from drains, toilets, or outside near the sewer line.
- The toilet needs frequent plunging to unclog.
- Sewage backing up through the lowest drain like a basement drain.
How Do I Fix the Main Line Stoppage?
The good news is that you can try fixing a main line stoppage before calling a plumber to avoid the labor costs. Let’s go through the steps for this DIY:
1. Stop Using Water
Immediately stop using water on your property because the continued use can worsen the stoppage, cause the sewer to back up, and may result in damage to flooring or other fixtures.
2. Find Sewer Cleanout & Open It
Look for a capped pipe that provides access to the main sewer line, which is usually located outside your home, near the foundation, or in the basement. It’s 3-4 inches in diameter with a screw-on cap and may be labeled “cleanout.”
Now carefully unscrew the cleanout cap using a wrench or your hands (wear gloves). Stand back and open the cap slowly to avoid being splashed by any backed-up sewage.
3. Clear the Stoppage with a Plumbing Snake (Auger)
Insert the snake into the cleanout and push it through the pipe as far as possible. Then, rotate the handle to break up any debris or tree roots. When you feel resistance, work the snake back and forth to dislodge the blockage.
Tip: If the stoppage is severe or far down the line, a powered auger (available for rent) is a good choice for clearing it.
4. Flush the Line with Water
Once you clear the main line stoppage, flush the line with water. You can do this by running a hose down the cleanout or by flushing toilets and running faucets inside your property.
When to Call a Plumber?
If snaking doesn’t fully resolve the blockage or if the line is heavily clogged with grease, sludge, or roots, hydrojetting might be necessary. This involves calling a professional plumber who’ll use high-pressure water to clear the line.
In case this process fails, the plumber will also do a video inspection of your sewer line to check for damage, like cracks, pipe collapse, or root intrusion. If the plumber finds damage, sewer line repairs might include pipe relining, pipe bursting, or traditional excavation and pipe replacement.
If your sewer line is old or frequently clogs, replacing it with modern, durable pipes like PVC might be the best long-term solution.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, guys! Main line stoppage is the gross truth, but understanding it can save you a world of trouble. Remember, prevention is key. Be mindful of what goes down your drains, and don’t hesitate to call in a professional if you can’t find a way to fix the problem yourself.