When you have a clogged toilet, it can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience. A clogged toilet can cause water to overflow onto your bathroom floor, create an unpleasant odor, and make it difficult to use the bathroom.
If you have tried using a plunger and it hasn’t worked, the clog may be in the main sewer line. With Dean Owens of Plumber Warragul, we will discuss how to unclog a toilet main line and get your plumbing back to normal.
Unclogging a main sewer line can be a more complicated process than unclogging a toilet. The main sewer line is the large pipe that runs from your home to the municipal sewer system.
A clog in the main sewer line can cause multiple drains in your home to back up, including your toilet. If you suspect that the clog is in the main sewer line, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage to your plumbing.
In the following sections, we will discuss some steps you can take to unclog a toilet main line and restore your plumbing to working order.
Identifying the Problem
Signs of a Clogged Main Line
If you’re experiencing slow drains or backups in multiple fixtures, it’s likely that you have a clogged main line. Other signs of a clogged sewer line include gurgling sounds coming from the toilet, foul odors, and water backing up into the shower or bathtub when you flush the toilet.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action to prevent further damage.
Common Causes of Blockages
There are several common causes of blockages in the main drain line. Tree roots are a common culprit, as they can grow into the pipes and cause blockages.
Other causes include flushing inappropriate items down the toilet, such as cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, and baby wipes. Grease, food particles, and hair can also contribute to blockages in the main drain line.
To avoid blockages in the main drain line, it’s important to be mindful of what you flush down the toilet and pour down the drain.
Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper, and dispose of grease and food particles in the trash. If you suspect that tree roots are causing the blockage, it’s important to contact a professional plumber to assess the situation.
Clearing the Main Line
If you have tried to unclog your toilet with a plunger and it hasn’t worked, the problem may lie in the main line. A clogged main line can cause backups and other plumbing issues.
Fortunately, there are several ways to clear the main line yourself without having to call a plumber.
Initial Steps and Precautions
Before attempting to unclog the main line, there are a few initial steps and precautions you should take.
First, turn off the water supply to the toilet to prevent any further backups. It is also important to wear rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from any harsh chemicals or sewage.
Next, locate the sewer cleanout. This is usually a small white pipe that sticks a few inches out of the ground and is often located near a flower bed.
Use a pipe wrench to loosen the cleanout cap and remove any debris or blockages that are visible.
Manual Unclogging Techniques
If the initial steps do not work, you can try using a drain snake or an auger to manually unclog the main line.
Insert the snake or auger into the cleanout opening and slowly feed it into the pipe until you feel resistance. Turn the handle clockwise to break up any blockages and then pull out the snake or auger.
You can also try using a wire hanger or a towel to manually remove any visible blockages.
Straighten the hanger or wrap the towel around it and insert it into the cleanout opening. Use a twisting motion to break up any blockages and then remove the hanger or towel.
Chemical and Natural Solutions
If manual unclogging techniques do not work, you can try using chemical or natural solutions to clear the main line.
Pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain can help break up any blockages. You can also try pouring hot water, salt, or dish soap down the drain to help dissolve any clogs.
However, it is important to note that using harsh chemicals or chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes and should only be used as a last resort. Additionally, baby wipes and other household items should never be flushed down the toilet as they can contribute to clogs in the main line.
Professional Intervention
If none of the above methods work, it may be time to call a professional plumber like Plumber Warragul.
They can use a sewer snake or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any stubborn blockages. They can also perform a professional cleanout and inspect your sewer line for any broken pipes or other issues that may be causing the clog.
Preventing main line clogs is important. This can be achieved through regular maintenance such as flushing your pipes with hot water and avoiding flushing non-flushable items down the toilet.
If you do experience a clog, however, following these instructions can help you clear it yourself and avoid an expensive emergency plumber call-out.