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How Can I Unclog My Main Drain Line?

Image of Amanda Triolo - CEO of Grasshopper
Amanda Triolo, CEO of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling
Published June 10, 2024

Your main sewer line connects to numerous household drains. As hot water collects around your ankles while you shower, you ponder to yourself, “How can I unclog my main drain line?” Allowing the clogged sewer line to fester is not optional.

Grasshopper Heating & Cooling understands the frustrations that come with slow drains, nasty smells, and stubborn blockages. Our advice might help you prevent future sewer line clogs and take action when they cause problems.

Why Clogs Form in the Main Sewer Line

You can’t unclog the main sewer line without figuring out the problem first. A main sewer line clog can develop for myriad reasons, including:

  • Tree roots: A tree’s root system naturally gravitates toward running water sources. Sometimes, the roots infiltrate the municipal sewer system, blocking the lines.
  • Sagging sewer lines: An older main sewer drain may need replacement. As it ages, the materials sag beneath the dirt, creating a divot that prevents water from freely flowing.
  • Mineral buildup: Does your municipal water supply have a high mineral content? Minerals might stick to the main line, creating a stubborn clog that requires professional attention.
  • Broken pipes: A broken pipe in a sewer line allows organic material to seep into the system. Dirt, roots, and rocks can form a stubborn blockage.
  • Improper waste disposal: If you rinse materials besides toilet paper, water, and dissolved soap down your bathroom or kitchen sink drain, you could inadvertently contribute to a clogged main sewer line. This can be especially problematic if you rely on a septic tank.

Often, a professional plumber has to inspect and diagnose the cause of your blocked sewer line. Once the plumber finds the issue, you might ask them, “How can I unclog my main drain line?”

How Can I Unclog My Main Drain Line?

Their recommendations will likely include hydrojetting. Clogged sewer lines often contain tough, compacted, or sticky debris. The average drain cleaner won’t do much to dissolve the blockage.

Hydrojets shoot forceful streams of water at high speeds and pressures to loosen debris and unclog a main sewer line. If your plumbing fixtures can’t drain properly because of a damaged or infiltrated main sewer pipe, your plumber might suggest sealing or replacing the drain pipes altogether.

Finally, they may use a professional plumbing snake or auger to access and remove a nearby sewer clog. The chosen remedy to unclog the main sewer line ultimately depends on:

  • The clog’s location.
  • The clog material.
  • Whether the main sewer line sustained damage.

Preventing Blocked Sewer Lines

An adage says that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can protect your sewer line or septic system from blockages with a few drain cleaning habits.

Limit Materials That Go Down the Drain Lines

As mentioned above, only toilet paper, water, and dissolved soap should enter your drains. Cover your fixture drains with protective grates or nets. These tools catch large debris that might otherwise escape into your drainage system.

You can also use a drain snake to pull out hair and other substances that escape into tub drains. Alternatively, pour a drain-cleaning solution of baking soda and vinegar into the clogged fixture to dissolve and push out blockages.

Don’t Overwhelm Your Sewer System

If you have multiple bathrooms and household occupants, discuss not flushing toilets at once. Too many flushes at one time can overwhelm the septic or sewer system. Additionally, limit the amount of toilet paper flushed at a time to prevent an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Maintain Your Plumbing System and Sewer Pipes

Don’t forget those annual inspections from professional plumbers. While drain snakes, baking soda and vinegar concoctions, and routine care are fantastic preventative measures, clogs form regardless of your habits. Your plumber can inspect the network and alert you to developing concerns.

Contact Grasshopper Heating & Cooling About Your Clogged Drain Concerns

Wondering, “How can I unclog my main drain line?” Call 518-545-3271 to schedule routine or emergency drain cleaning services in Clifton Park, Albany, and the surrounding areas from Grasshopper Heating & Cooling. Your favorite HVAC company also tackles plumbing issues!


Image of Amanda Triolo - CEO of Grasshopper
Amanda Triolo
Amanda Triolo is the CEO of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, a rapidly growing HVAC company based in Albany, New York. She leads by focusing on creating opportunities that positively impact both employees and customers.

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