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If you have a clogged main sewer pipe that is not manageable by more conventional methods, drain snaking is a great way to clear it up. Sometimes plunging or drain cleaners are not going to do the job because the pipe is blocked up. When snaking a sewer line, you are removing hair, soap, and any other blockages that are causing you problems.
However, it can be rather difficult to do. Snaking a sewer line can be a messy and makes quite a bit of noise when it is working. But the benefits are obvious, you can enjoy the complete clearing of your pipes
How to remove the clog
If you want to unclog drains of main sewer pipes, you will need to utilize the professional techniques of snaking a sewer line. You can rent a sewer drain snake for the day if you want to try to clear it yourself. Again, keep in mind that this is not an easy task. In this particular situation, you may be better off just calling the professionals.
The steps
If you do want to learn professional techniques of snaking a sewer line, this is how you do it.
- Find the main line clean out and remove the cap. If you have standing water, run the machine toward the street. If you have no standing water (and you have stopped toilets) run the cable towards the home.
- The drain snake goes as close to the clean out as possible. This ensures that you are not entangled. To be safe, make sure that you have as little slack on the cable as possible.
- Wear leather gloves that are not caught on the machine when the machine turns. If you are renting the snake, it is best to ask the rental service what gloves to use.
- Pull the head of the cable out and put it into the clean out. Before you turn on the machine, make sure that you enter a few feet of cable into the pipe.
- Both hands go on the cable, shoulder width apart. It is important to hold onto the cable tightly because letting go may cause an injury.
- Make sure that the machine is in the right position and then proceed to turn it on. While holding the cable steady, feed the snake into the drain. If you hit a tough clog, you have to be ready to turn off the machine quickly.
- If you reach a tough clog, ease the cable back a bit. Then proceed to feed the cable forward again until you encounter resistance.
- Move the snake back and forth several times to be sure that you clear the clog. Once that is cleared, make sure to advance another 10 to 15 feet in the drain to make sure that there is not another clog waiting for you.
- After this, pull the cable back up through the pipe. Make sure to check if the tub drains and toilets are running well before you close the clean out. Before you return the machine, flush the toilet repeatedly to ensure that the issue is truly resolved
Now you know how to unclog drains of main sewer pipes. Remember that if you are unsure about anything, it is best to call in the professionals before you do damage to yourself or your sewer.
Give us a call today: 416 663 4777 for a free upfront estimate!
