Clogged Sewer
When drainage problems are noted at several or all fixtures in the house, the obstruction is most likely a clogged sewer, rather than at individual fixtures. Blockage in a sewer line may be caused by collected waste or foreign matter at some point in the underground pipe or by surrounding tree roots that have taken over. Roots will enter fine cracks in certain pipe materials and continue to grow inside the pipe until they form an almost solid mass. This can take place at a single point, or along a great length of an older pipe.
- Start at the basement cleanout plug, placing a bucket below the plug. Use a wrench to loosen the plug, just enough to allow water to flow out into the bucket. When all has drained out remove the plug.
- Remove the nozzle from your garden hose. Without turning on the water, work the hose into the cleanout opening until it reaches the obstruction. Stuff rags into the opening around the hose so that it is tightly sealed. Have a helper slowly turn on the water as you hold the hose tightly against the stoppage. As the obstruction begins to give way, increase the water pressure until it clears. If there is no movement, turn off the water and remove the hose.
- Try turning a drain auger into the drain opening until it hits the obstruction; turn the handle and work the auger back and forth until the blockage is cleared. Run the hose into the drain to wash away the debris.
- If the problem persists, it is likely that tree roots have penetrated the sewer line. You may want to call in professionals to handle the problem. Or you can rent an electric auger fitted with sharp blades for cutting through roots. Follow dealer’s instructions for use of such a machine. When the stoppage has been cleared, use the hose to rinse out the drain before replacing the cleanout plug.
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Tags: clogged sewer, electric auger