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How to Unclog a Sewer Line with Chemicals

how to unclog a sewer line with chemicals

Having an issue with the plumbing in your home can be frustrating. If water doesn't drain through your pipes the way it's supposed to, it can cause all sorts of problems with your sewer line and sewage system. Having a blockage in your sewer pipe can be extremely inconvenient.

If water doesn't flow the way it's supposed to, it can mean that there's a problem with your sewer lines or plumbing system.

Chemicals are one of the best types of drain cleaner because they don't rely on tools you may not have handy but are still incredibly effective at treating the problem.

What Causes a Sewer Line Block?

You might need drain cleaner if you have a block in your sewer line.

A sewer line block can be caused by a build-up of foreign objects like toilet paper, coffee grounds, hair, grease, or any other item that goes down a drain like garbage disposal, a toilet, a washing machine, or a shower drain.

Tree roots can also grow through sewer pipes and cause a huge problem with the plumbing.

If you see a sign that one of these is why one of your fixtures doesn't drain, this could be a sign of damage to your sewer line.

How Can I Tell If I Have a Sewer Line Clog?

The best way to tell if you have a problem with your sewage system is if the liquid starts running back through your pipes after trying to flush it away.

If there is an issue with your sewage system, you may hear it gurgling in your pipes.

One way to tell if there is a problem is to listen to see if your toilet bubbles as another drain empties. The bubbling or gurgling noise could indicate a blockage.

How Do You Clear a Main Line Block?

To clear a block in the main sewer line and stop it from wreaking havoc on your plumbing system, there are a few ways to unclog the pipe.

You could try chemical cleaners specially designed for these kinds of blocks, or you could try some of the many different tools available to you that are also designed specifically for this task.

One way to also do it would be to call a plumbing professional like the ones at 24H Plumbing Pros and let them handle the problem for you.

How Do You Unclog a Main Sewer Line Without a Snake?

If you have a clog in your main sewer line but no drain snaking tool on hand, you can try a chemical drain cleaner, flushing the clogged drain with hot water or using a force ball plunger, which is different from a regular plunger because it allows you to get a better seal around the drain to force the obstruction away.

If all else fails, get in touch with a plumber.

How Do You Stop a Sewer Line from Clogging?

Keep the drains in your shower and toilet clear by keeping those two plumbing fixtures clean and not putting anything down the pipes they can't handle. Preventive care is the best care in this case.

DIY Methods

Now you need to know how to unclog a sewer line with chemicals. There is more than a single method to achieve this, and we have provided tips on which chemicals work best as well as how to use them.

Most of these items can be found in hardware stores, like a chemical cleaner, or your local grocery store, like baking soda.

TO treat the problem, you need to apply these directly to the drain in your tub or toilet, even if the toilet bowl still has water in it when you begin.

Most of these methods are easy enough for anyone who owns a home to perform, but if the problem is still beyond your skill to fix, there is always the option to call a professional

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This is a go-to method for any drain blockages in your home.

Mix one part vinegar with one part baking soda. Once this mixture starts to fizz, pour it down the drain immediately.

For the best results, let this sit in the drain overnight before using a plunger to break up the obstruction and then flushing it with hot water.

If this does not get rid of the block the first time, don't give up. You can do this as many times as you need to for it to work.

If there is some progress made each time, you can keep repeating. If there is no visible progress after a few repetitions, this may not be the method that is going to work.

Boiling Water

This should be the first thing you try before resorting to any kind of chemical since this method is simple yet often extremely effective.

Before beginning, make sure your pipes aren't made of PVC since boiling water can damage those.

If your pipes are made of some kind of copper sulfate or cast iron, this method should be just fine to use. If you have PVC pipes, hot water should be fine.

Take your hot or boiling water and pour it directly down the drain. If the obstruction is as simple as a soap or hair build-up, the water should help break that up and help it move along.

Use a plunger to apply high pressure to the obstruction and force it the rest of the way along the pipe.

If you see progress with this method, you can repeat the process until the clog is completely gone.

Sodium Hydroxide

This method requires some safety materials like rubber gloves and eye protection, so please be careful when using it.

Sodium hydroxide is strong enough to dissolve organic materials like hair and grease. This is an extremely effective chemical, but make sure you read all the safety instructions with it before attempting to use it.

Mix it with water to dilute it and pour the mixture directly down the drain.

For the best results, let this sit in the pipes overnight and then use a plunger and flush with hot water in the morning.

What to Do If You Can't Clear the Drain Pipe on Your Own

If you can't get rid of the blockage using the methods above, it's time to call a plumber. A plumber can clear a pipe using their vast knowledge and expertise of drains and drain problems, plumbing issues, your sewage system, and the things that can clog them.

Contact Us

The one plumbing service for all homeowners to get excited about is 24H Plumbing Pros.

We can help with more issues than just a sewer cleanout line.

We can also be the service for you if you have a clogged or slow kitchen sink, a broken or leaking garbage disposal, a damaged water heater, a new water heater any trouble with your toilets, tub, bathroom sink, kitchen sink, shower, or anything else in your home that is attached to pipes.

If your sink or toilet is running slow because of a blocked pipe, we can help get that pipe cleaner than it has ever been before.

All you have to do is call us and tell us your story. It doesn't matter if it's hair causing the clog in your shower drains or sewage system; we can clear the obstruction and have your water flowing like normal again in no time.

We cap our job with incredible customer service and friendly technicians!

Contact our emergency plumbers at 866-300-5058! We are here for you around the clock.

About The Author:

Scott Reyes, our proficient Managing Editor and a true plumbing aficionado with over 10 years of dedicated expertise. With an in-depth understanding of the plumbing industry, Scott is your go-to source for all things plumbing-related. His wealth of experience ensures that our content is not only informative but also a reliable resource for your plumbing needs. Dive into Scott's articles to tap into his extensive knowledge and insights.
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