You may have a problem with your main drain line if several of your water fixtures are backed up.If this is not fixed, it could cause a lot of damage to your home.It's easy to clear a main drain with the right tools and you can save hundreds of dollars.The only things you need are a pipe wrench and a drain cleaner.If you suspect tree roots are the cause of the problem, you should call a professional.
Step 1: Rent a drain cleaner from a store.
To clear a main drain, you'll need a drain cleaner with a 8–4 in cable.A cable length of 100 feet (30 m) is what most large drain cleaners have.An additional deposit is required to rent one of these for a day.
Step 2: There is a clean-out plug on the main drain pipe.
One of the places where the clean-out plug may be located is your main drain pipe.You can find it in your garage, crawl space, basement, or outside.Look for a pipe that's about the thickness of your leg and has a circular plug with a cube shape sticking out of its top.If you don't know what to look for, watch videos online to get an idea.
Step 3: Attach something to the end of your cable.
The bolt at the end of the cable can be removed with an Allen wrench or similar tool.Then, screw the bolt back into place after you slide the bit onto the end of the cable.If you don't know which bit to use, start with the one that looks like a U.Depending on the model of drain cleaner you're using, the specific way to attach a bit will vary.You will get the necessary tools with the drain cleaner you rent.
Step 4: Gloves and eyewear are required for safety.
Put on a pair of heavy-duty work gloves over the latex gloves.The cable of the drain cleaner will help protect your hands and skin from contaminated water.You don't mind getting dirty if you wear old clothes.You should clear the area around the clean-out of anything that can be damaged by water.
Step 5: Slowly open the plug with a pipe wrench.
The wrench has to be fit on the plug.To loosen it, turn the clean-out plug to the left.Stop turning the wrench when you see water leaking from the line.The clean-out plug should be turned a little more when the water starts to slow.Continue until the plug comes off.The pressure in the line will be lessened by opening the clean-out gradually.The water will not gush out of the line.Stand as far back as you can so that you don't get wet or hit by the clean-out plug if it shoots off.
Step 6: The drain-cleaning cable needs to be fed down the drain line.
There will be a lot of water in the pipe.Follow the instructions that come with the specific model you're using, because there are many different models of drain cleaners.It will take some strength to move the cable around and feed it down the drain.Don't strain yourself.The cable can be fed down the drain.If the model you rent is automatic, you need to step on the foot pedal to feed the cable.
Step 7: The cable needs to be moved around to break it up.
Move the cable side to side as you feed it down the drain to help loosen the pipe.The cable should be moved slowly to avoid causing it to kink.This process might take a little while, so be patient and keep going!If the water starts to bubble, it's a sign that you're about to break up the problem.When you hear a loud gurgling sound and see the water coming down from the top of the open drain line, you know you've cleared the drain.
Step 8: Once you clear the obstruction, feed the cable down the drain.
This will allow you to clear out the pipe and prevent the solid material from falling down.Feeding another 20 feet of cable should be enough.If you want to do a thorough job, you can feed the entire length of the snake.
Step 9: Pull the cable out of the drain.
Pull the cable out of the drain with a garden hose.You can clean the cable if you turn the water on all the way.Re-spool the cable after rinsing it off.
Step 10: Pour water down the drain.
Once you've pulled the entire cable out, set your garden hose to its highest pressure setting and direct the water down the pipe.The hose should be run for about 30 seconds.
Step 11: The plug should be replaced.
Attach the plug back onto the clean-out pipe with your pipe wrench.When it's on tightly, turn it to the right.