If you are a homeowner facing issues with the main sewer line, you are not alone. A blocked drain in Geelong or the main sewer line is a menace and can be highly problematic for homeowners. They are smelly and frustrating and must be attended to immediately. For those looking for quick and easy solutions to deal with such menace, you have landed on the right page. In this blog, we’ll discuss ways to fix your drain line to make it free-flowing again.

What are the signs of a Sewer Line Clog?

Any professional drain contractor must address issues of wastewater, and the way they can do so is if you contact them on time to fix your plumbing problems. For this, one must be able to identify blocked drains in Geelong, and there are various ways to achieve the same. Have you noticed a foul-smelling odour from your sink, bathtub, toilet, or shower? The foul smell is a possible sign of your sewer line clogging.
Sewer systems blockages can cause drains to malfunction as they are connected to the municipal septic tank. In such cases, the toilet water level may fluctuate, and the drains connected to the septic tank may gurgle upon flushing the toilet. Such instances are another sign of sewer line blockages.

Why does Your Sewer Drain Get Blocked?

Sewer drains could get blocked for multiple reasons, and one can work towards unclogging the same, but it could lead to more severe plumbing issues. Therefore, one must consult a professional plumber in Geelong to inspect their drainage system and for cleaning. The following are some of the possible causes of sewer clogging:

• Extreme Faucet Damage: A damaged or broken sewer line won’t function properly and could even burst if exposed to high traffic or heavy construction equipment. Such incidents cause extreme faucet damage and may require immediate attention.
• Slacky Sewer Lines: With changes in soil, sewer lines can become slack and clogged with paper or other waste materials.
   
• Root Infiltration: If you have an older mainline sewer, root infiltration could occur from porous materials like trees, clays or roots of shrubs. Root infiltration is the process by which the roots can grow and cause severe sewer line damage and blockages.

Steps To Unclog The Main Sewer Line

Step 1: Identifying the Clog

Before unclogging the main sewer line, you need to first figure out the cause of the blockage. Tree roots are the most common culprits of blocked main sewer lines. Other foreign objects or garbage, and fat or grease buildup. If the clogging has occurred due to tree roots, one must call a plumber for assistance, as removing these clogs can be tricky and even expensive. The following steps describe some of how you can work towards unclogging the main sewer line.

Step 2: Clearing the Clog With a Plunger

You can use a plunger to try and dislodge the drain clog. To begin the process, you can fill up your bathtub or sink with water sufficient to cover the plunger cup over the opening of the drain. You can then use the plunger to slowly push and pull it in up and down motion several times to sharply pull out the clog from the drain.

Step 3: Using an Auger or a Snake

You can also use an auger or snake if the clog is more stubborn and doesn't do the trick. An auger is a long, curved metal cable with a wooden handle fed into the faucet till it reaches the clog. Once it reaches the clog, you can simply turn the curved rod with the handle to clear the debris completely. Alternatively, if you are unable to use an auger, you could try using baking soda and vinegar instead. You can simply mix the two products in equal parts and pour them down the drain. Let it rest for 15 minutes, and rinse with hot water to wash away the clog.

Preventing Future Sewer Line Clogs

To prevent future clogs in sewer lines, you can contact a blocked toilet specialist in Geelong, who can inspect the clogs better and provide long-term solutions. However, you can follow the steps mentioned below to avoid causing any clogging in future:

Removing Old Trees that Could Break the Main Line

Cutting down or removing old trees that may prevent tree roots from causing extreme damage to your sewer lines. One may also consider removing older trees within proximity to avoid any future clogs. Old trees have bigger roots and can interfere with the sewer line system and block water flow.

Using Enzyme Cleaners Periodically

One can use enzyme cleaners periodically to clean sewer lines regularly and prevent drain blockages. Enzyme cleaners are safe to use and don’t contain harmful chemicals. They are crucial for the sewer lines to be regularly inspected by a professional plumber.

Keeping Plants At a Distance From Your Main Drain

One can keep their plants away from the sewer lines to avoid roots from infiltrating the sewer lines. Roots of trees, plants or shrubs can cause pipe damage, making maintenance more difficult.

Be Careful with the Toiletries

You can use a wastebasket in the toilet to dispose of sanitary products such as tampons, which can block drains. Therefore, only water and human waste must be flushed down the toilet to avoid drain clogging.

Replacing Clay Pipes & Old Sewer Lines

You can replace lead or clay pipes in your old buildings to prevent sewer drain clogging. A professional plumber may immediately repair the sewer lines to ensure your plumbing system is functioning at its best.

Conclusion:

With this detailed guide, homeowners no longer have to worry about clogged drains. They can unclog the main sewer line safely and quickly without any professional assistance by following the above steps. However, they must remember not to use excessive force to avoid plunging or cranking any tool. If you face any sudden plumbing crisis that needs immediate attention, contact a 24/7 emergency plumber today!