A blocked or fully blocked sewer line can seriously impact the emergence of homes and businesses. Sewage overflows also has the potential to damage property and pose a dangerous health threat. According to The Relining Company, experts believe immediate action is required when sewer drains become clogged to alleviate major problems. What can be ignored can become costly repairs, cause severe water damage as well as spread harmful bacteria. If you recognize these potential disasters, this guide will offer practical, useful solutions to clearing blocked sewer drains and getting your plumbing working as it should again, preventing these problems from occurring.

Identifying the Cause of Sewer Drain Blockages

To have an effectual solution for a sewer drain blockage it is essential to understand the root cause. Tree roots that move into pipes, build up of grease or debris, or a broken or collapsed pipe. This can be spotted early by regular inspections by professionals. By defining the problem, homeowners and businesses can overcome it and avoid costly repairs past the fact that they would have had to endure if it weren’t cleared.

Emergency Stopgap Measures

Before pursuing permanent drain clearing, temporary measures stop overflows. Covering drains with rubber mats or seals prevents further backups. Pumping water into buckets empties toilets temporarily. Turning off main water valves is critical to stop continued refilling. Stop surges first, ask questions later. Wear proper protective equipment like gloves and masks when handling sewage spills. Soak up any pooled water immediately to minimize flooring damage.

Powerful Hydro Jetting

Specialized hydro jetters delivering high-pressure blasts of water are the gold standard for annihilating serious clogs. Jets scour interior pipe walls with up to 5,000 PSI while vacuum trucks remove liberated debris. Hydro jetting clears years of accumulation. Water blasting eradicates extreme blockages. Inspect drain lines with cameras after jetting to confirm clean results. Professionals should handle large-scale hydro jetting for best outcomes.

Industrial Strength Augers

For sluggish drains, augers offer an affordable clearing solution. Feed rotating auger blades down pipes to snare hair, waste and other debris tangles impeding flow. Controlled auger spinning breaks up minor obstructions. Mechanical augers attack moderate clogs. Carefully secure augers before activating motors to avoid plumbing damage. Augering smaller sinks first may clear connecting main lines.

Heavy Duty Rodding

Lengthy flexible rods fed through pipes provide tremendous manual torque for dislodging stubborn blockages like tree roots and hardened grease. Rod tips feature hooks or blades that grab and shred material when spun and pushed. It’s brute manual force. Rods pummel extreme stoppages. Avoid using rods on delicate or deteriorated pipes due to puncture risks. Rotate rods slowly to prevent cable kinking or tip breakage.

Powerful Enzymes

When used properly, enzyme foaming agents safely liquefy organic materials like soap residue, oils, grease, hair and food waste clogging pipes. Enzymes dissolve gunk without damaging plumbing. Results improve with dwell time. Organic blockages meet their match. Always follow dosage instructions carefully when applying enzyme cleaners.

Acid Treatments

For extreme mineral deposit blockages, sulfamic acid administered by professionals breaks down calcium, lime and rust deposits accumulating in pipes. Acid dissolves built-up scale, restoring flow. Proper PPE is critical when handling acids. Acid defeats stubborn mineral obstructions. Do a final pH test after flushing pipes to neutralize any lingering acid.

Pipe Inspections

Video pipe inspection locates elusive clogs out of sight. Cameras pushed through pipes reveal exact blockage locations and sources so drain techs target clearing techniques for guaranteed fixes rather than guessing. Pinpoint blockages before clearing. Inspection cameras navigate multiple 45 and 90-degree bends effortlessly.

Follow-Up Preventative Maintenance

Once drains are cleared, regular maintenance sustains flow. Quarterly treatments with enzymes prevent future organic blockages. Yearly professional hydro jetting or rodding keeps pipes sediment-free. Keep drains clog-free long-term. Schedule annual drain cleanings to capture issues before major backups. Avoid pouring fats or harsh chemicals down drains that accelerate buildup.

DIY Clearing Blocked Sewer Drain Solution

However, there are a few first DIY attempts that you will be able to try if your sewer drain blockage is not that heavy. In the case of minor clogs, use of a plumber’s snake or hydro jet can unstick them, or pouring a solution of baking soda and vinegar may help break up accumulated grime. Nevertheless, in persistent cases or cases of serious blockage the issue is better to call a specialist in order not to hurt the pipes or make the problem worse.

Conclusion 

Dealing with a backed up sewer drain line tests one’s patience. But utilizing the best-suited solutions for clearing different clog types eliminates messes and health hazards quickly. Consult drain specialists to remedy blockages using the latest methods. Unclogging drains restores peace of mind.