If you’ve got a backup in your home plumbing and you can’t easily identify the source you may have a stoppage in the main sewer line. The clog, whether it’s caused by wadded paper flushed by your kids or a buildup of food wastes from the kitchen can work its way to the main sewer line and then stop.
What to do?
Well, if you are unsure of the source you may be tempted to start pouring all kinds of harsh chemicals into every drain you can think of, but this is likely to be counter-productive and potentially dangerous to the health of your family. If something is affecting the whole house it could be that the main line needs a bit of help. There are some things you can try yourself or you may require the services of a professional.
The first thing is to locate a clean-out, which can either be outside the home or in the basement or crawl-space. The clean-out will have a threaded cap, which will match the pipe, either metal or PVC, depending on your construction. You may also have multiple clean-outs in the lateral line depending, again, on construction and the distance to the municipal hook-up.
You’ll have to run a drain snake into the clean-out and hope you find the blockage. Then, work the snake until the blockage seems to clear, and then run water from the home into the line. It’s best to flush the system from the top or farthest line from the main. The clogged material should wash into larger city lines. If in doubt, it is always best to call for your friendly sewer professional.
