How Do I Clear The Main Drain Line In My House?

We’ve all been there—you’re taking a shower, and suddenly, the water pools around your feet, making the showering…

Aug 03, 2024

We’ve all been there—you’re taking a shower, and suddenly, the water pools around your feet, making the showering experience unpleasant. Or you flush the toilet, and the water rises up the bowl instead of draining away. There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with a clogged main drain line.

When you encounter a clogged main drain line, you may ask yourself if you need to call a professional plumber or clear the clog yourself. If you’re handy and have good DIY skills, you can clear a main drain line clog on your own. Here at Acknowledge Plumbing, we take pride in providing reliable drain cleaning and water leak repair services in the areas we serve. In this article, we’ll outline the steps to follow to clear a clogged main drain line.

Step 1: Remove the Clean-Out Plug

The first step in clearing a main drain line is to locate the clean-out plug. This is typically a large, round cap found in your basement, crawlspace, or garage. Once you've found it, place a bucket nearby to catch the wastewater that will drain out when you remove the plug.

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Step 2: Feed the Auger Cable into the Drain Pipe

To access the drain line, you'll need to remove the clean-out plug. Use a wrench to carefully loosen and remove the cap. Be prepared for wastewater to drain out as soon as you remove the plug.

Step 3: Run the Auger Until the Clog Is Clear

Insert the plumbing snake, or auger, into the drain pipe. The snake is a long, flexible cable with a corkscrew-like tip designed to break up clogs. Feed the cable into the pipe, turning the handle as you go.

Step 4: Hose down The Drain Pipe

Once you feel resistance from the clog, continue feeding the snake into the pipe until you break through the obstruction. You may need to turn the handle back and forth to effectively break up the clog.

Step 5: Slowly Pull the Auger Out Of the Drain Pipe

After breaking up the clog, continue feeding the snake into the pipe to ensure the entire blockage is cleared. Once you believe the clog is removed, flush the line with water to clear away debris.

Step 6: Replace the Clean-Out Plug

With the drain line clear, carefully tighten the clean-out plug securely to prevent leaks.

If the drain line is still clogged after following these steps, call Acknowledge Plumbing for professional drain cleaning.

Why Choose Acknowledge Plumbing

Acknowledge Plumbing is your trusted plumbing company for clogged drain line repair. We understand the frustration that comes with a clogged main drain line, and our team of highly trained and experienced plumbers is here to help you restore your plumbing to normalcy. We are equipped with cutting-edge drain cleaning equipment, including motorized drain augers and hydro-jetting machines, to clear even the most stubborn drain clogs caused by mineral buildup and intruding tree roots. When you’re in need of professional drain cleaning, pick up your phone and contact Acknowledge Plumbing. In addition to cleaning drains, we offer professional leak detection services to help homeowners save water and prevent water damage.

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