However, clearing a main sewer line is vastly different from clearing a simple sink trap. Because sewer lines are the "main artery" of a home's plumbing, it is important to choose methods that are safe for the pipes, the environment, and the person performing the maintenance. 1. Identify the Cause of the Blockage
Not all drain cleaners are created equal. The supermarket aisle is a minefield of different chemistry. Here are the three main contenders: how to unclog a sewer line with chemicals
If there is standing water in the toilet or tub, bail it out with a bucket. Chemicals are heavier than water, but if the water is deep, the chemical will dilute before it reaches the clog, rendering it useless and leaving you with a tub full of toxic waste. However, clearing a main sewer line is vastly
Before you rent a heavy-duty snake or call a plumber who charges by the hour, you might be tempted to go the chemical route. It is the "easy button" of plumbing—but it is also the most hazardous. Identify the Cause of the Blockage Not all
Chemical sewer cleaners are dangerous. You are working with a large volume of caustic liquid.
Open windows. Turn on bathroom fans. Chemical fumes are lighter than air and will rise; you do not want to be huffing lye or sulfuric acid vapors. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses. If you have a respirator mask, wear it.