Despite the labeling, most wipes do not break down like toilet paper. They snag on pipe imperfections and create "fatbergs."

Then, the machine lurched forward. Lennox fed it faster. "We’re past the blockage. Now we pull back to tear it up."

A persistent smell of raw sewage around your drains or in your yard is a major red flag. What Causes Sewer Pipes to Block?

"Mr. Penhaligon?" Lennox asked, his voice a deep rumble.

The water level hadn't dropped.

Avoid harsh caustic chemicals (like lye) for main sewer lines. They can damage your pipes and are often ineffective against large clogs deep in the system. When to Call a Professional

"Hello, I'm requesting assistance with unblocking a sewer pipe at my property. The pipe is located [insert location] and I'm available for the plumber to visit [insert time]. Can you please send someone to help me with this issue?"

Running the washing machine shouldn’t cause water to rise in your basement floor drain or shower. If it does, you have a sewer clog.

He went to the garage and retrieved "The Snake"—a twenty-five-foot hand-crank drain auger he had owned for a decade but never used. He returned to the bathroom, rolled up his sleeves, and inserted the flexible steel coil into the toilet's throat.

The most common cause. Roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients in sewer pipes. They enter through tiny cracks and grow into massive "root balls" that trap debris.

For slow-moving drains caused by organic buildup, enzymatic cleaners can help.