Troubleshooting Tips
Troubleshooting Tips | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Guild
Ever had every drain in the house gurgle at once, or discovered a suspicious pool forming in the yard? Those red-flag moments usually trace back to the heart of the plumbing system—the main sewer line. On this page you’ll find quick, no-nonsense guidance from HEP’s master plumbers, showing you how to spot warning signs early, run a couple of safe DIY checks, and decide when it’s time to pick up the phone instead of the pipe wrench.
Because main line issues can escalate fast, we break down the most common culprits—tree-root invasion, foreign objects, pipe bellies, and age-related collapse—along with practical prevention tips that don’t require a toolbox the size of a van. Follow our step-by-step troubleshooting flow, learn which inexpensive gadgets can save you a weekend of stress, and gain the confidence to keep your entire plumbing network flowing the way it should.
FAQs
How can I tell if the main sewer line is clogged rather than just a single fixture?
The most reliable indicator is when more than one plumbing fixture backs up at the same time—typically the lowest drains in the home such as a basement shower, floor drain, or first-floor toilet. You may also hear gurgling in nearby drains when another fixture is used, notice water bubbling in the toilet when you run a sink, or see sewage coming up through a tub or shower drain. If you remove the main clean-out cap and water immediately spills out, the blockage is almost certainly in the main line.
What should I try first when my main drain suddenly backs up?
1. Stop all water use to prevent further flooding. 2. Locate the main clean-out (usually a 3–4" capped pipe just outside the foundation or in the basement). Loosen the cap slowly to relieve built-up pressure—wear gloves and eye protection. 3. If water gushes out, allow it to drain down. 4. Run a heavy-duty drum-style auger (½" cable, at least 50 ft) through the clean-out; spin the cable until resistance is cleared. 5. Flush with a garden hose to push debris to the city main. If the cable stops short, binds, or retrieves roots/foreign material, plan for a camera inspection or professional jetting.
Can tree roots really damage my main line, and how do I confirm that they’re the cause of my clog?
Yes. Roots seek moisture and readily enter small pipe joints or cracks. Inside the pipe they expand and trap toilet paper, grease, and solids, causing slow drains or total blockages. Telltale signs are fibrous strands on an auger tip, repeated stoppages after heavy rain, or lush patches of grass over the pipe path. The only conclusive test is a video camera inspection: a small waterproof camera is sent down the clean-out to visually confirm root intrusion, pipe cracks, or offsets. If roots are present, options include mechanical root cutting, hydro-jetting, foaming root killers, or (for severe infiltration) spot repair or full pipe replacement with PVC and root barriers.
Why does my main line keep clogging even after I snake it?
Snaking usually pokes a hole through the blockage but may not remove grease, sludge, roots, or scale coating the pipe walls. If the line has low spots (bellies), misaligned joints, or deteriorated cast-iron, debris quickly re-accumulates. Grease and ‘flushable’ wipes can also plaster the pipe after snaking. A high-pressure hydro-jetter scours the full diameter of the pipe, providing longer-lasting results. If clogs return within weeks, schedule a camera inspection—persistent stoppages often reveal structural defects that require sectional repair or complete replacement.
When should I stop troubleshooting myself and call a licensed plumber?
• If sewage is backing up into the home and you cannot clear the line within 30–60 minutes. • When you have to snake the main more than twice in a 12-month period. • If your auger cable gets stuck, you hit an unmovable obstruction, or the clog is beyond 75 ft (most homeowner machines top out at 50 ft). • When you suspect pipe collapse, root intrusion, or hear soil ‘crunching’ sounds while snaking. • If the property’s plumbing is older than 25–30 years and you’ve never had a camera inspection. A professional has the equipment to diagnose, jet, and make permanent repairs before extensive water damage or health hazards occur.
What preventative maintenance can keep the main sewer line clear?
• Never flush wipes, dental floss, feminine products, or paper towels—only human waste and toilet paper. • Cool cooking grease in a container and trash it; grease solidifies in the pipe and traps debris. • Run hot water for 30 seconds after each sink use and monthly pour a kettle of boiling water into the kitchen drain. • If you have trees near the sewer lateral, apply a foaming root inhibitor every 6–12 months or schedule annual hydro-jetting/root cutting. • Install a backwater valve to prevent city main surcharges from flooding the house. • Schedule a camera inspection every 3–5 years—or sooner if you notice slower drains—to catch minor issues before they become expensive emergencies.