Can a drain auger clear a clog in a main sewer line?
I have a pretty solid clog in my main sewer line. If I flush the toilet, it comes out of the drain in the garage floor. Likewise with every other drain in the house. I have dumped bleach and (later) enzymes down my drains, but don't hold much hope that they will work. A friend has a nifty drain auger called a Ridgid auto-spin that has a cable only 1/4" and is designed for drain pipes up to 1 1/2". If I stick this down my garage floor drain (the closest to the city sewer connection), will it help or will it just tie itself in knots in a 4" line? This is not a root problem. No trees anywhere near. I figure the clog is just buildup and paper. I would like to use this little machine because it has sleeves around the cable that keep it from splashing. I am fairly certain it is long enough (30') to get to the main sewer.
Public Comments
- You can try the auger, the odds are that it will tie it's self in knots. If it doesn't work you can go and rent a bigger auger. They come with different blades and will be better than the 1/4" the reason why is that if it the 4" line is clogged and you open it up with a 1/2 hole. It won't be long and you will be doing it again. Depending on how old the line is it may be collapsed.
- Yes, get a good auger with a cutter blade. Roots love to infiltrate plumbing,it"s worth a try and make sure you"ve got some good leather gloves when doing it. Forget the draino at this point. Good Luck
- I would not use it . When it ties itself in knots you will have to replace his cable. It is far too small to run into a main. Most company's only charge about $45.00 to just run the main. It would be far cheaper than doing it your self. Renting an auger is an option. Having it done by a pro he can change the blades on the auger to make sure he has the right one. Most places guarantee their work. So if it happens again they will do it for free.
