You can also replace the water in your toilet tank with hot water, then flush it. Do this once a week as a preventative measure if you want to avoid fully clogged pipes.
A house’s main water valve is often located in the basement or on an exterior wall. If you aren’t sure where it is, look for the water meter, which is often in the front yard under a cement or iron lid. Lift the lid to find the meter and look for the main water valve, which should be close by.
Sewer cleanouts might also be in a garage or basement. Look for a piece of pipe that’s about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter and that usually has a cap with a square knob or indentation.
If any wastewater gets on you, wash and sanitize the area immediately with soap and hot water. If you notice any symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea after you had contact with sewer water, contact your doctor or urgent care.
You can rent a sewer jetter attachment from most hardware stores if you don’t want to buy your own. There are longer and shorter hoses available, depending on the length of your line.
The further you can insert the nozzle down the drain, the better.
If the hose hits a pipe tee or an elbow, pull the attachment up slightly, then attempt to thread it through again. Wiggle it around until it continues down the pipe. Pulsing your finger on the trigger can also help propel the hose through the line.
Step away from the cleanout opening when you hear the clog burst. There’s a good chance some wastewater might splash out.
To clean the sewer jetter attachment, use the gentle setting on your power washer to spray it off. Wipe down the power washer with soap and warm water to sanitize it before putting it away. Return the sewer jetter to the store if you rented it. If you bought it, store the attachment somewhere out of reach of kids and pets. Don’t forget to close up the sewer cleanout opening when you’re finished.
The baking soda and vinegar will start reacting and fizzing immediately. Pour it into the pipe as quickly as possible. You can use any type of vinegar. However, white vinegar is the most commonly used.
For an extra strong cleaner, combine 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part baking soda before pouring it into the sewer line. Wear gloves and protective glasses when you’re using hydrogen peroxide. It is very harsh on your skin and should never come in contact with your mouth or eyes.
Always wear protective eyewear and gloves when handling harsh chemicals. If any of the substance gets on you, it could irritate or burn your skin. Never mix chemical cleaners together or use more than 1 kind on your drain. It could cause a reaction.
