I think the main drainage line is backed up. Can I use Liquid Plumber

[Maraya1969]

on several drains throughout the house to see if that could solve the problem?

It started when many loads of laundry, with tons of cat and dog hair, were being done. This is way more than I used to do by myself before I rented out the little Mother in law part of my house.


Anyway, stuff is backing up into my shower and now hers. And the toilets are getting backed too. We've been able to unclog them and as long as you don't use the washing machine.....so far......things seem to be OK.

I was thinking of getting several bottles of Liquid Plumber or whatever and putting them down several drains at a time, (sink next to washer which I forgot about and the other 2 showers, the kitchen sink and both bathroom sinks) and seeing if that would reach the main drain and dislodge things. Maybe repeating this several times.

My house is small.

I read about the prices to get the main drain snaked and I am afraid!!!

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[TEB]

1. That would be first option

Liquid plumber hope it works

[democratisphere]

2. Forget the liquid plumber.

Call a plumber with a motor powered snake to clear the main from the house to the street. You could also rent a machine from Home Depot if you are a do it yourselfer.

[Maraya1969]

4. That is a very expensive service and the reason I want to try it a different way first.

[democratisphere]

6. Call around and see if you can find a plumber that is more reasonable.

A lot of harsh chemicals in a plugged line can create a difficult work environment. I think you will need to get a sewer machine. Home Depot has a variety of snake equipment to purchase or rent. Look online for instructions on how to use a sewer machine. YouTube has great videos on how to do it yourself.

[Auggie]

10. A plumber is the best and quickest fix

I gave up on chemicals long ago.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

12. If you do, don't use one of those national chain companies. They are rip offs.

Find a local plumber. Depending on where you are, it shouldn’t be more than a couple hundred bucks.

If you use chemicals the plumber won’t be happy with you as they don’t want caustic chemicals on their equipment and/or hands.

[Soxfan58]

3. I think you might need the solid variety

Are you septic or on a sewer line. If you have a septic tank it sounds like it may be your drainage field (big bucks). If you are on a sewer line, you could rent a snake and do it yourself if its your line. Or call the town if its their problem. Good luck thats a real inconvenient problem.

[Maraya1969]

5. I actually don't know if I am septic or city. I always thought I was city but there is a thing

in the front yard that is a round concrete flat stone that could be the top of a septic system.

Also the water company started sending me information about buying coverage in case something bad happened and I only signed up for it a couple weeks ago. I think there is a grace period and I want to wait until that is over in case I really do have a problem like that.

[safeinOhio]

8. First step is figure that out.

Check your water bill and see if part of it is sewer charge. Chemical are not good for septic tanks. If you have a septic system, get it checked first. It might be tree roots.

[mercuryblues]

11. If it is a septic system

It most likely needs to be pumped. Especially if they don't know they have one or not. Which means it hasn't been pumped for some time.

[3Hotdogs]

9. Wait until the grace period. Draino or liquid plumber until then.

If its the sewer line, they get two chances to fix it. Then they will send a video camera into the line to see if there is a break. If its a break, they will try to get out of it since it is a $10-15K repair if they have to dig up the street.

[DRiggs]

7. LP works

Had the same situation. Two bottles spread around all drains does the job.

[Hotler]

13. Here in Denver there are companies that advertise...

clean any drain for $99.00 or it's free, one says $93.00. You may have tree roots or??? further down the line that the liquids will not get to since the back up is in more than one drain. If the toilets are beginning to back up it may be clogged way down the line.

Home Depot sells Instant Power Hair & Grease drain opener that has worked well for me on single drain lines like the bath tub. Comes in a liter black bottle. Guaranteed to work or it is free. Keep your receipt.