When water rises in a floor drain, a shower or the lowest toilet in the house, the main sewer line is usually the cause. Clearing it quickly matters, and so does finding out what blocked it so the next backup does not follow a few weeks later.
The causeWhy it happens
The main sewer carries everything from the house to the city connection. Roots entering through clay joints, grease carried down from the kitchen, flushed wipes and paper towels, and sags in the pipe where waste settles are the common causes of main line blockages. In older homes, corroded cast iron under the slab also narrows the line from the inside. A main line clog shows up first at the lowest fixtures, often a tub or shower.
DiagnosisWhat we check first
- 01Cleanout location
- We look for an outdoor cleanout first. If there is none, we may access the line through a roof vent or by pulling a toilet.
- 02What comes back on the cable
- Roots, grease, paper or pieces of pipe on the cable head tell us a lot about the cause.
- 03Flow after clearing
- We run water through several fixtures to confirm the whole line drains properly.
- 04Need for a camera
- If roots or pipe fragments came up, a camera inspection is the next sensible step.
The optionsWhich repair fits, and when
We lay out the choices plainly, explain what each involves and leave the decision with you.
Cable clearing from a cleanout
A blockage in the main line with good access. A large sectional machine clears it and we confirm flow.
Jetting the main line
Heavy grease or roots that will return quickly if only cabled.
Clearing, camera and cleanout installation
There is no accessible cleanout. We clear the line and can add a two-way cleanout for faster access next time.
Local conditionsSewer Cleaning on the west side of San Antonio
San Antonio Water System owns the public sewer main, but the lateral from your house to that main is the homeowner's responsibility in most cases. If the line is clear to the property line and the backup persists, the issue may be on the city side, and we will tell you when to contact SAWS.
From the jobTechnician clearing a cleanout beside a brick home
A few things that help
Stop running water, flushing toilets, and using the washer or dishwasher. If sewage has backed into the house, keep children and pets away from the area until it is cleaned.
QuestionsCommon questions about sewer cleaning
How can I tell a main line clog from a sink clog?
A main line clog affects several fixtures, usually the lowest ones first. Water may come up in a tub when you flush or run the washer.
What if I do not have a cleanout?
We can usually still reach the line. We may recommend installing one so future service is faster and less invasive.
Who is responsible for the sewer line?
In most cases the homeowner owns the line from the house to the city main. SAWS handles problems in the public main.
Related workServices that often go with it
Talk it through with usOpen 7 AM to 11 PM every day. Se habla español.
(210) 761-4788