How to Clear a Main Sewer Line Clogged by Paper Towels
A wad of paper towels flushed down a toilet can clog the pipes and create a backup of waste into the building. The best way to avoid this is to not flush paper towels down the toilet. But let's assume that it is too late and the pipe is clogged with paper towels.
Many times the clog can be quickly removed using a simple drain snake.
Things You Will Need
- Gloves
- Drain snake
- Adjustable wrench
Tip
If a manual drain snake does not fix the problem, you may need to use a motorized machine that can be acquired at a rental supply store.
Warning
When removing the cap from the clean out, be sure to place buckets and towels on the floor and move any important items due to the possibility of waste back flow.
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Locate a sewer line clean out. The best place to start is outside. If you can not find one outside then look in the basement or crawlspace.
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Remove the clean out cap which is usually threaded into the pipe. It may be cast iron or PVC plastic.
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Feed the drain snake into the clean-out with a push and pull action. Progressively push the snake through the sewer line until you feel resistance.
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Move the snake back and forth against the place of resistance. Continue until the snake freely advances past the resistance point.
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Retract the snake by pulling it out of the pipe clean-out.
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Replace the clean-out cap.
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Run water from the highest point in the building and observe the clean-out to make sure there are no leaks.
The Drip Cap
- A wad of paper towels flushed down a toilet can clog the pipes and create a backup of waste into the building.
- But let's assume that it is too late and the pipe is clogged with paper towels.
- If you can not find one outside then look in the basement or crawlspace.
- Feed the drain snake into the clean-out with a push and pull action.
References
Writer Bio
Elijah Reno is an entrepreneur working in the SEO marketing field. Prior to starting his own business, Reno worked as a civil servant. He began writing technical documents such as Phoenix Sky Harbor Data Package and Boston Logan Technical Package in 1993. He holds a bachelor's degree in information and computer science from Stockton State College.
Photo Credits
- PM Images/Digital Vision/Getty Images
- PM Images/Digital Vision/Getty Images
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