Speak to me of drain-clearing chemicals

15 years ago

To make a long story short, our main sewer line clogged this weekend. Two days, $450, some DIY, and a "professional" drain-cleaning later, we have flow restored but I'm not convinced we're past the problem. I'm reasonably sure (thanks to some camera footage from inside the lines, thanks to our local sewer authority) that we still have a partial clog in there-- looks like the auger went through the clog but didn't clear it, leaving a 1 1/2" opening through what should be a 4" pipe.

Currently we have no backup problems and have been doing dishes, flushing toilets, getting showers, etc., but I feel like we're sitting on a ticking time bomb. To fix it properly, we'll probably need to have it "jetted," but that's going to cost between $400-$500 from the estimates I've been getting. Coincidentally, hubby found out last night that his work hours are going to be cut by 50% starting tomorrow, so cost is DEFINITELY an issue right now.

So... can anyone tell me about drain-cleaning chemical products, like Drano-type stuff? Are ANY of them any good and breaking down primarily grease-related clogs? We got some stuff yesterday at the plumbing supply house-- I forget what it's called but it's meant to open up partially-clogged drains; you mix it up 2 oz. cleaner to 8 oz. hot water, dump it down the drain and let it go overnight, repeating for 1-3 days. It smells like Pine-Sol.

Do we have any hope solving this with a drain-cleaning chemical, or will we have to scrape up the $$ to jet it?

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Comments (4)

homebound
15 years ago
Your economical answer is to power-snake the drain yourself when necessary. Call some tool rental places for more info- you can rent to unit for like $50-$75 or so.

Did you happen to learn how many feet the clog is from the access for the snake? That's important so you get a snake long enough to reach. Also, do you know what the obstruction is? If it's tree roots, it will be an ongoing problem, but some folks feel that pouring Root-X down the line (per directions) can help.
maryland_irisman
15 years ago
homebound is correct if your problem is root related. Also, home depot, lowe's and some of the ace hardware chains sell used equipment for just about the same cost of one or two days rental. If you anticipate an ongoing problem, you might consider one of these, just follow homebound's advice on choosing one.

If the camera assessment determined the problem was grease related, the cleaner you are using will do the job over time. I suspect this is your problem if jetting was offered as a resolution by the professionals. The "Pine Sol" smelling liquid cleaners have enzymes which break down the grease. A grease clog can cause a solid plug in the drain which is touch to break through. If it's an older home, the grease is most likely animal fat from food and soap that has built up over time. If it's a newer home, it is most likely vegetable fat (glycerin) from food and soap and some animal fat. Candles are made from both so that should give you an idea of what is down there.

The enzyme type drain cleaners really do the job if you use them at the recommended levels. Bleach and some household cleaners will kill those enzymes so treatment may have to be more frequent. Try not using the disposal to dispose of food for a while. Also, try to capture as much food and grease before washing dishes. If you're careful and use the proper drain cleaners, in about 3 months your clog should be pretty much softened up or gone. Then, just as a maintenance issue, treat the drains monthly with an enzyme cleaner. In a year, if indeed this is your problem,the pipes will be as good as new.
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cnvh
Original Author
15 years ago
No roots in the pipes anywhere... actually the guys from the Sewer Authority (the ones who ran the camera) said the pipes are in the best shape they've seen in a long time.

We have 2 cast-iron "stacks" (I think that's what they're called) in the basement; we've installed cleanouts in both of them close to the floor, so hopefully if/when we have to snake them again, it will be easier to get to the clog... Based on the camera footage, the clog is most likely just "downstream" of the second stack. (When the drain-cleaning technician was out on Tuesday, we didn't yet have the cleanout in that one; he was using the other stack which is about 20 feet away.)

So we've been pouring the grease-busting cleaner down the second stack nightly as directed (on the assumption that it's the closest access point to the clog), and letting it sit overnight. Fingers crossed. :)
maryland_irisman
15 years ago
You won't be disappointed.

Speak to me of drain-clearing chemicals

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homebound

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Speak to me of drain-clearing chemicals

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homebound

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