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View Full Version : What are my options w/ a belly in the main line?


MOLKA25
Oct 21, 2009, 01:14 PM
I just bought my house in June09, we had the previous owner "snake" the main line because
When we inspected the house the washer was backing up through the drain and the basement bathroom isn't draining correctly and also bubbles. Now my kitchen sink gurgles when the washer is draining and it is now coming up the floor drain and also out the washer
Drain pipe again. The inspection report from the plumber that snaked the line said there were no roots but a good size belly in the main line and a lot of grease. I have poured a few bottles of main line cleaner down the floor drain and it seems to help, but not for long and it is getting shorter between when I have to put another bottle down.

Is replacing my main line my only option? I have a full bathroom in the partially finished basement that is virtually un-usable because I'm afraid it's not going to drain. I knew when I bought the house, but I was still willing to go ahead w/ it because it was a good deal. Am I going to seriously going to regret my decision?

Milo Dolezal
Oct 21, 2009, 04:35 PM
Molka, If you know exactly where the belly is than excavate trench, expose existing sewer, cut out section 1 foot before and 1 foot after the belly, replace with new section of pipe, refill trench. The problem is fixed.

speedball1
Oct 22, 2009, 06:13 AM
Was it determined if the bell was inside the house or out of it. Tom

MOLKA25
Oct 23, 2009, 02:33 PM
I'm pretty sure it outside, don't know where exactly though. It's approx 100 feet from my house to the city sewer right through my back yard. I planned on replacing the main line this spring. Is there any I can do w/out having to hire a plumber? The main line cleaner I've used only lasts about 2 weeks or so.
Could it also be a venting problem?

speedball1
Oct 24, 2009, 07:57 AM
If grease is causing your clogs I have a story to tell. I had a restaurant that had a drain clogged with grease. The grease would just close up behind my snake. I even poured a gallon of Blast-Out, ( a sulfuric acid based drain cleaner sold only to licensed plumbers) with no results. I finally rented a steam jenny and forced steam down the vent after sealing up the floor drain. This melted the grease allowing it to drain out to the grease trap. You might want to check this out.

Now my kitchen sink gurgles when the washer is drainingA gurgle indicates a clogged vent line and
it is now coming up the floor drain and also out the washerthis indicates a partial blockage,( due to grease?) Regards, Tom