My main drain backs up in basement when I use the washing machine and dish washer, it there something I can use to clear it .

You could use a snake. You may have to rent a machine though to get the length you'll need, all the way to the street

You're probably better off calling someone in. It could be a tree root, a failed section, or a joint that came undone that's slowing the main drain. They have cameras that they can snake down to see exactly what the problem is.

I agree with Medic, you need to snake it, and it is better to do it from the vent, god luck.

John

Hi all:

If your main drain is backing up then you will want to go to a tool rental store and rent a large electric cable machine and snake the drain from the MAIN DRAIN CLEANOUT to clear the drain of any blockage.

The main drain cleanout should be located at about 2 feet from the front of the house on the inside or outside of the foundation wall for city/town sewer and at the rear of the building if you are on a septic system. Remove the cap/plug and snake from this point to clear the main drain.

If you are lucky you will be able to retrieve something from down the drain line that will let you know what it is that is clogging the line, such as roots. In this case, you would probably be best to start a root treatment and see if that helps over time.

If this continues to reoccur after snaking then, as mentioned by DAN, you may need to get a video inspection of the sewer drain performed by a local drain cleaning company... see if pipes are broken, etc..

You will also want to purchase some leather gloves and some goggles to protect yourself while doing this work.

Let us know if you hgave questions...

MARK