I would like to know how difficult it is to use a (rental) commercial sewer auger to clear a pipe that runs from the house (actually, from a clean-out installed when this was done several years ago by a professional "rotorooter") to the septic tank (which was pumped three weeks ago). I have had this done about every 4 years by a professional but because of the expense, I am considering doing it myself with a rental unit. The run to be cleaned is not long - only about 30 feet, but the pipes are clay and I know from the prior times this has been done that tree roots are often the problem. Would appreciate any advice on this problem.

See if any other DIY's have tried one. I was very happy with a hand powered one I rented from Home Depot. For $20, I got a drinking fountain drain cleared at my church myself. You will need a heavier, powered one. Go for it.

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Originally Posted by koko5

I would like to know how difficult it is to use a (rental) commercial sewer auger to clear a pipe that runs from the house (actually, from a clean-out installed when this was done several years ago by a profesional "rotorooter") to the septic tank (which was pumped three weeks ago). I have had this done about every 4 years by a professional but because of the expense, I am considering doing it my self with a rental unit. The run to be cleaned is not long - only about 30 feet, but the pipes are clay and I know from the prior times this has been done that tree roots are often the problem. Would appreciate any advice on this problem.

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Head down to your local rent-All and rent a Ridgid K-60 or equivalent sewer machine ask for a cutter tip, a spade tip and a auger tip. Usethe cutter tip to clear the roots and the auger tip to bring them back. You have now cleared the sewer line. To keep those roots out RootX or Robics Foaming Root Killer that contain Dichlobrnic are two products you could try.
A less expensive way would be to call around to garden supply stores and ask for fine grain Copper Sulphate. Put a 1/2 pound in your toilet and flush it down. Repeat in 6 months.
Let me say that sooner or later you're going to have to bite the bullet and replace that old sewer line with PVC. Good luck, Tom