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-   -   Sewer drain backup (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=420651)

  • Nov 30, 2009, 10:08 AM
    john_pyro
    Sewer drain backup
    Last year in December I had sewer backing up into my basement. I had a service out that used machine to "rod out" the drain. They pulled out what appeared to be tangled tree roots. Now upon returning from a Thanksgiving trip I find sewer backing up into the basement again, but there is nothing between the clean-out (which is located at the front of the house) and the street.

    I am assuming the problem must be between the floor drain (where the back-up is occuring) and the clean-out at the front of the house. I tried to run a snake into the drain but can't seem to get it to make the bend. I got an expanding rubber thing that gose onto a garden hose and is supposed to "blast" away any blockage, but that didn't help either.

    I don't have the money to have a service come in to work on it. What can I do myself that may clear this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
  • Nov 30, 2009, 07:57 PM
    ballengerb1

    I am not understanding this part "but there is nothing between the clean-out (which is located at the front of the house) and the street.
    " Isn't this the location of last years clog? There was something between the house and the street last year, so why not now? Once a tree finds its way into a pipe it makes the entry point larger and larger over time. You can kill back roots by semi-annual treatments of stuff like Rootx RootX : Homeowners but it won't unclog your current problem.
  • Nov 30, 2009, 08:11 PM
    Fr_Chuck

    The "blaster" thing will work fair if you have a minor clog.

    Is any other drains , toliets also backing up, or is it just this one
  • Nov 30, 2009, 08:33 PM
    ballengerb1

    I agree that the blaster works but only when its used in the right location. If there is a clogged pipe between you and the next vent stack then give it a try. If there is a vent stacl between you and the clog you will just get water shooting out the pipe above your roof line, looks funny to the neighbors but not to you.

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