We have snaked the clean out drain with a hand held snake that attaches to a drill and a bigger power snake. We now have the cover off the drain so that when the water back up sone can go out there intead of overflowing the pipe that the washer drains in. When the water does come out of the drain outside there is a think black gel that is coming out too. Is there anything more we can do? Should we try Drano or something similar or are we going to have to call a plumber? Please Help

Hi Brimom...

City/town sewer or septic system? Let me know as a lot depends on that. If septic system how long since you were pumped out?

What fixtures cause the backup... all or just one?

Next question in line... Is the washing machine the lowest drain in the house? If so, then I suspect the MAIN DRAIN may be clogged.

What size snake are you using? For a main drain you should be using an electric machine with a 1/2" cable or larger... see image. You can rent these at any local tool rental store. Be sure to purchase some leather gloves and goggles for your own safety!

If not the main drain and a specific fixture is involved let me know more.

Any questions.. Let us know.

Mark

We have city water so sewer. We used what I think is a 1/2 in cable. The washing machine drain is not the lowest drain. Our kitchen sink drain is after the washing machine. Drain out that we are snaking is not the main line. Should we try to snake that one too. There is also a city labeled cleanout in the alley behind my house that line direstly up with my main line clean out. Is the black gel a bad sign?

I just wanted to add that the pipe is overflowing at the washing machine drain even with the outside drain cover off and not much water coming out of the outside drain. Only the washing machine backs up.

Small snake that attaches to drill is not adequate to clean sewer. You will need at least 5/8" snake with Cutting Knife attachment that corresponds with size of the pipe you are trying to snake...