My main sewer line was draining slow and would actually back up into my basement through the washing machine drain in the basement after heavy water drainage (long shower, big washing machine load) I had a drain cleaning company snake it out. His snake came to a stop down the line. He thought I had a break in the line. So I called the city and they were able to use a bigger snake to reach all the way to the main sewer line. Then they used a camera and after 6-8 feet they hit water. They think there is a belly in my sewer line They inspected the rest of the line and saw no breaks in the line. They closed up the line and left. I thought since they were able to reach the main sewer line with the snake, that any blockage would be cleared out and water would be able to get past the belly and drain out of the main sewer line instead of backing into my house. Even with the belly full of water, wouldn't the point where my line exits be higher than the point where it exits into the main sewer? I used my washing machine shortly after the city sewer guys left and after a short time water started backing into my house again. Any ideas of what can be causing this? My next course of action now is to replace my sewer line.

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Even with the belly full of water, wouldn't the point where my line exits be higher than the point where it exits into the main sewer?

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Yes! Gravity should force the water past the bell in the line. When it back up have you opened up the house clean out to be sure the blockage is in the sewer line and not if your house? Let me knows Tom

The "blockage" is definitely in the sewer line. The cleanout is by the basement wall inside the house before the sewer line exits the house. The water runs past the cleanout without any problems. If I run water long enough the water will backup out of the cleanout if I have the cover open.

Thank you.

What do theplumbers wanted to do? Dig up the bell? Did the sewer company snake past the raiser at the curb into the city main? If it backs up after a heavy washer load or long shower than the stoppage is not in the bell next to the house but farther on down the line. I have found most blockages of this sort to be at the city raiser out at the curb. Good luck, Tom

They were able to snake all the way into the city main using rods. They want to dig up my line from house to city (25 feet) and replace the line. They believe there is a belly in my line. I am thinking about getting another camera inspection before doing so.