Clogged Main Line

Based on your symptoms, your main sewer line is likely plugged. Sewer lines typically become blocked due to build-up in the line from greases, fats, wipes, and hygiene products that build upon the walls of the sewer line and narrow its capacity. Another way that a sewer line’s capacity can be compromised is when roots enter the line as they seek water and nutrients or when scale builds up due to aging pipes. When that capacity is restricted, drains will not drain and toilets will not flush.

Clear Main Line Using Cable

Depending on the severity of the blockage, we recommend starting by unclogging the drain using a heavy-duty cable machine (also called an auger). This process begins with our technician examining the drain to confirm the location of the clog. They will then determine the most efficient access point, which often involves opening a cleanout or pulling a toilet in the basement. The technician will then wheel their electric-powered cable machine to the area of the clog and run the auger until they clear the clog – going as far as the city sewer line if necessary. The end of the cable machine has a rotating cutting head that will shred soft obstructions and roots, sending them down the sewer line to the city main line.

Cabling the mainline will cost $180 and we can reach up to 150′ using two cables. There will be an additional $50 charge if our technician has to clear the drain from a roof vent (about 25% of the time). If the blockage is farther than 150’ out, we will need to use the hydro Jetter to clear the line (more details on that below). Unlike many competitors, we do not charge additional fees for pulling or resetting a toilet with a new wax ring.

Clear Main Line Using Cable

Depending on the severity of the blockage, we recommend starting by unclogging the drain using a heavy-duty cable machine (also called an auger). This process begins with our technician examining the drain to confirm the location of the clog. They will then determine the most efficient access point, which often involves opening a cleanout or pulling a toilet in the basement. The technician will then wheel their electric-powered cable machine to the area of the clog and run the auger until they clear the clog – going as far as the city sewer line if necessary. The end of the cable machine has a rotating cutting head that will shred soft obstructions and roots, sending them down the sewer line to the city main line.

Cabling the main line will cost $180 if the blockage is within the first 75’ and $165 if the blockage is farther down the line and we have to use two cables1. There will be an additional $50 charge if our technician has to clear the drain from a roof vent (about 25% of the time). If the blockage is farther than 150’ out, we will need to use the hydrojetter to clear the line (more details on that below). Unlike many competitors, we do not charge additional fees for pulling or resetting a toilet with a new wax ring.

plumber cleaning the mainline with a Spartan machine

Clear Main Line Using Hydrojetter

If the blockage is due to roots, grease, sludge, or other hard obstructions in the line, we recommend using a trailer-mounted high-pressure hydrojetter instead of a cable machine. The jetter nozzle will blast the pipe with upwards of 20 gallons of water per minute at 4000 psi in a full 360 degrees to thoroughly clean and restore the full capacity of the line. Stubborn clogs and recurring blockages are no match for a hydrojetter. Unlike the cable machine that may just punch a hole in the blockage, a hydrojetter will provide a longer-lasting solution.

Jetting the main line will cost $425, with no hidden fees or taxes1.

Camera Inspection

Depending on the cause of the original blockage, our technician may advise a camera inspection once the line is open and flowing to assess the condition of your pipes. A camera inspection also provides peace of mind that the blockage has been cleared. If the camera inspection reveals any issues with your lines, our technician will then mark the exact location for repair (including depth!).

Knowing the exact condition of your pipes will save you money in the long term by avoiding costly replacements until absolutely necessary. A camera inspection will cost $250, which includes high-resolution digital footage with detailed analysis from our technician and pipe locating and/or marking1.

Maintenance

Keeping your main line flowing smoothly after using a cable machine or hydrojetter requires proper care and maintenance. Depending on the cause of the clog, our technician will recommend treating your lines with enzymes or RootX (a tree root inhibitor).

Enzymes are living organisms that break down fats and other organic materials before they accumulate into a blockage. We have had great results using enzymes with restaurants and other commercial customers. Each bottle of enzymes costs $55 and includes enough for 32 individual 2 oz treatments.

We highly recommend applying RootX immediately after the line is clear of roots for maximum effectiveness. This formula not only kills the roots, but it also prevents future growth for up to a year. RootX is easy to use and is the top environmentally safe root killer on the market. A single application will cost $75 and will treat up to 50’ of line.

Notes

1. Please call our office to confirm pricing over the phone. We charge a reasonable fee to cover gas for jobs outside of Davis, Weber, and Morgan Counties. We also charge a $50 overtime fee for cabling and a $70 overtime fee for jetting if you need service on nights, weekends, or holidays.