How long does it take to clean a sewer main?

Question

I am currently having problems with a sewer line at a rent house, and was wondering about how long it would take to snake out a main sewer line. The sewer was backing up into the yard, and then it backed up into the bathtub, and out of the toilet into the floor. So, i only have a few hours over the next few days, and need to try to figure out how long i will be trying to unclog the sewer main.

I know there may be worse problems that i may run into, but under best circumstances and its just a clogged sewer main, how long should it take with a snake, and would a power snake make it any quicker??

Answer 1

if it backed up in the yard, you have more problems than just a clog. since your renting, have the owner take over.

you can have a company put a camera down there to see if the line is broken or caved in.

Answer 2

As one has said 5 minutes to hours.......But from what you have said, it sounds like to me that you have galvanized pipes and it  needs to be replaced. Cause if you have sewage in your yard, then  probably roots have clogged up the pipe and now sewage is coming up in the yard......But a power snake with a root cutter may cut out some of the roots......But you have to be careful cause if the pipe is busted then you could get the cable stuck trying to back out of the pipe.....Anyway you can rent a power snake at any equipment rental, it should come with different cutting heads, ask them which is for what........

Answer 3

It sounds like the pea trap is clogged. If it is your yard than you need to get it fixed ASAP or you wil really have problems.

Answer 4

it can take anywhere from 5 minutes to hours to even needing to cut out a section of pipe. just depends on what i clogging it and how bad it is clogged

Answer 5

If u live in the US.  U can go to Home Depot tools rental and get a sewer line snake for $50 for 4 hours.  The job is simple and can save as much as $400 sewer line cleanout.  Find a cleanout and provide some electricity and run the snake through the hole.  If u cannot find a cleanout...U can take ur toilet out to get in from there.  Leave the claw provided with the snake.  U might need the claws to cut any roots and debris in the line.  This 4 hours is plenty of time to run the whole line thru and take the snake back cleaned.  Don't forget while the motor is running/ provide some water to flush the c**p out to the street main line.  U can do it!

Answer 6

moon j and smurfett are both correct but if you are going to do this yourself may I add be careful. A sewer snake is a tool that if you are not careful it could take your arm off. Where leather gloves with metal mesh in them and make sure you are not wearing loose clothing and if you have long hair tie it up. Have seen pictures of the damage. If you do hit roots the cable can kink up on you and twist, be prepared to shut unit off. Listen to motor and feel of cable this will tell you when you hit a blockage. Good luck and take your time. You can also rent these sewer augers in different sizes from sink augers to main line sewer augers from equipment rental companies, look in phone book and call and ask them if they rent sewer augers. Good Luck and Be careful. Master Plumber

Answer 7

CAUTION:  If you don't know what your doing, you can cause a "minor" problem to

be a grand headache.  Forget about waiting

a week for a plumber.  Call Roto-Rooter and get it done ASAP.

If it's verified that you caused the problem,

you must pay for the repair.  BUT, if the problem is caused by a tree root, or pipe

cave-in, or city water sewer backed up

somewhere, this is your Landlord's bill

and maybe the city.

  You don't even want to be close to a home

with a drainage problem in the summer!!!

Oh, do you know if this is a city sewer

system or are you on a septic tank?  that's

a whole different story, but maybe easier.

You would only need the septic tank

pumped out then.

Answer 8

DO NOT RENT TOOLS AND DO NOT DO THIS YOURSELF!

you are a renter and it's up to a professional.  

mainline stoppages can be hazardous if you are not experienced running a professional sewer snake.  you can break bones in your hand.

call a professional and give the bill to the landlord.  that's why you pay "rent"....