Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Waverly, IA

Knowing the signs can alert you to a clogged drain line. Clogs cause slow drainage or cause no drainage (if there’s a complete blockage). You may also notice foul odors, gurgling noises, water backing up in other appliances on the same line, or a poorly flushing toilet. If you experience any of these issues and think your line might be clogged, call a plumber.

Your sewer line can get grimy quickly. To prevent sludge buildup in your sewer line, pour a mixture of 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1/3 cup of baking soda down each drain in your home once a month. After about 30 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.

Some plumbers recommend 3/4 cup of bleach instead to clean any germs and bacteria that may build up in your sewer line. But this won’t break down any active clogs, and it cannot be combined with vinegar, as the mixture will create a toxic, hazardous gas.

Ejector pumps can only push sewage 750 feet or less. That’s because their purpose is to move waste from your home to your sewer line—which is a relatively short distance. Grinder pumps can transport sewage further, but they manage lower volumes of waste than ejector pumps (and they don’t work with septic systems).

In most areas, drain cleaning professionals don’t technically need a license, as they aren’t altering your plumbing system in any way. However, we recommend hiring a drain cleaning professional with a plumbing license and certification. Certified plumbers are more likely to provide professional solutions to drain clogs without damaging your system. They’ll also have the diagnostic tools and experience necessary to remove the clog entirely rather than providing a temporary solution, as a handyperson might. Use Angi’s state licensing tool to check your plumber’s professional licenses before hiring.