"We called him and he came right over that evening, started the next morning. Was a big job but they completed, and cleaned up so you hardly knew they were there. Everyone working on this job was able to answer all my questions."
Thankfully, it’s pretty rare to find a rat in your toilet. It’s more likely in larger cities with big sewer systems that can be feeding grounds for rats, but even then, you still shouldn’t fret.
“I wouldn’t worry too much about rats coming up through the sewers,” Bradshaw says. “I’d say only one out of a thousand rodent customers we get actually have this problem. And of the 20 or some customers that have had this happen, they’ve all only had just one rat come up this way.”
It can take anywhere from half an hour to a few hours to fix a main line clog, depending on the cause and severity of it. The job should not take more than a day to complete. Keep in mind that the main line is not the same as your home’s sewer lines (which connect to the main line and run to your house). Your city is responsible for any clogs or damage to the main line itself.
It is safe to flush small amounts of bleach down the toilet. Don’t flush more than ¼ cup of bleach. Instead, consider diluting it and pouring it down the sink drain.
There are a few things that can happen to your sewer system if you don’t fix it. These include rainwater entering it and causing rust and corrosion, dirt and debris leading to blockages, small animals getting stuck inside and clogging your sewer line or entering your home, and shortening the sewer system’s life span.
Without a cap, nothing prevents toxic and non-toxic gasses like methane and hydrogen sulfide from slowly escaping your sewer system and entering your home and the surrounding atmosphere, resulting in a foul sewer odor throughout your house.
As a preventative measure, hydro jetting should be done every one to two years. However, the best practice is to hydro jet your sewer line once per year. The ideal frequency depends on several factors, including the age and condition of your pipes, how prone they are to clogging, how often the sewer line is used, and the type of waste disposed of in the system. If you frequently experience clogs or are unsure, it's best to ask a licensed plumber for a recommendation specific to your plumbing system.
The Edgeley, ND homeowners’ guide to sewer cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A clogged main sewer line can lead to gas or wastewater leaks. Find out what main sewer line clog repair costs by type of service, clog severity, and more.
The best way to keep your sewer line running smoothly is with some regular maintenance. But don’t worry—it doesn’t take much effort. Read on to learn how.