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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.

Snaking a toilet is similar to clearing sinks and bathtubs, but there are unique circumstances where you’d have to drain, disassemble, and remove the toilet to fix the clog. For stubborn clogs in the toilet trap, a toilet auger—designed with a shorter cable and a protective plastic encasing—can navigate the tight bends and clear the clog without risking damage to the porcelain. 

Bleach isn’t likely to help unclog a sewer line. Bleach isn’t useful in this situation because it won’t dissolve the grime and debris in the clog. Instead, you want to use ingredients that will have a chemical reaction to clear out the buildup, like vinegar or salt and baking soda.

A clogged sewer line is not typically covered by homeowner’s insurance, though some sewer line issues are covered. For instance, damage related to a fallen tree is usually covered. Though sewer line replacement is not covered in a standard insurance policy, some companies offer add-ons for this purpose. Read the fine print before spending your own money.