Q: Do drain cleaning experts need to be certified or licensed?

• <div><p>In most areas, drain cleaning professionals don&rsquo;t technically need a license, as they aren&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to check your plumber&rsquo;s professional licenses before hiring.</p></div>

Q: Can rats come up the toilet?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re wondering <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/yes-rats-can-come-through-your-toilet.htm">whether rats can come up the toilet</a>, the unfortunate answer is yes, it&rsquo;s possible, though it&rsquo;s extremely rare. These rodents are excellent swimmers and can travel through sewer pipes in search of food, and they may follow plumbing lines leading to your home if they&rsquo;re drawn by the scent of scraps and waste. The toilet&rsquo;s U-bend holds a small pocket of air, which can help a rat catch its breath before making its final push into your bathroom. While more common in cities with larger rat populations, this can happen anywhere with connected sewer systems; sealing entry points and keeping drains clean can help reduce the risk. </p></div>

Q: How much does a main sewer line clog repair cost?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-to-clear-a-main-sewer-line-clog.htm">cost to repair a main sewer line clog</a> is about <b>$3,110</b> on average. The average cost range is <b>$1,310 to $4,950,</b> but it can go as low as <b>$215</b> and as high as <b>$9,300</b> or more. The cost factors for this repair include the severity of the clog, pipe accessibility, video inspection, removal method, permits, pipe material, labor rates in your area, and time of year. Repairs made from outside during the winter can be more difficult due to the frozen ground or during the spring if the ground is saturated from a lot of rain and snow melt.</p></div>

Question 1

How long does it take for flushable wipes to break down?

Accepted Answer

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Some flushable wipes companies say they are designed to disintegrate within a few hours to a few days after being flushed. These wipes allegedly use materials that are more water-soluble than traditional wipes. However, many experts have raised concerns that even so-called "flushable" wipes do not break down as easily as claimed and can contribute to clogs and blockages in sewer systems.

To prevent plumbing and sewer problems, avoid flushing wipes, even those labeled as flushable. Instead, dispose of them in the trash. This can help prevent costly plumbing issues and reduce the strain on wastewater treatment systems.

Question 2

Do drain cleaning experts need to be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

•

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.

Question 3

Can rats come up the toilet?

Accepted Answer

•

If you’re wondering whether rats can come up the toilet, the unfortunate answer is yes, it’s possible, though it’s extremely rare. These rodents are excellent swimmers and can travel through sewer pipes in search of food, and they may follow plumbing lines leading to your home if they’re drawn by the scent of scraps and waste. The toilet’s U-bend holds a small pocket of air, which can help a rat catch its breath before making its final push into your bathroom. While more common in cities with larger rat populations, this can happen anywhere with connected sewer systems; sealing entry points and keeping drains clean can help reduce the risk.

Question 4

How do I stop sludge buildup in my sewer line?

Accepted Answer

•

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.