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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.

To unclog the drain pipe, remove the machine's drain hose from the pipe or sink drain, being careful to contain any water in it. Next, use a plunger for sink drains or a plumbing snake for a wall drain. Test the repair by pouring a small amount of water into the pipe before trying it with a laundry load.

There are several common signs that your main sewer line may be clogged. Key indicators include multiple fixtures in your home draining slowly, gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilets, and water backing up into showers, sinks, or toilets. You might also notice water backing up from the plumbing system's drain cleanout, water in your basement drain, or unexplained wet patches on your lawn. Foul odors, such as the smell of raw sewage or rotten eggs, are another common symptom. The most reliable way to confirm a main sewer line clog is to hire a professional plumber to perform a camera inspection.

You should not attempt to snake your sewer yourself. Accessing and snaking your sewer requires heavy-duty equipment, and while renting is possible, misusing it can damage your sewer main and leave you with very expensive repair costs, not to mention potential environmental issues and severe water damage. Accessing your sewer also exposes you to hazardous sewer gasses, and failing to seal the sewer properly after work can be very dangerous. It’s always best to hire a professional sewer cleaner near you to handle this type of work.