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It’ll take 20 to 30 minutes to unclog a sewer line using a drain snake or drain cleaner. If you hire a professional, you should expect them to be on-site for three hours or less. In addition to clearing the clog, they’ll do other routine inspections, which adds to the overall time (and cost) required.

First, find the cleanout pipe in your yard. Unscrew the cap—you may need a wrench to do so. Then, get a drain snake. You can use a non-motorized one, but a motorized snake will make the job a little easier. Feed the snake through the pipe until it reaches the clog. Spin the snake continuously, but don’t try to feed it through the pipe anymore. Keep spinning until you feel it break the clog apart.

A sewer line should be cleaned at least once every 18 to 22 months. The process takes about 30 minutes or up to 5 hours, depending on the size of the line, how easy it is to access, and how long it’s been since the previous cleaning. If your sewer line hasn’t been cleaned in a couple of years or you don’t even know the last time it’s been cleaned, it’s time to call a pro.

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.