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 it cost to clean a sewer line?

• <div><p>The cost to clean a sewer line is about <b>$370</b>, ranging from about <b>$190 to $550</b> on average. The specific cleaning method and the problem's severity will impact the project's overall cost. Some of the most common sewer line cleaning methods include:</p><ul><li><p>Snaking or rodding: $100&ndash;$250</p></li><li><p>Hydrojetting: $350&ndash;$600</p></li><li><p>Chemical treatments: $600&ndash;$1,000</p></li><li><p>Repair or replacement: $1,000&ndash;$7,500</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: How can I prevent clogs in my main sewer line?

• <div><p>A two-way cleanout can help if there&rsquo;s already a clog, but the best strategy to prevent one is by not rinsing grease, oil, or fat down your drains, not flushing or rinsing coffee grounds or egg shells down your drains, flushing only human waste and toilet paper (so no diapers, period products, bathroom wipes, or paper towels), and using drain guards on all of your drains. </p></div>

Q: Is bleach good for sewer lines?

• <div><p>Bleach isn&rsquo;t likely to help unclog a sewer line. Bleach isn&rsquo;t useful in this situation because it won&rsquo;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. </p></div>

Question 1

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 2

What will I see on the sewer video inspection?

Accepted Answer

•

Even with a high-resolution camera, what you're looking at on the screen may not be recognizable to the untrained eye. Your plumber should be willing to walk you through the video and explain what they found. With high-res images, bright lighting, and self-leveling technology, you should get clear, steady views of the pipes that make up your plumbing system.

Question 3

How much does it cost to clean a sewer line?

Accepted Answer

•

The cost to clean a sewer line is about $370, ranging from about $190 to $550 on average. The specific cleaning method and the problem's severity will impact the project's overall cost. Some of the most common sewer line cleaning methods include:

Snaking or rodding: $100–$250
Hydrojetting: $350–$600
Chemical treatments: $600–$1,000
Repair or replacement: $1,000–$7,500

Snaking or rodding: $100–$250
Hydrojetting: $350–$600
Chemical treatments: $600–$1,000
Repair or replacement: $1,000–$7,500

Question 4

How can I prevent clogs in my main sewer line?

Accepted Answer

•

A two-way cleanout can help if there’s already a clog, but the best strategy to prevent one is by not rinsing grease, oil, or fat down your drains, not flushing or rinsing coffee grounds or egg shells down your drains, flushing only human waste and toilet paper (so no diapers, period products, bathroom wipes, or paper towels), and using drain guards on all of your drains.

Question 5

Is bleach good for sewer lines?

Accepted Answer

•

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.