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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.

If you want to avoid using a snake to unclog a drain, or if you don’t have one, try vinegar and baking soda. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Wait for 15 minutes, and then run hot water (but not boiling water) down the drain to see if the clog is clear. Repeat multiple times as needed.

In most cases, drain cleaners will not clear a clogged sewer line, and they’re likely to damage your plumbing. Sewer lines are several inches wide, meaning any material that clogs it will need to be large. Drain cleaner can work on small clogs, but it usually won’t clear a larger one in a sewer main. Drain cleaners can also easily damage and corrode your plumbing with prolonged contact, and a clog will keep the cleaner in contact with the pipes for an extended period. Hire a professional sewer cleaner instead for a safe fix.

Depending on the home, wastewater either goes into a septic tank and seeps back into the backyard or is sent via sewer system to a local sewage-treatment plant. Septic systems naturally separate different components of the waste so that it can naturally and safely disperse it. They are usually reserved for homes not served by a municipal sewage department (like rural homes). A treatment plant, on the other hand, speeds up that process through screening and purification.