Overflowing sewage line

15 years ago

I noticed that my sewage drain/pipe in the front yard is flowing when the toilets are flushed - mainly water. I noticed a very small amount of toilet paper in the yard. Is the main drain clogged? And can I unclog this myself? I really can afford to call a plummber/roto rooter service. I have read to try using a pressure washer or poor liquid plummber down the pipe. Any help will be appreciated.

Renee

Featured Answer

jakethewonderdog

15 years ago

Renee,

What I'm guessing is that you have a cleanout in your yard and sewage is coming out the cleanout. Is that the case?

The answers to your questions are:

1. No, don't use any drain opener for this. They work only in very limited circumstances (hair/grease in sink trap... and then only sometimes) They do not work on mains. They also are a big problem for any plumber that will follow after because they are strong acids or bases.

2. This probably isn't a DIY project unless you are experienced with running a power auger. It's easy to run into problems and cause a much bigger problem (such as a broken auger cable in the drain)

Find a reputable company and have the work done.

They may send a camera down the drain to look for the source of the clog (roots, broken drain tile, etc.)

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Comments (8)

brickeyee
15 years ago
"I noticed a very small amount of toilet paper in the yard. Is the main drain clogged? "

How are you seeing anything inside an intact pipe?
Sounds clogged and broken.
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brickeyee
15 years ago
"What I'm guessing is that you have a cleanout in your yard and sewage is coming out the cleanout. "

It is supposed to have a cap screwed in.
butterfly1061
Original Author
15 years ago
I have been told to call the city where I live and get them to check and see if it's their problem. Wondering if the problem is their drain clogged/broken. Is that what I should do? The only tree near the drain is at the opening, but I don't see any roots. I was able to put a 7-8 ft pole down the drain, but it didn't hit anything.

Yes, it should have a cap, but the builder didn't put one on - the opening part of the drain in yard is broken - jagged. It's been that way since I bought the house in 2005.
brickeyee
15 years ago
"Yes, it should have a cap, but the builder didn't put one on - the opening part of the drain in yard is broken - jagged. It's been that way since I bought the house in 2005."

Cut the line off flush and put a cover in place.
lljmapex
10 years ago
I noticed about 4 water streams coming out from the front of the cap. it stopped after 15 minutes or so after I noticed the leak. the cap is secure and never have had any issues with it. it is supposed to do that? no water blockages in house. Any thoughts?
Debra Lee
9 years ago
I am having trouble with my bath tub when the water drains it out the side. and bottom of the tub into kitchen it be a mess. I tried Liquid Fire that didn't help can I please get some help!
User
9 years ago
You have a broken pipe or a bad fitting. Why in the world would you pour drain opener into a leaking drain?