A clogged sewer drain pipe is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems for homeowners. It can cause slow drains, bad smells, and even backups in your sinks, toilets, or bathtubs. If not fixed on time, it may lead to bigger and more expensive damage.

Knowing how to unclog a sewer drain pipe can save you a lot of time and stress. If you want to try a few quick fixes on your own or just want to understand the process before calling a plumber, this guide is here to help.

Today, we’ll walk you through common signs of a clogged sewer line, simple DIY tips, and a step-by-step method to clear out your main sewer line. Don’t worry—we’ll keep everything simple, clear, and easy to follow.

Let’s get started and help you get your plumbing back to normal!

8 Signs of a Sewer Line Clog

If you’re dealing with plumbing issues and wondering how to unclog a sewer drain pipe, the first step is knowing the signs of a clogged sewer line. Catching the problem early can save you from bigger repairs later.

Here are 8 common signs you might have a clogged sewer line:

Slow Draining Fixtures
When sinks, bathtubs, or showers are draining slower than usual, it could mean there’s a blockage deeper in the main line.
Gurgling Sounds from Drains
If you hear strange gurgling noises from toilets or drains, it’s a sign that air is trapped due to a clog.
Water Backing Up
Water may back up into your sink or tub when you flush the toilet this is a clear warning of a clogged sewer pipe.
Bad Smells
A strong sewer smell coming from your drains or yard can be a sign of waste not flowing properly.
Multiple Clogged Drains
If more than one drain is clogged at the same time, the problem is likely in the main sewer line, not just one pipe.
Toilet Bubbling
When flushing the toilet causes water to bubble in other drains, your main sewer line may be blocked.
Standing Water in the Yard
Pools of dirty water in your yard, especially near the sewer cleanout, can point to a broken or clogged line.
Sewage Backup
The most serious sign—sewage coming up through your drains—is a plumbing emergency. You should act immediately.

3 DIY Drain Unclogging Tips

If you’ve spotted signs of a sewer line clog, don’t panic just yet. There are a few things you can try at home before calling a professional plumber. Below are three DIY methods to help you get started on how to unclog a sewer drain pipe.

Snake Your Drains

A plumbing snake (also called a drain auger) is a handy tool you can buy or rent. It’s a long, flexible wire that you feed into your drain. As you turn the handle, it breaks up blockages and clears the way for water to flow again.

Use a longer snake for main sewer line clogs.
Be gentle to avoid damaging the pipes.

Check for Tree Roots

Tree roots are a common reason sewer pipes get blocked, especially in older homes. If you have large trees in your yard and notice slow drains, roots might be growing into your pipes.

You can rent a motorized auger or root cutter to break through the roots.
If roots are thick or damage is bad, call a professional plumber.

Use Homemade Drain Cleaner

Skip the harsh chemical cleaners—they can damage your pipes. Instead, try a simple and safe homemade mix:

Pour 1 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar down the drain.
Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
This method works best for minor clogs and buildup caused by grease or soap.

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog

Make sure clearing a main sewer line is a difficult and messy job that involves significant health risks from exposure to raw sewage.

Step 1: Loosen the cap on the drain pipe

Think of this like opening a soda bottle that’s been shaken up, you want to do it slowly and carefully. Your main drain pipe has a cap on it called a “cleanout.” This is your entry point. Using a large pipe wrench, you’ll need to turn the cap counter-clockwise to loosen it.

Step 2: Open the cap and let the buildup drain out

Alright, this is the messy part, so be ready. Place a wide bucket right underneath the cap. Now, slowly finish unscrewing the cap with your hands.

As you open it, backed-up wastewater will likely start to spill out. Let it all drain into your bucket. It might be a little gross, but getting this out of the pipe is a necessary step. Once the flow stops, you can take the cap completely off and set it aside. You’ve now cleared the way for the real work!

Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe

Now it’s time to send in the hero: the auger (or plumbing snake). An auger is a long, flexible metal cable with a sharp tip.

Gently push the end of the auger cable into the open pipe. You have to keep feeding it by hand. You’re trying to feel for the clog. You’ll know you’ve found it when the cable stops and you can’t push it any further. Don’t force it; you’ve just found your target.

Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond

This is where you break up the blockage. Start running your auger machine (or cranking the handle). The cable will spin and chew its way into the clog.

Let the machine do the work. You might need to push forward a little, then pull back, then push forward again. This helps break the clog apart instead of just poking a hole in it. You’ll feel the resistance lessen when you’ve broken through.

Once you’re through the clog, feed the cable another 5 to 10 feet down the pipe. This makes sure you’ve cleared out any leftover bits and that the path is truly wide open.

Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable

You’ve cleared the clog, but let’s prove it. Before pulling the auger out, take a garden hose and run some water down the cleanout pipe. If it flows away freely without backing up, you’ve succeeded! This also helps wash away any remaining gunk in the main line.

This is also a great time to start cleaning the auger cable itself. As you prepare for the next step, you can use the hose to spray down the cable, cleaning off the grime before it gets all over your floor.

Step 6: Slowly pull the auger back out of the pipe

Time to bring the cable home. Just like you fed it in, you want to pull it out slowly and steadily. As you pull the cable back, guide it with one hand while continuing to spray it down with the hose. This keeps the mess contained and cleans your tool at the same time.

Once the entire cable is out, you can clean up your area, put the cap back on the drain pipe nice and tight, and enjoy your free-flowing drains! Great job!

Conclusion

Tackling a main sewer line clog on your own can be empowering, and now you have the knowledge to understand what’s happening in your pipes. Whether you’re using a homemade solution for a minor issue or carefully operating an auger, these steps can help you restore flow and prevent bigger problems.

Call to Action

Feeling overwhelmed? Is the clog more stubborn than you thought? Don’t stress that’s what we’re here for!

At Prime SB Plumbing, we have the professional-grade tools, experience, and expertise to handle any sewer line issue, big or small. We can quickly and safely diagnose the problem, clear the blockage for good, and get your home back to normal without the mess or hassle.

How to Unclog a Sewer Drain Pipe?