$250–600, depending on location and pipe length. Worth every penny if it solves recurring backups. Step 6: The Nuclear Option – Camera Inspection If nothing works, or if you suspect a collapsed pipe, offset joint, or massive root intrusion, ask for a sewer camera inspection . A plumber runs a fiber‑optic camera through the line and records the damage.
Here’s a on unclogging a main sewer line, written for a homeowner or DIY audience. The Underground Nightmare: How to Unclog Your Main Sewer Line (Without Losing Your Mind) It starts quietly. The toilet gurgles when you run the sink. The shower drain takes a little too long to empty. Then, the warning signs become impossible to ignore: a foul smell wafts from the basement floor drain, and flushing the toilet sends water bubbling up into the tub. unclog main sewer line
If the pipe looks clear or low, remove the cap slowly. If you see standing water inside, that’s your clog depth indicator. You can rent a drain auger / sewer snake (¾ to 1‑inch diameter, 50–100 feet long) from a hardware store for $50–100 per day. Look for a sectional or drum machine with a cutter head. $250–600, depending on location and pipe length
But you can try one low‑risk DIY first: A plumber runs a fiber‑optic camera through the
This is where shines. A plumber inserts a hose with a high‑pressure nozzle (3,000–4,000 PSI) into the line. It blasts hot water through the pipe walls, scouring away grease, sludge, and roots.