All aspects of your plumbing system are important, but the main line (aka sewer line) that connects your home to your septic system, is really important.
Read on to discover our top product picks designed to keep your main line clean, and steal expert tips to avoid expensive problems down the road.
In this PlumbingNav review, we cover:
Why do you need a special drain cleaner for the main line?
What are the different types of sewer line cleaners?
How does main line drain cleaner work?
What do you look for in the best main drain cleaner?
Specifically designed to kill and inhibit root growth in your sewer line, this foaming drain cleaner will keep your main line clean without damaging any nearby trees.
It works on paper, fat, grease, soap scum, and sludge, This bundle also includes a liquid drain cleaner.
Why Do You Need A Drain Cleaner For The Main Line?
The main line connects to either the septic tank or the city’s plumbing system. All water that exits your home goes through the sewer line, so a sewer drain clog will affect every drain in your home.
Signs that you have a main line clog include:
Bad smells
Multiple slow drains
Gurgling coming from the toilet
A drain cleaner can help break up any clogs that develop before they become complete clogs.
Another way to prevent a main line clog involves being mindful of the things that you flush down your drain. Items like grease can build up over time. This is vitally true if you’re on a septic system as that will lead to issues that require treatment.
Keep in mind that preventative maintenance is especially important for the main line since homeowners can’t access them easily.
After a clogged drain occurs, you may need to try a longer drain snake or drain cleaning machine before calling for professional plumbing services. Your best bet is to remove the sewer cleaning cover for the closest access.
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What Are The Different Types Of Main Drain Cleaners?
Chemical Drain Cleaner
A chemical drain cleaner uses chemicals to dissolve the main sewer line clog using one of a variety of different chemicals.
While safer, not all enzymatic drain cleaners are organic or non-toxic.
How Does Main Line Drain Cleaner Work?
To clean the main sewer line, you will pour the drain cleaner down a toilet on the first floor of your home. If you also need to unclog a toilet in addition to clearing a main line clog, use a different bathroom. You want to work on the blockage in the main sewer line first.
You may need to mix the cleaner together with water in advance if you have a powder drain cleaner vs. a liquid sewer line cleaner.
Follow the instructions on your particular product to learn how much to pour down the toilet and how long you should expect to see results. In many cases, you need to pour boiling water down the drain with the cleaner to activate it.
What Do You Look For In The Best Drain Cleaner For Main Line?
Safe For Pipes
You need to pick a product that will keep your pipes safe. If you have plastic PVC pipes, some cleaners might be too harsh. Metal pipes may risk corrosion, so you need to find non-corrosive products.
Always be sure to use products exactly as instructed to ensure you don’t cause any damage.
Strength
Some products work better as a part of your regular plumbing maintenance, while others have the power to dissolve more difficult clogs.
Always ensure that the product you buy has the capabilities to handle the clog by reviewing what materials it can break up. This includes organic material, inorganic material such as paper, tree roots, etc. Also confirm it’s rated for appropriate strength as a sewer line cleaner.
Best Drain Cleaner For Main Line Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
Specifically designed to kill and inhibit root growth in your sewer line, this foaming drain cleaner will keep your main line clean without damaging any nearby trees.
It works on paper, fat, grease, soap scum, and sludge, This bundle also includes a liquid drain cleaner.
This root destroyer made from copper sulfate crystals destroys roots and stops them from coming back. Its formula is safe for all pipes, and it doesn’t produce fumes.
When you first notice a problem, pour this easy-to-use cleanser into the toilet and flush.
Prevent clogs from happening with this natural, enzymatic drain cleaner that will attack mild to moderate clogs made out of organic waste, paper, baby wipes, grease, and/or soap scum, while also keeping your drains clean.
Enzymes won’t damage your pipes, and they won’t damage your eyes or skin, either. If the product doesn’t work as advertised, Green Gobbler offers a 30-day moneyback guarantee.
One simple application of this one-gallon non-acidic chemical drain cleaner will remove all vertical and lateral obstructions, including tough clogs, overnight.
The caustic drain cleaner is safe for all types of pipes, but not ideal for toilet use.
Pros
Easy to use, only one application
Safe for all pipes
Dissolve both vertical and lateral clogs
Cons
Takes 6-8hrs to work
Corrosive
Includes chemical ingredients
When To Get Professional Help With Your Main Drain Line?
An especially tough clog in your sewer may not respond to a typical drain cleaner due to how far the clog developed in your plumbing system.
If the auger can’t do the trick, either, it’s time to call for a professional drain cleaning service, such as hydro jetting and sewer cleanout. You can buy products designed to destroy tree roots in your sewer line, and these do work, but some situations will require special equipment.
You also know you need a plumber if a complete clog occurs in your sewer line somewhere underneath the concrete slab or another inaccessible place. They will first do an inspection of the sewer line, and deploy the right remedy.
After professional sewer line cleaning removes the clog, make use of a natural eznyme cleanser semi-regularly and be mindful of the items you allow down the sewer drain. You can also install a grease trap to eliminate clogs in the future.
FAQs For Main Sewer & Drain Cleaning
How do you unclog a main drain line?
You can unclog a sewer line with a special chemical. The best chemical to unclog the main sewer line drain will be designed for this purpose. For more difficult clogs, you should use an electric plumbing snake.
Can you pour Drano in main sewer line?
Yes, Drano states their product is safely rated for both plastic and metal pipes and this includes the main sewer line. However, you must follow the directions on the label.
Need Local Help?
Get Fast, Local Plumbing Service
Connect with an expert plumber in your local area to tackle any job – big or small. Find help with leaks, clogs, or full installations.
Select your service category on the form, provide your details, and an expert plumber will be in touch!
Plumbing Navigator is an informational site that connects visitors with local plumbers but does not directly provide plumbing services or operate as a licensed company.
