Despite what the package says, baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, and "flushable" wipes are not flushable. They do not disintegrate like toilet paper. Instead, they snag on pipe joints, tree roots, or rough spots, creating a fibrous dam that catches everything else. This is the most common cause of main line clogs in modern homes.
For roots, a plumber uses a rotating blade on a cable to shred the roots. Note: This is temporary. The roots will grow back in 12-24 months. main drainage pipe clogged
Old clay or cast-iron pipes are no match for nature. Trees and shrubs send out hair-thin roots seeking water and nutrients. They find a microscopic crack in your sewer line, squeeze inside, and then grow thicker. Eventually, the pipe is filled with a dense, living mesh of roots that catches toilet paper and waste like a net. Despite what the package says, baby wipes, disinfecting
You can rent a heavy-duty 50-100 foot drain auger (snake) from a hardware store. Feed it into the cleanout until you hit resistance. Crank it through the clog. Run a garden hose to flush debris. Warning: This is physical, messy work. If the snake gets stuck or tangles in roots, you risk breaking the pipe. This is the most common cause of main
Respect the main line. It is the hardest working pipe in your home, and when it stops working, your home becomes unlivable. Keep the grease out, the wipes in the trash, and your cleanout accessible. Your future self—standing in a dry basement—will thank you.