Use a snake Using a snake is easy, but it takes a bit of practice to get a feel for locating clogs. Keep track of how much line you have fed out, and make note of it when you hit the clog. Then measure along the pipe, to determine the location of the clog.

How do you find a plumbing blockage?

Here are some ways you can use to locate a clog in your pipe:

  1. Use a Plumbing Snake or Auger. You can find a plumbing snake at a home improvement store or hardware store near you. …
  2. Robots. …
  3. Magnets. …
  4. Use Flushable Transmitters. …
  5. Non-Tool Method to Locate a Clog in a Pipe.





How do you trace a drain pipe?

Go to the city office directly or call them to see if they can tell you where the sewer line is located. Usually, they can show you where the line goes from your home to the city’s main line. If you are unable to reach the city, see if there is an interactive underground utility map of your area online.

What is the most common method of clearing a sanitary drain blockage?

Plunger. A plunger can clear a blocked drain just as it can clear a clogged toilet. Be sure to cover any overflow spouts before you begin plunging so you can get a strong seal. The up-and-down pressure created by the plunger can help to loosen any blockages so your pipes can flow smoothly once again.

How do I turn my plumbing snake into a corner?

Getting around corners becomes easier with practice, but a few tips will help you move your cable in the right direction. Bend the end of the snake about 3 or 4 inches from the end before you insert it so it will more easily go around the corner when it encounters it.

How do I find out where my drains are running?





Perhaps the best way to obtain this information is to contact your local water authority, which is also the organization that would be responsible for any problems that may arise with shared drains. Another way to check and see if you have a shared drain is to check with the sewage company that services your area.

How do I find a buried drain?

Drain Scope



Plumbers routinely use small cameras attached to cables to not only locate buried drain pipes but also to view inside the piping. The camera head transmits a signal that can be detected aboveground with a locator device, enabling technicians to pinpoint the pipe’s location anywhere along its length.

How do I find my drain line?

Call 811 in the United States to find underground lines on your property.

  1. Calling 811 is a completely free service, so you don’t have to pay utility companies to mark your yard.
  2. The utility companies that are contacted depends on the area where you live, so they may not mark sewage lines.


What can I use instead of a drain snake?



If you don’t have a drain snake at your home, you can use a pipe cleaner, a straightened clothes hanger, or make this simple tool out of a plastic bottle: Start with an empty 2-liter plastic bottle.

Can a drain snake make a clog worse?

While drain snakes can be very effective in clearing certain clogs, sometimes they can actually exacerbate a problem. For example, if your pipes are old and corroded, sticking a drain snake down there can scrape off chunks of metal, making the clog much worse and damaging your pipe.

How do you make a homemade drain snake?

How to Make a Snake for Unclogging a Shower Drain

  1. Unwind a Coat Hanger. Disassemble the coat hanger by unwinding the looped end of the wire from the hook part of the hanger, advises Modern Era Plumbing & Gas Solutions. …
  2. Create a Nub. …
  3. Press Sticky Tape Onto the Nub. …
  4. Place the Snake in the Drain. …
  5. Run Hot Water. …
  6. Clean the Shower.



How do I find out if my property is connected to foul water drainage?

The best way to find out if your house has surface water drainage is to check the Title Deeds of your property or to check your property’s original Planning Application. All of this information will be held by your local authority, so you should contact them if you don’t have a copy of your own.

Do house deeds show drainage?

It is unlikely that the drainage plans provided by your local water authority will show you the private drainage of your property. However, they will be able to show you the location of the main drains/public sewers.

How do you find out if my drain is shared?

The best way to find out if your property is connected to the public sewer system is through a drain survey. Professionals can look at the system in place, contact the local council and water suppliers, and inspect sewer maps to establish which drains are shared and which drains are your responsibility.

Who is responsible for blocked drains on my property?



The property owner must maintain their own drains when they have a blockage. A property that relies on a private sewer system will also be the responsibility of the owner. Should there be damage to the drain then the repair for the broken drain also falls with the property owner.

Who is responsible for a shared sewer pipe if there is a blockage?

Sewers and lateral drains connected to the public network used to be the responsibility of the property owner. However, most are now maintained by local water companies. If you have any problems with your sewer or lateral drain, for example if it’s blocked, contact your local water company.

Where is the main drain located in a house?

It can usually be found in the basement, garage, or crawl space. You will want to look for a pipe that is about four inches in diameter with a screw cap on the top with a notch or a square knob at the top. Note that some houses have an indoor sewer line cleanout point, while others might be located outdoors.

How do you find a drain line under a slab?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So what it is is it puts a signal into the line or conduit you're trying to locate and then with this wand you're able to go along and detect it under the slab or underground.

How do I snake the main drain in my house?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Here's our main drain ours through the floor because we redid this just a couple of years ago sometimes they are mounted on your piping system here.