auger

Step-by-Step

Look for a clean-out near the bottom of your home's soil stack. Loosen the plug of the clean-out. If water flows out, the blockage is below. (If no water flows out, the blockage is holding the water above, so replace the clean-out plug and auger from a higher point.) Insert the auger into the opening, and run it back and forth several times (see Augering Techniques, Related Projects). Another solution is to use a blow bag. Once the blow bag is in place, run the water in the hose full force on and off several times.

house trap

If neither procedure works, move farther down the line. Some houses have a house trap near where the drain line leaves the house. Open one of the two plugs, and thread in an auger. The blockage may be in the trap itself.

sewer

If the blockage still does not go away, the outdoor sewer line may be blocked. Often, fine tree roots work their way into the line, creating a tough blockage that can only be removed with a heavy auger with a cutting bit.

First try feeding in a garden hose to push and flush out the obstruction. If that doesn't work, call in a professional or rent a heavy-duty power auger. Running one of these is a two-person job. Get a demonstration from the rental center on its use.