Skip to main content
True Value
Project

Work Through the Blockage — Insert the Auger Cable

Intermediate6 hours

Part of project

How to Use a Main Line Cleanout to Clear a Major Sewer Clog · Step 4 of 8

Helpful?

In this video

Feed the cable into the drain until you feel it make contact with the blockage. The cable will begin to bind and build up torque, which you will feel. When this happens, use the auto-feed to retract the cable slightly, allowing the spinning head to work on the clog and break it up. Then, advance the cable forward again slowly. Repeat this process of advancing, feeling the torque, and retracting slightly. This patient, back-and-forth motion will allow the head to work its way through the blockage effectively.

Goal: Use the proper technique to break through a clog in the drain

  • Do not try to force the cable through a blockage. Let the machine's rotation and the back-and-forth feeding motion do the work to avoid damaging the cable or pipe.
  • Feeling the cable torque up is a sign that you have reached the blockage and the head is engaging it.

Used in this video

  • Drain Snake/Auger (brand: Ridgid, Tool Type: Drain Cleaning Machine Motor Type, Power Source: Electric) — Clearing the blockage in the drain.
264.2K views88315-45 minutes
RIDGID Tools

52K subscribers

View Channel

FAQs

How do I know for sure if I have a main line sewer clog, as opposed to a blockage in a single drain?

A main line clog typically presents as multiple drains backing up simultaneously, often in the lowest parts of your home (e.g., toilet flushing causes water to rise in a shower). If only one sink or toilet is affected, it's likely a localized clog. This project is specifically for widespread backups indicating a main line issue.

What are the most crucial safety precautions I need to take when working with raw sewage and a motorized drain auger?

Always wear robust waterproof gloves (like G & F Products 1628 L) and safety glasses to protect against sewage, debris, and auger cable whipping. Ensure the work area is well-ventilated, lay down a heavy-duty tarp (e.g., TARPCO SAFETY 24 ft. x 36 ft.) to contain spills, and never operate the auger without understanding its controls. Keep hands clear of the spinning cable at all times.

Can I use a chemical drain cleaner or a hand-crank auger for a major main line clog instead of a motorized one?

For a major main line clog, chemical drain cleaners are typically ineffective and can be dangerous, potentially damaging pipes or the auger cable. A hand-crank auger usually lacks the power and reach needed for a severe main line blockage. A powerful motorized auger, such as the VEVOR 250-Watt model, is essential for clearing these significant clogs effectively.

What should I do if the motorized auger cable gets stuck in the pipe?

If the auger cable gets stuck, immediately reverse the motor's direction to try and free it. If that doesn't work, try gently pulling back on the cable while it's rotating slowly, or alternate between forward and reverse. Do not force the cable, as this can cause it to kink, break, or damage your plumbing system.

Transcript
Hide

have trouble. So when you're working this in a blockage, what will happen is you'll have it out whatever ten feet, fifty feet, and you'll find it starting to torque up on you as this binds and creates some tension. This machine has an auto torque on it that prevents you from building too much pressure, but it's really up to the user to observe the metal starting to bind and starting to torque. When that happens, that means that this spring steel that's in this is springing. It's creating pressure. That's good for making this head twist and turn where you wanted to, but when you hit a blockage and it starts to bind, that's when you back off, go in. Back off, go in. And you can see how if you're doing that, you'll work your way through a blockage. The key isn't to get anxious and drive it deep into it and then try to get something done. The key is when you hit the blockage back off a little, let it spin, work its way around in that blockage, move it forward another quarter inch, let it swirl around for a minute. Whatever you feel comfortable with, if you have an idea what the blockage is, you have an idea of how long you need to let it swirl in one place. And eventually just by working it through, pulling it back so that you're kind of spreading out the blockage, you'll clean your drain. It's not simple.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.