Sewer cleaning is a professional service that removes debris, grease, roots, and buildup from a home’s main sewer line to restore proper wastewater flow. Mr. Rooter Plumbing® explains the steps involved, what to watch for, and when to call a professional.
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Sewer cleaning is one of those services homeowners don’t tend to think about until something stops working—and even then, it’s not always clear where the problem actually lies or how to fix it. That’s why professional help is essential.
A professional sewer cleaning service follows a clear, step-by-step process designed to remove buildup and blockages from the main sewer line while protecting the sewer pipe itself. Qualified plumbing service professionals rely on visual inspections, training and experience, and specialized equipment to get things flowing again.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how professionals clean sewer lines, the tools they use, and when sewer cleaning actually makes sense for you.
Article contents
- What Does Sewer Cleaning Entail?
- Step-by-Step: How Professionals Clean Sewer Lines
- Signs You May Need Professional Sewer Cleaning
- Contact Mr. Rooter for Professional Sewer Cleaning
- FAQs About Professional Sewer Cleaning
What Does Sewer Cleaning Entail?
Sewer cleaning involves removing buildup and blockages from the main sewer line. This process requires professional inspection, equipment, and expertise.
Homeowners often mistake the signs that they need a sewer cleaning for more common drain problems. Typically, if the issue is affecting only one drain, the cause is likely a local blockage; if it’s affecting multiple drains throughout your home, a sewer cleaning may be the answer.
Sewer cleaning vs. drain cleaning
Drain cleaning is needed when individual fixtures or branch lines, like a sink, shower, or toilet, become blocked through everyday use. These backups are typically localized and can be cleared with simple tools or drain-safe cleaners.
Sewer cleaning targets the main sewer line, which carries wastewater from the entire home to the municipal system. When several drains become slow at once, backups keep recurring, or issues show up at the lowest drain in the home, the problem often starts in the sewer line rather than a single drain. In those cases, professional sewer and drain services can identify where the issue begins and address it properly.
Why sewer cleaning isn’t a DIY job
Because sewer lines are buried, pressurized, and connected to municipal systems, sewer cleaning requires certain specialized tools and training. Attempting to address any kind of sewer-level issues without the proper equipment can end up damaging pipes, creating safety risks, or temporarily masking a larger problem. Professional sewer cleaning helps make sure the root issue is resolved, not just pushed further down the line.
Step-by-Step: How Professionals Clean Sewer Lines
Rather than relying on guesswork, plumbing service professionals follow a clear sewer cleaning procedure that includes inspection, method selection, cleaning, and verification. This process is designed to protect your sewer system and deliver targeted results.
Step 1: Sewer line inspection
Before any cleaning happens, professionals need to know what’s going on inside the sewer line.
A sewer line inspection uses a small camera to look inside the pipe in real time. This makes it possible to spot blockages, buildup, root intrusion, or pipe damage. Inspections are especially helpful for recurring issues, older homes, or when determining which sewer pipe cleaning method to choose.
The inspection results guide the rest of the process.
Step 2: Choosing the right sewer pipe cleaning method
Once your plumber has a clear picture of the problem, the next step is deciding how to address it.
Sewer rodding and hydro jetting are the most common methods of sewer line cleaning. The pipe’s age and material, the type of blockage, and the overall condition of the line all play a role in choosing a solution that avoids putting any extra stress on the pipe.
| Cleaning method | Best suited for | How it works | Typical use case |
| Sewer rodding | Localized blockages | Mechanical cutting and removal | Isolated obstructions |
| Hydro jetting | Heavy buildup, grease, scale | High-pressure water cleaning | Preventative or recurring issues |
Step 3: Cleaning the sewer line
Professionals use targeted methods to remove obstructions safely and effectively.
Once the inspection is complete and a plan is in place, it’s time to actually start the cleaning process.
Depending on what’s inside the pipe, licensed plumbing service professionals typically use one of two methods. Each is designed for specific conditions, which is why inspections matter so much.
- Sewer rodding: Mechanical tools are used to break through and remove specific obstructions inside the pipe. This method is often effective for clearing localized blockages and restoring flow without more extensive cleaning.
- Hydro jetting sewer line cleaning: This method uses high-pressure water to clean the inside of the pipe, removing grease, scale, and residue that can cause recurring sewer problems. Hydro jetting may be recommended when the buildup is heavier or spread throughout the pipe.
Step 4: Post-cleaning verification
After cleaning, professionals will often perform a follow-up camera inspection to double-check that the blockage has been successfully removed.
Signs You May Need Professional Sewer Cleaning
Sewer problems can develop slowly, which makes the early signs easy to ignore. But, as the buildup increases, those small issues tend to come back more often.
Common signs that may point to a sewer line problem include:
- Slow drains throughout the home
- Frequent or recurring backups
- Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains
- Sewer odours, especially near floor drains
- Water backing up at the lowest plumbing fixture
You don’t need to experience all of these at once for a sewer issue to be present. Even one recurring problem can be enough to justify having your sewer lines professionally checked.
Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Professional Sewer Cleaning
When sewer issues cause backups in your home, a professional who explains things clearly and handles the issue thoroughly makes a big difference.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing provides professional sewer cleaning backed by inspections, experience, and the right equipment for the job. Our highly trained plumbers take the time to explain what they find, recommend the right solution, and get things flowing again safely.
Every service is backed by the Neighbourly Done Right Promise®, reflecting our commitment to ensuring your satisfaction. To learn more or schedule service, contact your local Mr. Rooter team.
This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Mr. Rooter is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content. Some Mr. Rooter services vary by location. Contact your local Mr. Rooter franchise for more information.
