If you’re dealing with gurgling pipes or water backing up into your shower, here is everything you need to know about diagnosing and unclogging your main sewer line. 1. Recognizing the Red Flags
In older homes, cast iron pipes can develop "scaling"—where the interior rusts and flakes off, creating rough surfaces that catch debris. Alternatively, shifting soil can cause a "belly" in the line—a sag where water and sediment pool instead of flowing downhill.
The cleanout is a pipe with a cap (usually white or black) located outside your home or in the basement.
Best for: Minor buildup and maintenance.
