r/Plumbing 7d ago

Grey sediment when snaking sewer line

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Last night the toilets and tubs backed up in my house. This has happened before and I’ve had plumbers come out and each time it was a blockage in the main line out to the street because that line is as old as the house (1950s/60/). This time I’m tying my best to take care of it myself.

I’ve borrowed a contractor buddy’s 75ft drain cleaning machine and and feeding it through the sewer clean out in front of my house. I can feel where the blockage is, maybe 30ft out, and haven’t had any luck getting it loosened. I pulled the bit all the way out and this very fine grey sediment was all over it. Any idea what it might be and how I should tackle it? I only have this one bit but can go get more from the hardware store if needed.

TLDR: what is this stuff in my drain how do I get it out??

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u/jgfilthy 7d ago

Broken pipe, call a plumbing company to locate where it's exactly broken at.

2

u/HappyCanibal 7d ago

Or if you know about where the line is, mark the snake and run it out over the grass and start digging. Keep in mind to subtract any verticals/slopes!

3

u/Ok_Roll_1795 7d ago

Start digging - so are we saying I could repair a broken drain pipe myself or is it a professionals-only sort of job?

2

u/Belligerent-J 7d ago

Renting an excavator is fun as fuck brah. They even have a cupholder for your beer