Fast Plumbing Answers: Find Your Main Sewer Line

You suspect a sewer backup. To fix it, you need to find your main sewer line. But where in the world is it? It's a common question, and knowing the answer can save you time and stress, especially if you're dealing with a plumbing emergency.

Don't worry — we'll answer all your questions in 2 minutes or less.

We’re Mother, a Dallas-Fort Worth plumbing company that provides dependable, hassle-free modern plumbing for homeowners who value quality. We’ll help you locate your main sewer line and provide expert sewer line repair and replacement services to resolve any issues.

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The Fast Answer: How Do You Find Your Main Sewer Line?

To find your main sewer line, start by looking for your sewer cleanouts. They are the primary access points to your main sewer system. 

Sewer line cleanouts are almost always located in front of your house, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule. 

In many Dallas zip codes, it’s common for your sewer line to run through the alley. Ask your neighbors where their cleanouts are located — your house will connect to the city sewer from the same side.

The location and function of exterior cleanouts

• Most common location: Near your home's foundation in the flower beds or landscaping. If your home backs up to an alleyway, check the back of the house.
• What to look for: Newer exterior cleanouts have white PVC caps that are usually a few inches above ground level. These are typically 3-inch or 4-inch diameter pipes. (Older homes may have cast iron or brass pipes.) 
• Have a city sewer connection? Check for a metal city cleanout where your yard line connects to the city line. This shows where your sewer line starts.
• Why they're important: Dillon Ashton, Journeyman Plumber at Mother Modern Plumbing, explains that sewer cleanouts are where "we access your sewer system to run a camera or a sewer machine through it if you have a blockage."

Have a pool deck? Your cleanouts might be covered by decorative caps in this area. Look for a small silver cylinder with a Phillips head screw.

The location and function of interior cleanouts

• Most common location: These can sometimes be found inside your home in areas like the garage, basement, or utility room. Some might even be slightly up a wall.
• What to look for: These are typically 2-inch diameter pipes and are often specific to a single fixture, like a kitchen sink or a bathroom. 
• Important distinction: Dillon notes that interior and secondary cleanouts aren't necessarily going directly to your main sewer line. “They are connected to your sewer, but those are usually two-inch cleanouts,” he explains. “The ones that are very, very important are the three-inch, the four-inch cleanouts that are in the flower bed." 

What to Expect When Your Plumber Arrives

When you call a professional plumber because you suspect a sewer backup, they will start by locating the most appropriate access point for your main sewer line to diagnose the issue.

Here’s what to expect when you call Mother Modern Plumbing for sewer line inspection or repair.

Locating the Problem

• Initial search: Your plumber will first look for the primary cleanouts outside your home, as these provide the best access to the main line.
• Expert access: Dillon explains, "The first thing we need to do is find these white caps. Those are what are called double cleanouts. That's where we access your sewer system." If these are hard to find, plumbers may look for other access points like a toilet or shower drain.
• Technology used: Once access is gained, plumbers often use a sewer machine (a large-scale drain snake) to attempt to clear any obvious blockages. After clearing, a sewer camera inspection is often performed to visually identify the exact cause of the backup and assess the overall condition of your sewer line. This helps determine if the issue is a simple clog or a more serious problem like tree root intrusion or a broken pipe. 

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Offering the Best Possible Solution

Based on the camera inspection, your plumber will recommend the most effective solution:

• Drain cleaning: For typical blockages like grease and debris, a professional drain cleaning service using a sewer machine or hydro-jetting will clear the line.
• Root removal: If tree roots are the culprit, specialized cutting attachments on a sewer machine can remove them.
• Sewer line repair/replacement: For more severe issues like collapsed pipes, significant cracks, or persistent root problems, a more extensive sewer line repair or replacement may be required. Want a second opinion on your plumber’s advice? If their bid just doesn’t seem right, call Mother — we’re happy to provide an expert second opinion.

Experiencing Sewer Line Issues? Here's What to Do

If you suspect a problem with your main sewer line, acting quickly is key to preventing major damage and costly repairs.

Keep your cleanouts accessible

Take some time to locate and expose any white capped cleanout pipes around your home's exterior, especially in your flower beds. This simple step can significantly speed up a plumber's ability to diagnose and fix a problem when it arises. If you can't find them, a professional can help.

Do you use a lawn care service? Tell them to keep your cleanouts accessible — especially if they’re putting in new mulch.

Put down the Drano and call your plumber

Attempting to clear a main sewer line blockage without the proper tools or knowledge can lead to further damage to your plumbing system or even personal injury.

(Chemical drain cleaners don’t fully resolve main sewer line issues. They damage your pipes, and can burn your plumbers when they arrive for a service call.)

A professional plumber has the specialized equipment and expertise to safely and effectively diagnose and resolve the issue. They can clear the blockage and determine the underlying cause, preventing future backups.

Live in Dallas-Fort Worth? Call Mother

For Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners, Mother Modern Plumbing is your go-to expert for locating and resolving sewer line issues. Our top-rated sewer line camera inspections ensure we pinpoint the problem with precision, leading to effective and lasting solutions.

Fast, Expert Dallas-Fort Worth Drain Cleaning and Sewer Line Repair

Knowing how to find your main sewer line is the first step in addressing a potential plumbing crisis. These crucial access points, often white capped pipes in your flower beds, allow professionals to diagnose and resolve blockages effectively. 

While it's tempting to tackle plumbing problems yourself, main sewer line issues require the specialized tools and expertise of a professional plumber.

Mother Modern Plumbing is your trusted partner for fast, effective drain cleaning and sewer line repair in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. 

Call us for comprehensive drain cleaning, sewer line inspection and repair services. Let’s give you a lasting solution and restore your peace of mind.

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