Don't make this mistake when using a mainline snake! (Excellent tips from a first timer.)

[@mondavou9408]

I really do appreciate anyone willing to do it themselves. You gave it go which is A LOT more than most folks. There is no substitute for experience, now you have some.... and now, if you can find an honest one, consider getting a professional with the full assortment of tools and years of experience doing that one task at their disposal. No matter what you do, I wish you the best of luck and a good outcome.

[@alleycatpictures]

thanks!

[@yellowdeer7163]

I ran a cable through a roof vent and got the cable stuck and the cable just about broke my arms. Anyway ,it turned out a 1x2x12 piece of wood was stuck in the vent from construction causing a 1st floor apt. blockage. We cut the vent stack behind the toilet and managed to pull it out. Stay safe.

[@alleycatpictures]

yikes!

[@donaldpearrell3262]

Part of the problem is the cable on those machines is too soft and tends to kink. I had one of those machines and ordered the stiffer cable for it. Also, the cameras that most plumbers use is a better push rod, for being able to push it through the house trap, they run around 10 grand. Retired plumber so I can speak from experience. Please, though, the next time you have to do that, wear sturdy shoes, so you don't injure your toes

[@alleycatpictures]

thanks for the tips, didn't know you can get a different cable🙏

[@georgeford6056]

Should have gone to the local Ace Hardware and rented the heavy-duty one with the cutter head (about $40). All the coil did was rip out a small hole the size of the coil, a hole that will quickly fill with new root growth. For first-timers: turn on the water and keep the water level up (this will help flush out the line as you go). Feed the line in until you start to feel some resistance and then go very slowly, just a couple of inches at a time and allowing time for the cutting head to do it's work. With a big root blockage, you can grind and grind but the pipe will not clear until you pass the far-end of the blockage, whereupon the pressure of the backed-up water will power flush the line. Always run the cutter to the end of the line, you never know if there is a partial blockage down the line waiting to become a problem (if you don't have a camera). As a side note: root inhibitors are good for use in septic systems, but not so useful in city/county lines as they tend to wash away quickly with just a shower or a couple of toilet flushes. The best time to use one is in spring just after the leaves begin to bud (the time of maximum new root growth).

[@alleycatpictures]

thanks! I just might try that before digging the pipe up...great tip with keeping the water running too...

[@mondavou9408]

Good to know.

[@williamb834]

Root destroyer, 99% copper sulfate, every 6 months. Retired plumber

[@JoeL-re1dc]

That worked for me for years, When I knew we were going to be gone a couple of days, I'd flush a load down and whatever stayed in the pipe.or on the roots, stay for a day or two till we came home.

[@alleycatpictures]

yes, I agree that helps for sure

[@ohiopat]

I had the same problem. If you get it cleaned out one time by a real company with a big 3/4" snake then you can use your Harbor Freight snake with the big cutter twice a year and keep it clean.

[@jimonthecoast3234]

The grossest thing about this video is your wearing sandles instead of boots.

[@jimonthecoast3234]

Your first mistake, not calling a professional

[@alleycatpictures]

hmmm...kind of missed the point😂

[@petertaylor7483]

Dig dig dig

[@JoeL-re1dc]

plus /.....hammer, hammer, hammer, under the driveway, it appears.

[@alleycatpictures]

from my measurements Ii think moat of the roots are right at the beginning of the driveway...hopefully I won't have to hammer🤞

[@knifelore1647]

No first mistake is wearing gloves! Great way to get your hand removed!