If snaking doesn't work, or if you suspect grease, you can rent a hydro-jet from a tool rental center. This uses a high-pressure hose with a backward-facing nozzle that blasts water at 4,000 PSI to scour the pipe walls. This is far more effective than a snake for removing sludge and grease.

Few things strike fear into a homeowner’s heart quite like the sound of a toilet gurgling instead of flushing, or the sight of water seeping up around a basement floor drain. While a clogged sink is a minor nuisance, a blocked main septic line is a full-blown emergency.

Modern septic systems rely on bacteria to break down solids. If you use super-plush, "extra strong" toilet paper, non-biodegradable wipes (even "flushable" ones), or feminine hygiene products, they don't break down. They accumulate inside the pipe like wet papier-mâché, eventually creating a wall that stops water entirely.

Every home with a septic system should have a main cleanout —a white or black PVC pipe with a removable cap, usually found near the foundation of the house where the main line exits. (Sometimes it is in the basement or crawlspace). Pro tip: Open the cap slowly. If the pipe is full to the brim, stand to the side. Pressure can shoot sewage several feet into the air.

Tree roots seek water and nutrients. Old clay or cast-iron septic lines (and even modern PVC with small cracks) are prime targets. Roots invade through a tiny pinhole, then grow larger, eventually filling the pipe with a dense, hairy mass of vegetation that catches toilet paper and solids. Step-by-Step: How to Fix It Disclaimer: Working with raw sewage is hazardous. Wear gloves, goggles, and old clothes. If you are not comfortable, call a professional.

If the clog is near the house, a standard toilet auger won't reach. You need a heavy-duty sewer auger (a "drain snake"). Feed the cable into the cleanout until you feel resistance. Crank the handle to break through the clog. Run a garden hose into the cleanout to see if water flows away.

Pouring grease or oil down the kitchen sink is a death sentence for pipes. As hot grease cools, it hardens into a waxy, concrete-like layer along the pipe walls. Over years, this layer traps food particles and narrows the pipe until only a small hole—or none—remains.