What tools does a plumber use to unclog a sewer line?

Plumbers unclog sewer lines using a powered drain auger (rooter) or a high‑pressure hydro‑jetter, guided by a video camera to find and confirm the blockage. Most clogs come from tree roots and grease that narrow the pipe until waste can’t pass, so the right tool depends on what the camera shows and the pipe’s condition. A technician may start with a cutting head to restore flow, then jet to scrub the pipe walls so debris doesn’t re-form as fast. We use these methods routinely for homes around Howe with both PVC and older clay laterals.

When a pro might use each tool:

• Auger/rooter machine: cuts roots and bores through dense obstructions.
• Hydro‑jetter: scours sludge, grease, scale, and sand along the full line.
• Sewer camera and locator: pinpoints blockages, breaks, or bellies before and after clearing.

If sewage is backing up into drains, stop running water and avoid chemical drain cleaners until a technician inspects the line. <br/> Updated: 2026-05-17 <br/> Need help in Howe, IN? Call 833-498-7951 or book online.