How to Remove a Stuck Rooter From a Sewer Line

Sewer lines aren’t always straight, so when you attempt to use a rooter to remove a blockage from the line, it could get stuck in the bends of the line or where the line splits. Some sewer line blockages could be caused by tree roots invading the line, requiring you to install an arrowhead on the tip of your rooter line to cut through the roots. The roots can catch the rooter line and become stuck. You can take steps to remove the stuck rooter from your sewer line without causing damage to your home or yard.

Things You'll Need

• Leather work gloves

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Turn off the rooter immediately once you determine the rooter line is stuck. Hold the line while wearing leather work gloves and wait until the line stops rotating.

   • 2

     Tighten the chuck around the line at the front of the rooter. Turn the switch on the rooter to reverse.

   • 3

     Pull on the rooter line while operating the rooter motor in reverse. Turn off the rooter as soon as the line becomes free.

   • 4

     Tighten the chuck around the rooter line. Turn the switch to the forward position to continue cleaning your sewer line.