Roots from trees and nearby plants (Fig. 12) may also enter the soil pipe at the joints. This may seem impossible, but roots are seeing water and they often force their way right through the mortar into the pipe if given time.
Broken soil pipe permits foreign matter to enter the drainage system (Fig. 13). This can often cause clogging.
To open a clogged sewer, set a container just underneath the cleanout plug (Fig. 14). Loosen the plug just enough to permit water and waste to flow into the container.
When all the water and waste have drained out, remove the plug and insert a cleanout tape.
Rotate the reel clockwise as you unroll it and push the tape forward into the sewer pipes.