A quick run to Home Depot . .

. . . to rent a sewer snake to clean out the sewer. It's always best just go get the equipment, use and put it away. Other, seemingly easier ways of dealing with it just don't work and add uneccessary steps. I got to Home Depot as they were closing, but I had called ahead and the guy in the rental department was waiting for me at the back rental door.

There were some small roots in the line. This, combined with the interesting way that our sewer main goes to the alley that is uphill from the house, makes a buildup of sludge that contributes to the way that the waste from the washing machine backs up into the shower and makes the toilet bubble--that is actually a funny noise.

Everything was fixed and the sewer machine in in the garage in under an hour.

Thanks to everyone who came for Christmas. [Dave and Rob: the stuff that Grandma gave you is still here somewhere. Come and get it soon!]

Happy Boxing Day to all!