Clog at street level? Roots?

[wilson]

I've been having a problem with toilets backing up and every time I snake it it works for a little while but then it starts backing up again. I'm thinking maybe there are some roots in the sewage line but I don't have the cash right now to call a plumber. What should I do? Maybe I'm using the snake wrong? Any help would be appreciated.

[majakdragon]

Since the toilet piping is either 3 or 4' pipe, you need an auger, not a snake. Sewer augers can be rented for DIYers. They have a pointed head to make an opening in roots and then you switch to a cutter head (looks like a hole saw) that cleans the inside diameter of the pipe.