Signs You May Need Sewer-Line Repair
Recurring Sewer Backups
The same drain, or several at once, backing up no matter how often it’s cleared often points to damage in the main line.
Multiple Slow or Gurgling Drains
Gurgling toilets or several fixtures draining slowly at once suggest water is struggling past a point in the shared line.
Sewage Odor Indoors or in the Yard
A persistent sewage smell can mean a cracked pipe or failed joint.
An Unusually Green or Soggy Yard Patch
A section of yard that stays wetter or greener than the rest can mean wastewater is leaking underground.
How We Diagnose a Damaged Sewer Line
We don’t recommend excavation or replacement based on symptoms alone. Every repair starts with a camera inspection so you can see the pipe’s actual condition. The footage shows exactly where a crack, root mass, offset joint, or belly sits, and a locating device marks the spot on the surface.
Common Sewer-Line Problems
Root Intrusion
Roots seeking moisture enter small cracks or loose joints, then expand and trap debris.
Cracked or Broken Pipe
Ground shifting, brittle old pipe, or nearby digging can crack a section.
Offset Joint
Ground movement can shift pipe sections out of alignment, creating a debris-catching ledge.
Bellied (Sagging) Pipe
Soil settling underneath a section can leave it lower than the rest of the run, holding standing water.
Spot Repair Versus Full Replacement
Camera footage tells us whether damage is isolated or spread across the run. Spot repair fits damage limited to one section; full replacement fits multiple problem areas or aging pipe throughout the run. We show you the footage behind whichever option we recommend.
Excavation and Trenchless Options
Traditional excavation digs down to the damaged section for direct access. Trenchless repair (pipe bursting) replaces the old pipe by pulling a new one through the same path, usually through one or two small access pits.
Cost Factors & Permits
Extent of damage, access method, pipe depth/length/material, site conditions, and permits/restoration all shape the scope.
Excavation or replacement work typically requires a permit through the City’s SimpliCITY portal. In most jurisdictions, the sewer lateral connecting your home to the main is the owner’s responsibility, while the utility maintains the main under the street.
Sewer-Line Repair FAQs
How do I know if I need a spot repair or a full replacement?
It depends on what the camera finds. Isolated damage often fits a spot repair; widespread deterioration usually points toward replacement.
Is excavation always required?
No. Where conditions allow, trenchless pipe bursting can replace a damaged pipe through one or two access pits. Severely bellied or misaligned pipe still requires excavation.
Am I responsible for the sewer lateral, or is that the utility’s job?
In most jurisdictions, the lateral connecting your home to the main is the homeowner’s responsibility, while the utility maintains the main under the street.
Do I need a permit for sewer line repair?
Excavation or replacement work typically does. The City’s Building & Safety Division issues permits through its SimpliCITY portal.
Will you show me evidence before recommending a repair?
Yes. Every recommendation starts with camera footage of your actual line, which we review with you before discussing options.
Can trenchless repair fix a bellied pipe?
Usually not on its own — a pipe bursting replacement follows the existing path, so a section that has already sagged typically needs excavation and regrading instead.
Ready to Fix Your Sewer Line?
We start with a camera inspection so any recommendation is based on what’s actually happening in your pipe.
Request Sewer Line Repair