Sewer Line Repair & Replacement

Sewer line problems range from minor inconveniences to serious emergencies requiring immediate professional attention. Tree root intrusion is one of the most common causes of sewer line damage. Tree roots naturally grow toward moisture sources and can infiltrate sewer lines through tiny cracks or joints. Once inside, roots expand and create major blockages while causing additional pipe damage. Properties with mature trees near sewer lines are particularly vulnerable. Broken or collapsed pipes result from age, soil shifting, ground settling, or damage from construction and excavation. Clay and cast iron sewer pipes, common in older homes, are especially prone to deterioration and collapse. Pipe corrosion and deterioration occur naturally over time, particularly in older cast iron pipes that rust from the inside out. As pipes corrode, they develop rough interior surfaces that catch debris and create blockages. Bellied pipes occur when sections of sewer line settle or sink due to soil conditions or improper installation, creating low spots where water and waste pool and attract blockages. Offset pipes happen when sections separate at joints, often due to ground settling or poor installation, allowing soil infiltration and waste escape. Grease buildup accumulates on pipe walls over time, gradually reducing flow capacity and eventually creating blockages. Foreign object blockages include flushed items like wipes, feminine products, paper towels, and other non-flushable materials that create obstructions. These problems produce various symptoms including multiple drain backups throughout the home, sewage backing up into tubs or showers, gurgling sounds from drains, foul sewage odors inside or outside the home, unusually lush green areas in the yard above the sewer line, standing water or sinkholes near the sewer line, and slow drainage from multiple fixtures simultaneously. If you experience these symptoms, professional sewer line inspection and repair can identify and resolve the problem before it escalates into a complete sewer failure.

Modern sewer line diagnosis begins with video camera inspection, a non-invasive technology that allows us to see exactly what's happening inside your sewer line without excavation. Using waterproof cameras attached to flexible cables, we insert the camera into your sewer line through a cleanout access point and navigate the entire length of the line. As the camera travels through the pipe, it transmits real-time video to a monitor where Doug can observe pipe condition, identify blockages, and locate damage. Video inspection reveals tree root intrusion and its extent, cracks and breaks in pipes, corrosion and deterioration, bellied or offset sections, complete pipe collapses, grease buildup and scale accumulation, foreign objects causing blockages, and the condition of pipe joints and connections. This diagnostic accuracy eliminates guesswork and allows us to recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective repair method. The camera equipment includes distance markers that tell us exactly how far from the access point problems are located, allowing precise excavation or repair if needed. Many modern sewer cameras also include locating transmitters that allow us to pinpoint problem areas from above ground, marking exact locations for targeted repair. Video inspection typically takes 30-60 minutes and costs $200-$400, but this investment prevents unnecessary excavation, wrong repair approaches, and wasted money. Once we've identified problems through video inspection, we provide you with a detailed report including video footage of issues identified, exact locations and distances, recommended repair approaches, and cost estimates for repair or replacement options. This complete information empowers you to make informed decisions about your sewer line repair. At Down Right Plumbing, video camera inspection is typically the first step in sewer line service, ensuring accurate diagnosis before proceeding with repairs.

Traditional sewer line repair involves excavation to access the damaged section of pipe. While more invasive than trenchless methods, traditional repair remains necessary and appropriate in certain situations including complete pipe collapse, severely deteriorated pipes requiring full replacement, situations where trenchless methods aren't feasible due to pipe conditions, repairs combined with landscape renovation projects, and when excavation costs are comparable or lower than trenchless methods. The traditional repair process begins with locating the exact problem area using video inspection and above-ground locating equipment. We then excavate a trench to expose the damaged pipe section, remove and dispose of the damaged pipe, install new replacement pipe (typically modern PVC that resists root intrusion and corrosion), backfill the trench with proper compaction, and restore the ground surface. Traditional excavation repair provides several advantages including the opportunity to inspect the full pipe exterior, ability to address extensive damage or multiple problem areas in one excavation, compatibility with all pipe conditions regardless of deterioration severity, and lower per-foot cost for extensive damage requiring replacement of long sections. The main disadvantages are surface disruption including landscape damage, driveway or walkway removal, and property restoration requirements. At Down Right Plumbing, we minimize excavation impact through precise location of damage, targeted excavation limited to necessary areas, careful handling of landscaping materials for replanting, and coordination with landscaping professionals for restoration if needed. Our excavation work includes proper permits, utility location to prevent hitting gas, electric, or water lines, and thorough restoration. For properties where extensive sewer line replacement is needed and excavation is unavoidable, traditional methods remain the most cost-effective and reliable approach.

Trenchless sewer repair technology has revolutionized how we address sewer line problems, allowing repair or replacement with minimal excavation and property disruption. Two primary trenchless methods are widely used. Pipe lining, also called cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), creates a new pipe within the existing damaged pipe. The process involves cleaning the existing pipe thoroughly using hydro jetting, inserting a flexible liner tube saturated with epoxy resin into the pipe, inflating the liner so it presses against the interior of the existing pipe, allowing the resin to cure and harden (creating a smooth, durable new pipe interior), and deflating and removing the inflation device, leaving the cured liner in place. This new lining is seamless, resistant to root intrusion and corrosion, and typically has a 50-year lifespan. Pipe lining works well for pipes with cracks, minor breaks, root intrusion, corrosion, and small separations. It requires minimal excavation—typically just one or two small access points. Pipe bursting is the other main trenchless method, involving actual pipe replacement with minimal excavation. The process pulls a bursting head through the existing pipe while simultaneously pulling new pipe behind it. The bursting head breaks apart the old pipe and pushes fragments into the surrounding soil while the new pipe (typically HDPE high-density polyethylene) takes its place. Pipe bursting works well for collapsed pipes, severely deteriorated pipes, and situations where pipe diameter upgrade is desired. It requires two small access pits rather than full-length trenching. Benefits of trenchless methods include minimal property disruption (preserving driveways, sidewalks, and landscaping), faster completion time (typically 1-2 days versus several days for traditional excavation), reduced restoration costs, long lifespan of new pipes, and improved flow capacity. Trenchless repair typically costs $80-$250 per linear foot while traditional methods cost $50-$150 per foot plus restoration. While trenchless costs more per foot, total project costs are often comparable or lower when factoring in restoration. Not all situations are suitable for trenchless repair—severely offset pipes, pipes with multiple sharp turns, or completely collapsed sections may require traditional excavation. After video inspection, we'll recommend the most appropriate method for your specific situation.

While some sewer line issues result from aging infrastructure beyond your control, many problems can be prevented or delayed through proper maintenance and care. Proper flushing habits are fundamental—only flush human waste and toilet paper. Never flush wipes (even those labeled flushable), feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, dental floss, paper towels, cat litter, medication, or any other items. These materials don't break down and create blockages. Grease disposal practices matter—never pour cooking grease, oil, or fats down drains. These substances cool and solidify in pipes, gradually building up and creating blockages. Instead, collect grease in containers and dispose of with trash. Tree management is critical if you have trees near your sewer line. Tree roots naturally seek water sources and will infiltrate sewer lines if possible. Consider removing trees within 10 feet of sewer lines, installing root barriers between trees and sewer lines, having sewer lines inspected every 3-5 years if mature trees are nearby, or chemically treating sewer lines with root-killing foam (we offer this service). Regular professional drain cleaning every 1-2 years removes buildup before it becomes problematic. For properties with chronic sewer line issues, more frequent maintenance prevents emergencies. Avoid chemical drain cleaners which can damage older pipes while providing only temporary relief. Proper landscaping practices prevent damage—avoid driving vehicles over sewer line areas, be cautious when digging near sewer lines, and ensure proper drainage to prevent soil erosion around pipes. Early professional attention when problems begin prevents escalation—if you notice slow drains, gurgling sounds, or occasional backups, have your sewer line inspected rather than waiting for complete failure. Proactive sewer line replacement before complete failure gives you control over timing and allows you to plan financially rather than facing emergency replacement at the worst possible time.

Sewer line repair and replacement represent major plumbing projects requiring expertise, specialized equipment, and experience. At Down Right Plumbing, Doug has extensive experience with sewer line projects throughout Rockwall and the DFW area, from minor repairs to complete line replacements. Our comprehensive sewer line services begin with video camera inspection to accurately diagnose problems, followed by detailed explanation of findings, recommendations, and cost estimates for all appropriate repair methods. We offer both traditional excavation and modern trenchless repair options, recommending the most cost-effective approach for your specific situation. Doug is trained in both methods and experienced with all types of sewer line materials including clay, cast iron, PVC, and ABS. We handle all aspects of sewer line projects including necessary permits, utility location and coordination, excavation and trenching, pipe removal and installation, testing and inspection, backfill and compaction, and surface restoration. Our equipment includes professional video inspection cameras, hydro jetting systems, excavation equipment, and pipe handling tools. We work efficiently to minimize project duration and disruption to your daily life. All sewer line work is backed by comprehensive warranties covering workmanship and materials. We're fully licensed and insured, and we carry liability insurance protecting your property during excavation. Our transparent pricing means you'll receive detailed written estimates before work begins, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. We serve Rockwall, Heath, Fate, Royse City, McLendon-Chisholm, and throughout the DFW region. Whether you're dealing with chronic backups, slow drains, or complete sewer line failure, trust Down Right Plumbing to diagnose the problem accurately and implement the most effective, cost-efficient repair solution. Contact us today for video inspection and expert sewer line service.