How do you know if you have a broken sewer line under your house?
Some of the most common signs of a broken sewer line include:
Clogs and slow draining
Sewage smells
Soggy grass in your yard
Gurgling sounds coming from your pipes
However, the best way to confirm if you have a broken sewer line is through a video inspection. Most professionals have the right equipment for the job: a camera and light attached to a long cord.
This cord is fed through the cleanout and into the sewer pipe while the plumber views the live footage on a monitor. Once the break is spotted, the camera is temporarily left inside the pipe to act as a location transmitter. A separate device is used above ground to mark the camera’s location below. You’ll quickly learn whether the break is located under your home or yard.
How do I choose the best professional to fix or replace my sewer line?
Many plumbers can work on sewer lines. You might want to hire a professional with a sanitation system contractor or master plumber license to ensure they have the right knowledge and plenty of experience.
A master plumber license is the highest level of licensure a plumber can attain. Those who own plumbing businesses might send their employees out to fix your sewer line instead of doing the work themselves. So if you want a master plumber to personally perform or supervise the work, share your expectations when contacting local professionals.
When researching pros for your sewer line project:
Get quotes from several pros.
Verify their license and insurance.
Read their customer reviews.
Ask if they provide guarantees or warranties.
Find out how they will protect your home and yard when digging up the sewer line.
If you own an older home with clay or cast iron sewer pipes, consider asking about their experience fixing these pipes.
For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.
How much does it cost to repair or replace a sewer line in a house?
The cost of repairing or replacing a sewer line in your house depends on several factors, including its length, location, condition and the type of pipe. To get an accurate estimate, request quotes from multiple pros.
When requesting quotes, ask each pro to:
Explain the materials cost. Get a list of the parts needed and their prices.
Explain the labor cost, including how many workers and hours of work will be needed.
Include warranty or guarantee conditions, if applicable. For example, will they cover issues that arise after the repair?
Provide an accurate timeline, including possible delays due to ordering parts, inclement weather, etc.
How can I save money on sewer line repairs or replacement?
It might be hard to find substantial savings for sewer line repairs. Unfortunately, homeowners insurance policies usually exclude broken sewer lines except in riders or endorsements. Check your policy to find out if sewer line repairs are covered.
The best way to save on sewer line repairs is to avoid them altogether. Stay proactive with these steps:
Use a snake to clear minor blockages in toilet, sink and shower drains.
Respond quickly to the first indications of blockages.
Get a sewer line inspection report before buying a previously occupied home.
What goes into fixing a sewer line? What should I expect?
The process to repair a sewer line depends on the project’s details, but it will usually start with an inspection. The professional might use a scope or a camera to look inside your sewer pipe and see where it's broken and how bad the problem is.
If a scope is not available, they might start by digging up the area they suspect is damaged. Some sewer pipe damage may be located under concrete, such as your basement floor. In that case, digging up the area around the pipe would likely include concrete demolition.
Once the professional has identified the extent and location of sewer line damage, they might decide to remove the damaged section of the pipe and replace it. They might also remove the contaminated dirt around the pipe. If concrete was removed to access the pipe, it would need to be re-poured. Make sure you ask your professional if they will need to dig into your concrete, and if they will repair it afterwards. Find out if the repair cost is included in their quote when fixing or replacing your sewer line.
Remember that sewer line repairs need to be carefully planned. You won't be able to use the plumbing in your house until the work is completed.
How long does it take to repair or replace a sewer line?
Generally, repairing a sewer line might take anywhere from one to five days. However, there are many variables that can affect the project’s timeline, including:
Pipe depth, length and material
Accessibility of the sewer line
The nature and condition of the existing connection
Whether permits are required (and how long it takes to pull them)
Keep in mind that sewer line replacement typically involves excavating and replacing dirt or concrete, which can add significant time to the job. And because a sewer line is almost always hidden from view, a pro will likely need to inspect it to determine the extent of the project. A video inspection might be necessary for a pro to diagnose the issue and provide a more accurate time estimate.
Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.
Can I fix or replace my sewer line myself — or should I hire a professional?
In most cases, it’s best to hire a professional to repair or replace your sewer line. This is especially true if you don’t have the time or equipment to complete the project.
For example, replacing a long sewer line might take all day — even with a full crew. If you attempt to DIY this project without any professional help, it might take you even longer.
And remember: you won’t be able to use any drains until the sewer line is fixed or replaced. Consider how long you can go without using your drains before doing this project by yourself.