Sewer line services deal with the main drain that carries all wastewater from the building to the city sewer connection: clearing blockages, inspecting the line with a camera, and repairing or replacing damaged sections caused by roots, corrosion, offsets or collapse.
Signs of a sewer line problem
- Several drains are slow or back up at the same time
- Water comes up in the shower or tub when the toilet is flushed
- Gurgling from toilets and drains
- Sewage odors inside or near the cleanout outside
- Soggy, sunken or unusually green spots in the yard over the sewer path
- Repeated main line clogs
See 7 signs of a sewer line problem for more detail on each warning sign.
What causes sewer line problems?
| Cause | What happens |
|---|---|
| Root intrusion | Roots enter through joints or cracks and grow into a mat that catches debris. |
| Corroded cast iron | Older cast iron lines can corrode, scale and crack from the inside. |
| Grease and wipes | Grease buildup and so-called flushable wipes form blockages in the main line. |
| Bellied or offset pipe | Settling soil creates low spots or misaligned joints where waste collects. |
| Storm-related surcharge | Heavy rain can overwhelm systems and contribute to backups in some properties. |
How plumbers diagnose sewer lines
A sewer camera inspection runs a waterproof camera through the line from a cleanout, showing roots, cracks, offsets and blockages, along with the distance to each problem. Many plumbers can also locate the line’s depth and position from the surface. This is the best way to decide between cleaning, spot repair and replacement, and it’s useful before buying an older home.
Sewer line repair options
- Clearing with a cable machine or hydro jetting for clogs and roots
- Spot repair of a single damaged section by excavation
- Trenchless methods, such as pipe lining or pipe bursting, where conditions allow
- Full replacement of the lateral when damage is widespread
Who is responsible for which part of the line can depend on your property and the utility. A plumber can help identify where your line connects. In condo buildings, main drain stacks are typically the association’s responsibility.
Sewer work is one of the more specialized areas of plumbing in Boca Raton, FL, and the right diagnosis saves money. For single slow drains, start with drain cleaning.
What affects the cost of sewer work?
- Clearing only vs. inspection vs. repair
- Line length, depth and access (driveways, landscaping, slab)
- Repair method: excavation vs. trenchless
- Permits and restoration of surfaces
What happens when you call
- 01
Describe the symptoms
Which drains are affected and whether there’s any sewage or odor.
- 02
Connect with a plumber
We route your call to an independent sewer line contractor.
- 03
Inspect the line
The plumber clears and/or camera-inspects the line to find the cause.
- 04
Choose the repair
You review cleaning, spot repair or replacement options and pricing.
Sewer Line Services service area in Boca Raton
Sewer line calls are connected throughout Boca Raton, including older homes east of I-95 with original cast iron drains and established neighborhoods with mature landscaping.
Downtown & East Boca
- Downtown Boca Raton33432
- East Boca Raton33431, 33432, 33487
Central Boca
- Central Boca Raton33486, 33431
- Boca Del Mar & Boca Pointe33433
West Boca
- Boca West & Century Village33434
- Broken Sound & Northwest Boca33496, 33487
- Sandalfoot Cove & Loggers' Run33428
- West Boca Raton33498, 33428, 33433, 33434, 33496
ZIP codes covered: 33427, 33428, 33429, 33431, 33432, 33433, 33434, 33464, 33481, 33486, 33487, 33488, 33496, 33497, 33498, 33499.
ZIPs 33427, 33429, 33481, 33488, 33497 are PO Box ZIP codes and 33464, 33499 are single-organization ZIP codes, so they don’t map to one neighborhood. If your mailing address uses one of them, just tell us the street location when you call.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged?
If several drains back up at once, especially if water rises in a tub or shower when you flush, the main line is likely blocked. Stop using water and call a plumber.
What is a sewer camera inspection?
A plumber runs a waterproof camera through your sewer line to see its condition, such as roots, cracks, sags or blockages, and locate problems precisely.
Can tree roots really get into sewer pipes?
Yes. Roots seek moisture and enter through joints and cracks, especially in older lines, then grow into blockages.
What is trenchless sewer repair?
Methods like pipe lining or pipe bursting that repair or replace a sewer line through small access points instead of digging a full trench. Suitability depends on the line’s condition.
Are flushable wipes safe for sewer lines?
Plumbers commonly advise against flushing wipes. They don’t break down like toilet paper and are a frequent cause of main line clogs.