Licensed Pros
Licensed Pros | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Cleveland
Cleveland’s clay-tile and cast-iron sewer lines have served the city for generations, but time, tree roots, and shifting soil can turn a quiet Saturday into a flooded-basement emergency. When those hidden pipes start gurgling, HEP’s licensed pros move fast, combining decades of local experience with camera inspections and trenchless repair technology to diagnose and solve even the toughest main line issues. From Buckeye–Shaker to Lakewood, we arrive ready to protect your home, your yard, and your peace of mind.
We believe plumbing fixes shouldn’t create new headaches. That’s why we offer upfront pricing, iron-clad warranties, and courteous technicians who treat your property like their own. Whether you’re facing slow drains, sewage backups, or unexplained odors, you can count on HEP for transparent solutions, 24/7 emergency response, and workmanship that keeps Cleveland’s water flowing the way it should—out of sight and out of worry.
FAQs
What warning signs indicate a problem with my home’s main sewer line?
Slow-draining fixtures throughout the house, sewage odors near drains or in the yard, gurgling sounds in toilets, frequent backups despite repeated snaking, and soggy or unusually green patches of lawn can all point to a failing main line. If two or more fixtures are affected at the same time—especially a lower-level toilet and tub—it almost always means the issue is in the building sewer rather than individual branch lines.
Does Cleveland’s aging infrastructure make main line issues more likely at my property?
Yes. Much of Greater Cleveland’s housing stock dates to the early-mid 1900s, when builders commonly installed clay or cast-iron sewer pipes. After decades of freeze-thaw cycles, soil movement, road salt, and tree-root growth, these materials can crack, collapse, or become misaligned. Combined with Cleveland’s high water table and heavy spring rains, even small defects can allow groundwater and debris to infiltrate the line, causing blockages and backups.
Is a sewer-camera inspection really necessary before we decide on a repair?
Absolutely. A camera inspection allows us to locate breaks, intruding roots, offsets, or sagging sections with pinpoint accuracy. Without visual confirmation we would have to rely on costly exploratory digging. The video also records pipe material, diameter, and overall condition, so you benefit from an objective report that you can keep for insurance claims or a future property sale. Most inspections take under an hour and save hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars in unnecessary excavation.
What repair options do you offer, and can you do trenchless work in Cleveland’s clay soils?
We provide three levels of service: (1) traditional open-cut spot repairs or full replacements, (2) pipe bursting, and (3) cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining. Both trenchless methods work well in Cleveland’s cohesive clay soils and with older 4"–6" clay or cast-iron pipe, provided the line still has sufficient structural integrity. Trenchless solutions require only one or two access pits, minimize lawn and driveway disturbance, and are usually completed in a single day.
Who handles the permits and city inspections for main line work?
Licensed Pros Plumbing is a registered contractor with the City of Cleveland and surrounding suburbs. We obtain all required right-of-way permits, call 811 for utility marking, schedule city sewer department inspections, and provide as-built drawings when mandated. Homeowners do not need to be present for the rough or final inspection unless they want to be; we coordinate directly with the inspector and keep you updated in real time.
What does main line repair or replacement cost in the Cleveland area, and do you offer financing?
Costs vary with depth, length, pipe material, and the repair method chosen. Typical spot repairs start around $1,800–$3,000, full replacements average $90–$160 per linear foot, and trenchless lining usually ranges from $120–$180 per foot. After the camera inspection we provide a fixed-price written estimate good for 30 days. We partner with local credit unions to offer same-day financing with terms up to 84 months and no prepayment penalty, as well as 12-month zero-interest options for qualifying customers.