Failing Main Line
Failing Main Line | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Grandview
When HEP’s main line plumbing falters, the entire home in Grandview can feel the impact—slow drains, unexplained backups, even soggy spots in the yard that hint at something far worse underground. These main line issues often start small but can quickly escalate, threatening your property’s foundation and your family’s comfort. Because the main line is the central artery of your plumbing system, a minor crack or blockage can disrupt every sink, tub, and toilet in the house.
Our certified technicians combine cutting-edge camera inspections with decades of local know-how to pinpoint the root cause in minutes, not days. From invasive tree roots to aging clay pipes, we’ve seen—and fixed—it all. Reach out today, and let HEP return your Grandview home to worry-free living before those main line issues turn into an expensive emergency.
FAQs
What are the most common warning signs that my main sewer line is starting to fail?
In Grandview, the most frequent red flags are repeated drain backups (especially when multiple fixtures gurgle at once), foul odors coming from floor drains, soggy spots or sinkholes in the yard, and slow-running toilets even after snaking individual branch lines. If you notice any of these symptoms, the problem is likely in the main line rather than an individual fixture.
What typically causes main line problems in older Grandview homes?
Several factors contribute: (1) tree-root intrusion—Grandview’s mature shade trees love to seek out moisture in clay or cast-iron pipes; (2) pipe material deterioration—clay tiles crack, cast iron rusts, and Orangeburg (bituminous fiber pipe popular in the 50s-60s) delaminates; (3) ground movement from freeze-thaw cycles that misalign pipe joints; and (4) foreign objects or grease buildup that gradually form blockages.
Am I or the City of Grandview responsible for fixing a broken main line?
In almost every neighborhood, the homeowner owns the section of pipe from the home to the city right-of-way or tap. That means you are financially responsible for repairs or replacement on your private property. The City maintains the public sewer in the street. If our camera inspection shows the defect is under the pavement, we can help you file documentation with the City, but anything on your side of the property line is yours to repair.
How do you diagnose the exact location and severity of a main line failure?
We begin with a high-pressure water jet or mechanical auger to clear standing blockages. Next, we insert a color HD sewer camera through the clean-out and record a full video inspection, noting distance markings to each defect. If we identify fractures, bellies, or root clusters, we can mark the spot above ground with a radio locator, giving us a precise depth and position. This non-destructive process usually takes under an hour and saves unnecessary digging.
What repair or replacement options do you offer, and how disruptive are they?
Depending on camera findings and pipe material, we may recommend: (1) trenchless pipe lining (CIPP) that installs an epoxy-saturated liner through existing access points—no open trench, finished in one day; (2) pipe bursting, where a new HDPE pipe is pulled through and the old pipe is fragmented outward, requiring only two small pits; or (3) traditional open-cut replacement when the pipe has collapsed or has too many offsets. We always review footage with you and explain the pros, cons, costs, and yard impact before any work starts.
How much does main line repair cost in Grandview, and can I prevent future issues?
Pricing varies with depth, length, and method. A spot repair may start around $1,200, a full trenchless liner averages $85–$120 per foot, and an open-cut replacement can range from $6,000 to $12,000 for a typical 50- to 70-foot run. To minimize future problems, have your line hydro-jetted every 18–24 months, avoid flushing wipes or grease, and consider a root-control treatment if trees are nearby. Routine camera inspections are inexpensive and catch small defects before they become emergencies.