Licensed Plumbers
Licensed Plumbers | Main Line Issues | Plumbing
When water backs up into the tub or every drain in the house gurgles at once, you’re dealing with the kind of headache no plunger can fix. HEP’s team of licensed plumbers brings decades of experience, state-of-the-art camera inspections, and trenchless repair options to diagnose and solve stubborn main line issues quickly—so you can get back to showers that drain, toilets that flush, and peace of mind that lasts.
Available 24/7, we arrive in fully stocked service vehicles, provide upfront pricing, and back our work with industry-leading guarantees. From root intrusions to collapsed pipes, we tackle the entire job—from permits to final cleanup—so the only thing you’ll notice is how smoothly everything flows. Call, click, or chat today and let HEP take the pressure off your plumbing.
FAQs
What are the most common warning signs that my main sewer line has a problem?
Typical red flags include frequent drain backups or gurgling noises in multiple fixtures, foul odors coming from floor drains, water pooling in the yard over the buried line, unusually lush or soggy patches of grass, and toilets that won’t fully flush even after plunging. If more than one fixture is affected at the same time, the issue is usually in the main line rather than an individual branch.
How do licensed plumbers accurately diagnose main line issues without digging up my yard?
We use a combination of high-resolution sewer video cameras, electronic line locators, and sometimes hydrostatic pressure testing. A waterproof camera is inserted through a clean-out and fed along the pipe, transmitting real-time images of blockages, cracks, root intrusions, or pipe collapse. The camera head’s signal lets us pinpoint the exact depth and location from the surface, so we only open the ground where necessary.
What solutions are available if tree roots have infiltrated my main sewer line?
First, we mechanically clear existing roots using a root-cutting auger or hydro-jetting. Then, depending on the pipe’s condition, we recommend chemical root inhibitors to slow regrowth or more permanent trenchless repairs such as pipe lining (CIPP) or pipe bursting. These techniques restore structural integrity and create a seamless, root-resistant interior without extensive excavation.
Is trenchless main line replacement as durable as traditional dig-and-replace methods?
Yes. Trenchless technologies like cured-in-place pipe lining and HDPE pipe bursting meet or exceed ASTM standards and carry 50-year material warranties. They eliminate joints where leaks often start, resist corrosion and root intrusion, and can handle the same—or greater—flow capacity as new PVC or cast-iron pipes installed by open trench.
How much does main sewer line repair or replacement typically cost?
Costs vary with pipe length, depth, material, accessibility, local permitting, and chosen repair method. Minor spot repairs may range from $1,000–$3,000. Full replacements average $4,000–$12,000 via trenchless methods and $6,000–$15,000 by open trench. We provide a free on-site inspection and a detailed, written quote before any work begins so there are no surprises.
What preventive maintenance can help me avoid future main line backups?
Schedule professional camera inspections every 2–3 years, especially if your home is 25+ years old or surrounded by mature trees. Avoid flushing wipes—even those labeled “flushable”—along with grease, coffee grounds, feminine products, or excessive paper. Installing a backwater valve can protect you from municipal sewer surges. Finally, consider annual hydro-jetting to remove early root growth and grease buildup before they become emergencies.