Signs the main line is the problem

  • Several fixtures going down together, not one on its own
  • The lowest drain in the house backs up first
  • Toilets bubble when the washer drains
  • Sewage smell in the yard or near a cleanout
  • Grass over the line greener than the lawn around it
  • Backups that return every few months after cabling

Why a camera comes first

Cabling a main line clears the blockage. It does not tell you what caused it. A camera run down the line shows roots at a joint, a section that has collapsed, a belly holding water, or a bad connection that catches paper on the way past.

The repairs sit far apart in cost, which is why this step is worth insisting on. Roots at one joint is a spot repair. A crushed section under a driveway is a different job. Ask to see the footage, and ask for the depth and the distance to the trouble, because those two numbers set the price.

The repair options

Cable or auger
Clears the blockage and gets the house draining. First step in most visits, and sometimes the whole job.
Hydro jetting
High pressure water that strips grease and roots off the pipe wall. Works on lines that are dirty rather than broken.
Spot repair
Dig at one point, cut out the damaged section, sleeve in new pipe. The common fix for roots at a joint or one crushed area.
Line replacement
Replace the run from the house to the connection. Priced by length, depth and what sits on top of it.
Trenchless methods
Lining or bursting, where site conditions and local rules allow. Less digging, and not right for every line.

Common questions

How do I know if it is my line or the city's?

In most cases the line from the house to the connection at the street or the easement is yours. The camera inspection shows where the trouble sits, and the plumber can tell you which side of the line it falls on.

Do tree roots break pipe?

Roots follow moisture and enter at joints and cracks, then thicken in place. Older clay and cast iron lines are the most affected. Cutting them out clears the line, and they return unless the entry point is repaired.

Can you inspect a line before I buy a house?

Yes, a camera inspection is a normal pre purchase check, and it is worth doing on an older property. Call with the address and the closing date.

Is this covered by home insurance?

That is between you and your insurer, and it varies by policy. The written estimate and the camera footage are what they will ask for.