TrueLine Plumbing

Sewer line repair and replacement in Los Angeles

Your sewer line carries every drain in the house to the city main. When it cracks, sags or fills with roots, everything backs up. We find the problem with a camera and fix only what’s needed.

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What needs fixing?

Why sewer lines fail

Many LA homes were built with clay or cast-iron sewer lines. Clay pipe comes in short sections, and tree roots work their way in at the joints. Cast iron rusts from the inside, cracks and flakes until the pipe can’t carry waste properly.

Ground movement, construction and decades of use add to it. A line can also sag over time, creating a low spot where waste and paper collect and cause repeat backups.

Sewer access cover

Signs of a sewer line problem

Several drains backing upEspecially tubs, showers and floor drains on the lowest level.
Gurgling toiletsA toilet bubbles when the washer or a sink drains.
Sewage smellA sewer smell inside the house or in the yard.
A soggy yardA wet or extra-green patch along the sewer path.
Slow drains everywhereEvery drain in the house is slow at the same time.
Roots that keep returningRoots cleared before that keep growing back.

How we fix it

  • Camera-inspect the line to find the problem and mark its exact location and depth.
  • Clear roots and buildup with a cable or hydro jetting.
  • Repair the damaged section when the rest of the line is sound.
  • Replace the line when it’s failing in several places.
  • Re-run the camera to confirm the repair.
Who owns the sewer line?

In Los Angeles and most nearby cities, the property owner is responsible for the sewer line from the house to the city main, which usually runs under the street. That’s why a camera inspection is worth it before buying an older home.

What affects the price

You get a written price before any work starts. These are the things that move it.

Depth and lengthDeeper and longer lines take more digging.
What’s on topUnder a driveway, patio or tree costs more than under lawn.
PermitsReplacement usually needs a city permit and inspection.
Repair or replaceA single spot repair costs far less than a whole new line.

Protect your sewer line

  • Keep grease, wipes and paper towels out of drains and toilets.
  • Avoid planting trees right over the sewer path.
  • If roots have been a problem, schedule cleanings before they cause a backup.

Sewer line repair questions

Is it the sewer line or just a clogged drain?

If one drain is slow, it’s usually that drain. If several back up at once, especially the lowest ones in the house, it’s usually the main sewer line.

Will you have to dig up my yard?

Not always. Many problems can be fixed by clearing the line or repairing one section, and the camera shows exactly where the damage is, so any digging is kept to that spot.

Does sewer line replacement need a permit?

In most cities, yes. Replacing a sewer line usually requires a permit and an inspection before the trench is filled in.

How long does a sewer repair take?

A spot repair is often done in a day. A full replacement can take a few days, depending on depth, length and permits.

Why do older LA homes have so many sewer problems?

Many still have their original clay or cast-iron lines. Clay joints let roots in, and cast iron corrodes and cracks with age.

Need help with sewer line repair?

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