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Sewer Line Repair, Replacement, Cleaning & Inspection

When it comes to sewer line issues, acting fast can prevent a messy and costly disaster. With over 90 years of experience, our team of licensed plumbing specialists are equipped with the latest tools and expertise to handle any sewer line repair and replacement challenge—whether it’s a slow drain, a clogged sewer line, or full-scale damage to your main sewer line.

We use state-of-the-art diagnostics and cleaning techniques to inspect, evaluate, clear, and clean even the most stubborn clogs, from residential sewer line cleaning and repair, to commercial sewer line services. Our advanced sewer services include main cleaning, trenchless sewer line replacement, pipe descaling, hydro jetting, and traditional excavation. No matter the issue, we restore sewer flow fast—offering same-day service, seven days a week.

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The Roto-Rooter Difference in Professional Sewer Line Repair

  • 90 Years of Plumbing Expertise – Our seasoned team delivers proven results for all types of sewer line repairs.

  • Trenchless Technology Specialists – Save your yard, driveway, or parking lot with modern, no-dig solutions for sewer line replacement and repairs.

  • Same-Day, 24/7 Emergency Service – No extra charges for evenings or weekends.*

  • Advanced Diagnostics – Pinpoint problems with high-res video inspections before digging starts.

  • Fully Equipped Vans – Ready to tackle any sewer line repair services on-site, minimizing delays.

  • Upfront, Honest Pricing – Transparent quotes with no hidden fees.

    *Service offerings may vary by location

Sewer Line Services

Roto-Rooter provides a complete range of sewer line services, including inspection, cleaning, repair, and even full replacement options. Our world-class equipment, training, and expertise allow us to quickly diagnose sewer issues and resolve them effectively and reliably. In most cases, mechanical cleaning - the classic Roto-Rooter service, will rid the sewer of tree roots and other debris to restore flow dependability.

Roto-Rooter is the oldest and most experienced brand among sewer line repair companies. We are available 24/7 for residential sewer line cleaning, sewer line repair, commercial sewer line repair, and every other type of sewer service. Roto-Rooter is the name you can trust for reliable, affordable, and expert sewer line repair companies—every day of the year.

With 24/7 emergency response, honest upfront pricing, and highly trained technicians arriving in fully stocked vans, we ensure the job is done right the first time. We don’t just get the drain flowing again; we also clean the pipe from end to end, ensuring it stays open longer between professional cleanings. Don’t wait for damage or backups—look out for warning signs like multiple slow drains or foul odors, then contact the professionals trusted for generations. Whether you need preventive sewer cleaning, urgent services, or a full-service mainline installation, Roto-Rooter is your one-stop solution for long-lasting results.

Inspection & Diagnostics

  • Video Camera Sewer Line Inspection - A high-resolution video camera snake pushed through the sewer pipeline identifies clogs and structural pipeline concerns.

  • Sewer Line Leak Detection - We can quickly determine if your sewer is leaking sewage into surrounding soil and endangering your sewer’s structural integrity.

  • Sewer Gas Odor Detection - When you can smell sewage but can’t determine its origins, we can locate the source and provide options for resolving the issue.

  • Sewer Line Mapping and Locating - Our video camera snakes are equipped with location transponders that allow us to map and mark the pipeline’s path. We can even pinpoint problem areas so there’s no guesswork if digging is required.

Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Main Sewer Line Cleaning - Our mechanical Roto-Rooter machines are the most powerful and capable in the industry. They can slash through roots and obstructions while cleaning the sewer from end to end.

  • Hydro Jetting Services - The best option for ridding your sewer of mud, sludge, grease and the toughest root and debris clogs.

  • Drain Cleaning Services - We unclog and clean all types of drain lines, no matter how small or large. 

  • Storm Drain Cleaning - When a storm drain clogs, there’s no place for water to go, resulting in area flooding. We thoroughly clean storm drains of all debris so they carry away water quickly.

  • Sink, Toilet, Shower, and Tub Drain Cleaning - We have special equipment for dealing with each type and size of bathroom drain and connected branch lines.

  • Rain Leader Drain Cleaning - If your outdoor gutter downspouts are connected to underground pipes leading to storm drains or detention ponds, we can clear them of roots and debris to restore flow and prevent future backups.

  • Tree Root Infiltration Removal - Tiny feeder roots in search of water and nutrients will quickly grow into thick, invasive root systems that infest and clog sewers and drain pipes. Our equipment removes roots and restores 100% pipe drainage.

  • Preventative Maintenance Programs - If you’ve experienced sewer backups year after year or even several times a year, we can schedule regular sewer line cleanings at any interval you like, from monthly to annual.

Repair & Replacement

  • Sewer Line Repair (Traditional and Trenchless) - We’ll repair only the problem sections of your sewer when the rest of the line is okay.

  • Full and Spot Sewer Line Replacement - Sometimes, a simple spot repair is all that is needed to keep your sewer flowing reliably for years to come. Other times, a full replacement is necessary to avoid future backups and address structural problems. Roto-Rooter does it all.

  • Trenchless Pipe Relining (CIPP), Pipe Bursting, and Pipe Descaling - These no-dig options will not disturb lawns, trees, landscaping, sidewalks, and driveways, meaning there’ll be no expensive collateral damage to pay for.

  • Sewer Pipe Coating - This trenchless renewal service uses remote controlled tools to brush on a tough new coating on the inside of your sewer. This service is most effective on recently descaled pipes and can cost-effectively extend the life of older pipes.

  • Sewer Line Rerouting - If your sewer needs to be moved or rerouted for any reason, Roto-Rooter can handle the task.

  • Clogged Sewer Line Repair - Sewers clog for a variety of reasons, but no matter the cause, we can provide options for resolving the issue. Roto-Rooter is your complete sewer line services provider.

  • Sewer Line Excavation - Our experienced excavation crews can dig down to your sewer line to facilitate sewer repairs, sewer line replacement, or to relocate an old sewer. We handle all local permits and inspections too.

Installation Services

  • New Sewer Line Installation - Sewer lines won’t last forever. Older pipe materials like clay, concrete, cast iron, and Orangeburg can be removed so a new, sealed and reliable PVC pipe can be laid in its place for decades of trouble-free service.

  • Sewer Cleanout Installation - Installing a cleanout access port to your existing sewer line will simplify access and reduce the cost of future cleanings and inspections.

  • Backflow Prevention - We can install backflow prevention valves that prevent sewage backups in your home. These devices have a spring-loaded 1-way door that swings open to allow sewage to flow out of your home and into the sewer, but the door slam shut to prevent sewage and storm water from flowing back into your home.

  • Sump Pump & Lift Station Installation - Roto-Rooter can replace or upgrade old sump pumps and lift stations in your basement or crawl space. We can even install battery-powered backup sump pumps or water-powered venturi backup sump pumps that will turn on if your primary pump fails.

Emergency Services

  • Emergency Sewer Line Repair - Sometimes sewers fail suddenly and catastrophically, requiring an emergency response. Roto-Rooter is available 24/7 to provide emergency sewer repair and replacement services for homes and businesses.

  • Sewage Backup Cleanup - When the worst occurs and your sewer backs up into your home, Roto-Rooter provides sewage and water removal and cleanup services.

  • Flooded Basement Pump-Out - Basements can flood for a variety of reasons, whether from a plumbing failure, seasonal snow melt, or intense storms. Roto-Rooter provides basement pump-out services, water damage cleanup, and drying services.

Additional Services

  • Sewer Line Locating - Roto-Rooter uses sophisticated line locating tools to map and mark your sewer line’s path and location. 

  • Sewer Line Permitting & Inspection Coordination - Roto-Rooter’s sewer experts follow all local, state, and federal codes. We obtain all the necessary permits and coordinate inspections by local plumbing and code enforcement authorities.
Plumer draining sewage from sewer line withy machine

Sewer Line Inspection

Occasional sewer line inspections are critical to prevent costly emergencies. Our advanced video technology allows us to assess the condition of your sewer lines without digging. Our inspections identify and pinpoint root intrusion, corrosion, structural cracks, or scale buildup. Whether you're a homeowner or managing a commercial property, sewer line inspections help you identify and address sewer line issues before they escalate into serious and expensive problems.

A proactive inspection offers peace of mind and helps you plan. This service is ideal for prospective home or business buyers, properties with recurring plumbing issues and sewer backups, or any sewer that is overdue for a checkup. Think of it as a vital health check for your property’s plumbing system that gives you important knowledge of your sewer’s condition and life expectancy. Such information could save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.

Avoid Sewer Line Damage

Timely sewer line repair or sewer line replacement is crucial to avoid escalating drainage issues, sewage backups, and costly water damage. Our experts are trained to resolve:

  • Broken Pipes: Due to ground movement or freeze and thaw cycles, pipes can become misaligned or experience full collapse and failure.

  • Sewer Blockages: From grease buildup, root intrusion, or sludge, or other debris, requiring mechanical sewer line cleaning or hydro jetting service to resolve.

  • Pipe Corrosion: Causing restricted flow and leaks. Corrosion is most common in cast iron pipes, but almost any pipe material can experience corrosion under certain and specific conditions.

  • Bellied or Sagging Pipes: Trapping waste and debris. This happens when soil washes away beneath pipelines, resulting in a loss of structural support that slows or prevents drainage.

  • Leaking Joints: Sewer pipe sections were once fused together with tar pitch and other temporary sealants that have long since failed. This condition causes pipe joints to separate, which leads to root intrusion, pipe misalignment, and sewage leaks that cause environmental contamination.

  • Tree Root Intrusion: A common cause of clogged sewer line repair, tree roots can travel hundreds of feet in search of water and nutrients. Your sewer line may be vulnerable to root intrusion between pipe joins, through cracks, or other voids in the pipe.

  • Outdated Materials: Such as clay, concrete, or deteriorated cast iron will all fail eventually. When sewer failure occurs, both residential and commercial sewer line need to be replaced with modern PVC pipe, which has tighter tolerances, is corrosion-resistant, and can prevent root intrusion altogether unless the pipe becomes damaged.
Roto-Rooter plumber using Drain Cleaning Machine to clear sewer line

Customer Reviews

01234
I want to share my appreciation for Kathy Burgo, John Amerman, and the Roto-Rooter team. We had an emergency sewer line replacement, and they removed the old metal piping and installed new plastic pipe from our house to the street. The job was challenging due to rising groundwater near our lakefront home, but they got it done. Kathy was especially responsive and friendly, always staying in touch and keeping things on track. The team completed the work efficiently and on time. Manuel P
01234
The team went above and beyond to clean our sewer lines and basement after a sewage backup. They stayed late, remained professional, and helped us get back to normal. We’re very grateful to everyone involved—thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Annie K
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I’ve relied on Roto-Rooter for 20 years for drain and sewer issues. It’s great to schedule same-day service within hours of calling. Their technicians are always courteous, skilled, and make sure to leave the job site clean. Matthew C

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you clean out your sewer line?

The length of time between each professional sewer cleaning depends on several factors, with the most common factor being the amount of root infiltration in the pipeline. The more aggressive the root growth, the more often you’ll need to have the sewer pipe cleaned to prevent sewer backups. Other factors include the condition of the sewer pipeline. Are there any damaged sections, including offset pipes, holes or large cracks? Sewer pipes can also clog if you pour grease down the kitchen drains, flush wet wipes, paper towels or other items that don’t quickly disintegrate in water.  For households with any of the above issues, Roto-Rooter typically recommends cleaning your main line every year.

What are the warning signs that my main sewer line is backing up?

There are a few of warning signs that your main sewer line is clogging. Pay attention and deal with the problem before the sewer clogs completely and backs up into the house. (1) Slow draining sinks and bathtubs. If you have two or more slow drains in the house, the problem is probably in the main sewer. (2) A gurgling sound when you flush the toilet (3) water comes up in the basement floor drain or a first-floor bathtub/shower when the toilet is flushed (4) There is a constant need to plunge toilets. (5) sewer smell coming from drains.

What do professional plumbers use to unclog drains?

To clear the sewer line of roots and debris, a professional cleaning is required with a heavy-duty Roto-Rooter machine. These electric drain and sewer cleaning machines have a strong, stiff steel cable with a sharp blade on its tip. The cable spins as it travels through the sewer pipe, so it cuts away obstructions. It will even shave roots right down to the pipe walls to restore full flow in your sewer pipe. If the Roto-Rooter machine can’t get through the pipe, your service technician can request a video camera inspection of the sewer pipeline to ascertain where the blockage is and its cause. A trained eye will then be able to recommend repair options to the homeowner.

Do I need a video camera line inspection?

Video camera line inspections can get to the root of the problem quickly and efficiently. If you experience repeated sewer or drain line backups, slow drains or frequent toilet clogs, it may be a good idea to have a video inspection performed to determine the underlining problem. The video cameras are built into a stiff cord or snake that is connected to a video monitor. The operator pushes the camera snake through the pipeline, and since the camera head is ringed with bright LED lights, the pipeline is completely illuminated to expose obstructions, cracks and structural damage in the pipe. Video inspections are also recommended to prospective homeowners before buying a new home. After all, the cost of sewer replacement can be many thousands of dollars.

Learn more about Roto-Rooter’s sewer camera inspection service.

Who is responsible for sewer line repair?

Responsibility for sewer line repair often depends on the sewer’s location. Generally, homeowners are responsible for repairs to sewer lines located within their property boundaries, while the city typically handles maintenance and repairs for the municipal main sewer line running through public areas.