Finding the Problem Before We Dig
Every sewer repair starts with a Sewer Camera Inspection. The footage shows what failed, where it is along the line and how much of the pipe is affected. That tells us whether a single broken section can be cut out and replaced, or whether the whole lateral from the house to the street has reached the end of its life.
We show you the footage and explain what it means. If a repair solves the problem, we won’t sell you a full replacement.
Why Sewer Lines Fail in Older Suburban Homes
Many homes in Des Plaines and along the North Shore were built with clay sewer laterals. Clay holds up well on its own, but the joints between sections are its weak point. Tree roots find the moisture at those joints, push in and widen them, and eventually crack or shift the pipe. Freezing and thawing and settling soil add to the strain, and older cast iron lines under basement floors can corrode from the inside.
Once a pipe is broken, rodding can clear the roots, but they grow back through the same opening. If the line needs rodding every few months to stay open, it’s usually time to talk about a permanent repair.
Excavation and Sewer Line Replacement
When the camera shows a damaged section, we excavate down to it, cut out the failed pipe and connect new PVC pipe, set on proper bedding so it stays aligned. When the whole lateral has to go, we replace it from the house out to the street. We use a mini excavator where it fits and dig by hand where it doesn’t, and tarps keep soil off lawns, walks and driveways.
Before we backfill, we run water through the new line and check it on camera. Then we fill the trench and clean up the site. If water in the basement during storms is part of the picture, our Sump & Ejector Pumps service can address that while we’re there.
Repair Now or Keep Rodding?
Not every root problem calls for a shovel. If the pipe is intact and roots enter at only one or two joints, yearly Drain Cleaning may be the more sensible choice for now. If the pipe is cracked, sagging, separated or collapsing, a repair ends the cycle of backups and protects your basement. We’ll give you an honest answer and a written flat-rate price for each option, so the decision is yours.
Every repair we make carries at least a one-year warranty and our 100% satisfaction guarantee, and financing is available for larger sewer projects. When you’re ready, request a free estimate.
Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Repair
- Backups that return soon after rodding
- Sewage odor in the yard or basement
- Soggy, sunken or unusually green patches over the line
- Camera footage showing cracks, offset joints or a collapse
- Water coming up through the basement floor drain in heavy rain
- Gurgling drains throughout the house
