How often should you clean out your sewer line?

The frequency of professional sewer cleaning depends on several factors, with the most common being the amount of root infiltration in your pipeline . The more aggressive the root growth, the more often you’ll need to clean the sewer line to prevent sewer backups . Other factors include the overall condition of the sewer pipes—any damaged sections, including offset pipes, holes, or large cracks, can increase the risk of clogs. Sewer lines can also become blocked if grease is poured down the kitchen drains or if wet wipes, paper towels, or other non-disintegrating items are flushed. For households with these issues, professionals typically recommend cleaning the main sewer line once a year to maintain optimal performance and prevent costly backups.

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

Several warning signs can indicate your main sewer line is clogging, and it’s important to act before the line becomes completely blocked and sewage backs up into your home. Common red flags include: (1) slow-draining sinks, tubs, or showers—especially when more than one drain is affected, (2) gurgling noises when flushing the toilet, (3) water backing up into a basement floor drain or first-floor tub/shower after a toilet flush, (4) the constant need to plunge toilets, and (5) foul sewer odors coming from your drains. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, schedule a professional sewer inspection right away to prevent costly damage.

What do professional plumbers use to unclog drains?

Professional plumbers rely on heavy-duty sewer and drain cleaning machines to remove stubborn clogs, roots, and debris. These machines use a powerful electric motor to spin a stiff steel cable with a sharp cutting blade on the tip. As the cable moves through the sewer line, it cuts away obstructions and even shaves intrusive tree roots down to the pipe walls, restoring full flow. If the cleaning machine cannot fully clear the blockage, plumbers often perform & a video camera inspection to locate the problem and determine whether pipe repairs or replacements are needed. This combination of advanced tools and expert inspection ensures long-lasting solutions instead of temporary fixes.

Do I need a video camera line inspection?

A video camera line inspection is one of the most effective ways to quickly identify hidden plumbing issues. If you’re dealing with repeated sewer or drain backups, slow drains, or frequent toilet clogs, a camera inspection can reveal the root cause without unnecessary digging. The process involves feeding a camera attached to a flexible cable through the pipeline, where bright LED lights illuminate the interior to expose obstructions, cracks, root intrusion, and structural damage. Video inspections are also highly recommended for prospective homeowners before purchasing a property, since the cost of sewer replacement can run into the thousands. Learn more about Plumbing Point Inc &sewer camera inspection service.

Who is responsible for sewer line repair?

Responsibility for sewer line repair usually depends on where the problem occurs. In most cases, homeowners are responsible for the portion of the sewer line that runs from their house to the edge of their property. Any damage, clogs, or breaks in this section must be repaired at the homeowner’s expense. The city or municipality is typically responsible for maintaining and repairing the public sewer main that runs under streets or public property. If you’re unsure who should handle a repair, check with your local public works department or have a professional plumber perform a sewer camera inspection to confirm the exact location of the issue.

Does homeowners' insurance cover sewer line repair?

In most cases, standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover sewer line repair caused by normal wear and tear, aging pipes, or root intrusion. However, some policies may provide coverage if the damage results from a covered peril, such as fire, vandalism, or falling objects impacting the property. To protect against unexpected costs, many insurance providers offer optional sewer line or service line coverage that can be added to your policy. Homeowners are encouraged to review their coverage details and consider purchasing additional protection if sewer issues are a concern.

How does trenchless sewer line repair work?

Trenchless sewer line repair is an advanced plumbing method that allows damaged or broken sewer pipes to be fixed without the need for large-scale digging. Instead of tearing up landscaping, driveways, or sidewalks, plumbers use specialized technology to repair or replace the pipe underground. Pipe Lining (Cured-in-Place Pipe / Relining): A resin-coated liner is inserted into the existing sewer line, then inflated and hardened in place. Once cured, it forms a smooth, durable inner surface that seals cracks, leaks, and small gaps, essentially creating a brand-new pipe inside the old one. Pipe Bursting: For severely damaged pipes, a conical bursting head is pulled through the old sewer line using hydraulic equipment. As it travels, it breaks apart the existing pipe while simultaneously pulling a new, high-strength pipe into position. This process is faster, less invasive, and more cost-effective than traditional excavation, making it a preferred solution for many homeowners dealing with sewer line problems.

How long does it take to a repair sewer line?

The timeline for sewer line repair can vary depending on several factors, including the repair method, pipe location, soil conditions, and the extent of damage. Traditional sewer line replacement (with excavation) often takes 3–5 days, since it requires digging trenches, removing old pipes, installing new ones, and restoring the affected landscape. Trenchless sewer repair methods like pipe lining or pipe bursting are typically much faster, with many projects completed in 1–2 days. Other factors—such as weather delays, property access issues, or unexpected complications—can also affect the overall timeline.

Where is my sewer line cleanout located?

The sewer line cleanout is a vital access point that allows plumbers to clear blockages and maintain your home’s main sewer line. In most homes, the cleanout is found just outside the foundation, in the basement or crawl space near where the sewer line exits, or in the front or side yard as a capped pipe that may be slightly above ground. In some cases, it can also be located inside garages or utility areas for easier access. If you’re unable to locate it on your own, a Plumbing Point Inc. professional can help identify the exact location using specialized equipment and knowledge of property layouts, ensuring quick service and preventing costly backups.

What do I do if roots are clogging my sewer drains?

If tree roots are clogging your sewer drains, a professional plumber can clear them with a main line cable machine to restore flow. Afterward, a video camera inspection helps identify pipe damage, root entry points, and long-term solutions. In some cases, trenchless repairs like pipe lining may be recommended to stop future clogs.

What is a sewer line inspection camera?

A sewer line inspection camera is a Purpose-built waterproof video camera attached to a flexible cable with bright LED lights, designed to be pushed through pipes. It allows plumbers to visually inspect sewer lines, locate blockages, and identify cracks or structural damage without excavation.

How often should I have my sewer lines jetted?

How often you should jet your sewer lines depends on how they're being used. The frequency of sewer line jetting depends on usage. Commercial properties like restaurants may need jetting several times a year, while most homes only require it every 1–2 years. Unlike traditional snakes, high-pressure water jetting thoroughly removes grease, debris, and buildup, restoring full pipe flow. To keep lines clear longer, products such as Plumbing Point Inc. Pipe Shield® or drain and grease trap treatments can be used for ongoing maintenance.

Is the main sewer line from my home clogged?

A clogged main sewer line often causes multiple drains in your home to back up at once. Common warning signs include gurgling sounds from drains, toilets bubbling, water backing up into tubs or showers when you flush, or even water bubbling from faucets. If you notice these issues, contact Plumbing Point Inc. for fast diagnosis and repair before the problem worsens.

Sewer Line Repair, Replacement, Cleaning & Inspection

Reliable Sewer Line Repair & Replacement in Santa Clara

A damaged or faulty sewer line is one of the most serious plumbing issues you can experience as a home or business owner. It can lead to messy backups, flooded lawns, and even a contaminated water supply.

If you suspect a problem with your sewer, we have you covered. We offer quality sewer line repair and replacement services in Santa Clara, CA and the surrounding area.

As a family-owned and operated business, we take pride in our work and always put the customer first. The same recommendations we give are the same we’d give to our close family members. We are so confident in the quality of our work that we guarantee your 100% satisfaction.

Let’s learn more about what causes a faulty sewer line and what we offer.

We take pride in solving any problem you may have in a quick, professional and friendly manner

Common Causes of a Faulty Sewer Line

Understanding the root cause of a sewer line issue is the key to finding a long-term solution. Some of the most common culprits include:

Old Age, Normal Wear and Tear:

Over time, sewer lines can become weak due to corrosion, debris buildup, high water pressure and more.

Tree Roots:

If you have trees near your home, their roots can grow into the sewer line and cause blockages.

Poor Installations:

Poorly fitted pipes or shoddy connections can cause leaks and backups.