Camera inspection
The plumber feeds a cable camera in at the cleanout. The recording shows what the pipe is made of, each joint, sags that hold water, root growth and cracks, with the footage counter marking how far away each one sits.
Sewer Line Repair in San Diego
The sewer lateral carries everything from your drains to the city main. When it cracks, sags, lets roots in or collapses, the first signs are slow drains throughout the house, gurgling toilets and backups in the lowest fixture. We find the fault with a camera and repair or replace the line.
We handle sewer calls in San Diego and the five further cities named on our home page, whether the job is a single camera run or a new lateral.
Sewer line options
Clearing roots
Roots find their way in at the joints and keep growing once inside. A cutter on the end of a cable shaves them back, and a second camera pass tells you whether that joint should be repaired so they stay out.
Repairing one section
If the recording shows a single cracked joint or a short collapsed stretch, a crew digs up just that piece and replaces it, leaving the remainder of the lateral untouched.
Replacing the lateral
When the pipe has failed over its whole length, a new lateral goes in from the house to the main. That can be by open trench, or by a trenchless method where soil conditions and the old pipe permit.
San Diego’s lateral rules
The City of San Diego Public Utilities Department holds the property owner responsible for the lateral from the house all the way to its connection with the sewer main. If a licensed plumber finds a break or collapse beyond the property line, that plumber calls the Sewer Emergency Line to file a Plumber’s Report.
The city also lists the replacement or repair of wastewater and sewer pipe among the jobs that qualify for its Simple permit, the kind issued with no plans.
House age and the sewer line
Pipe materials changed decade by decade, so the year a house was built hints at what lies underground. In San Diego, 21.2 percent of homes predate 1960, and half were built in or before 1978. Our sewer line age checker matches any build year to the materials of its era.
Not every blockage is a broken pipe, and a drain clearing visit may be enough; an older house might also call for repiping. See the homepage for every service.
Call for a free plumbing quote
Call us to discuss your current issue and how we can assist you. The call is free and you get a free, personalized estimate with no obligation. We're here to help.
Call (855) 321-3426