Common problems and how a plumber fixes them
| The problem | Usual cause | What the plumber does |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest drains back up first | A blockage or damage in the sewer lateral | Camera inspection to find the cause and location |
| Roots found in the line | Roots entering through joints in clay pipe | Root cutting or jetting, then lining or spot repair |
| Backups return after cleaning | A sag, crack or collapsed section | Section repair or trenchless replacement |
| Sewer smell in the yard | A broken pipe leaking into the soil | Excavation or trenchless repair of the damaged section |
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Signs of a damaged sewer line
- Several drains backing up at once, especially the lowest ones in the house
- Gurgling toilets and sewage smells inside or in the yard
- Soggy, sunken or unusually green patches of lawn over the line
- Repeated clogs that come back after drain cleaning
Sewer camera inspections
A camera inspection shows exactly where the problem is and what caused it: tree roots, a sagging section ("belly"), cracked clay or cast iron, or a separated joint. Ask for a copy of the video. A camera inspection is also worth doing before buying an older home, since sewer laterals aren't usually covered by a standard home inspection.
Trenchless sewer replacement versus traditional excavation
| Feature | Trenchless (lining or pipe bursting) | Traditional excavation |
|---|---|---|
| Digging | Small access pits only | Trench along the damaged section |
| Best for | Cracks, root intrusion, worn pipe in place | Collapsed pipe, severe sags, wrong slope |
| Yard and driveway | Mostly left intact | Needs restoration afterwards |
Sewer pipe materials in Indianapolis homes
The material of your sewer lateral says a lot about the likely problem. Older homes often have vitrified clay pipe, which is durable but has many joints where roots can push in. Cast iron, common through the mid 1900s, corrodes from the inside and can crack or scale up over time. Some homes from the 1940s to 1970s used Orangeburg pipe, a tar paper material that deforms and collapses with age. Newer homes usually have PVC, which resists roots well but can sag if the trench wasn't bedded properly. A camera inspection identifies the material and the best repair method.
Who is responsible for the sewer line?
In most cases the homeowner is responsible for the lateral from the house to the connection with the public sewer, and the utility for the main. Rules vary, so check with your sewer utility (Citizens Energy Group serves much of Indianapolis) before work starts. The contractor can usually help confirm where your responsibility ends.
How this works: Plumbers in Indianapolis Today is a referral service. When you call 317-314-8486, we connect you with an independent, licensed plumbing contractor who serves your area. The contractor quotes, performs and stands behind the work, not us.
Related plumbing services
How much does sewer line repair cost?
The price depends on the depth and length of the damaged section, the repair method, and whether driveways or trees are in the way. A camera inspection lets the contractor give you an accurate written quote.
Is trenchless sewer repair worth it?
Trenchless repair often costs a similar amount to digging once you count yard, driveway and landscaping restoration, and it's much less disruptive. It isn't possible for every pipe, so the camera inspection decides.