Plumber in Fountain Valley, CA

Can Done-Rite take care of sewer and drain problems in Fountain Valley, CA?

Yes. We clean, inspect, repair and replace sewer lines and drains for Fountain Valley homeowners, and we cover water heaters, leaks, fixtures and gas lines too.

Done-Rite Plumbing & Rooter is family-owned and independent. We're licensed, bonded and insured, and our crew is covered by workers compensation. We offer a 1-hour response, no trip charge and 24/7 emergency service. This page spends most of its time on the main sewer line, because it's the pipe most homeowners never think about until it stops working.

What does your main sewer line actually do?

It carries every drop of wastewater from your sinks, tubs, toilets and washer out of the house to the city sewer. When it's blocked, everything backs up.

The part of the pipe that runs from your house to the city main is called the sewer lateral. It's buried, so you can't see what's happening to it. That's why a camera is the most useful tool we bring. Our glossary entry on the sewer lateral explains it in a few lines.

How do sewer lines get damaged?

Roots, shifting ground, age and things that shouldn't be flushed are the big four. Each one causes a different kind of damage.

Can roots really break a pipe?

Roots don't usually break a solid pipe. They find a small crack or loose joint, slip in to reach the water, and then grow. As they get thicker, they can widen the crack and catch waste until the line plugs up. Clearing them buys time, but the opening is still there.

What is a belly in a sewer line?

A belly is a low spot where a section of pipe has sunk. Water and waste collect there instead of flowing out. Over time, that low spot fills with sludge and causes repeat clogs. Cleaning helps for a while, but the shape of the pipe is the real problem. Our glossary covers pipe bellies in more detail.

Do wipes and grease cause damage too?

They cause blockages more than breaks. So-called flushable wipes don't break down the way toilet paper does. Grease hardens in the line and traps them. Together, they form tough clogs that can push sewage back into the house. Our article on what damages a sewer line lists other common causes.

What are your options when the line is damaged?

There are three main paths: clean it, repair one section, or replace the line. The camera footage tells us which one makes sense.

When is cleaning enough?

If the pipe is in good shape and just clogged, cleaning is the answer. Our drain cleaning runs $99 to $350, and the $99 price includes a camera inspection on one qualifying drain with an exterior ground-level cleanout (yard drains excluded). For grease or scale coating the whole pipe, sewer main line cleaning with hydro jetting runs $650 to $850.

When does a spot repair work?

If the damage sits in one short section and the rest of the pipe looks solid, we can dig at that spot and replace just that piece. It's less work than replacing the whole line. If the camera shows problems all along the pipe, a spot repair just moves the next failure down the line. Compare the two on our spot repair vs. sewer replacement page.

What is trenchless sewer repair?

Trenchless methods fix or replace a sewer pipe with small access holes instead of a long trench. One method lines the old pipe from the inside. Another pulls a new pipe through while breaking the old one apart. Not every line is a good fit, and the camera helps us decide. Read more about trenchless sewer line repair. Sewer replacement and trenchless work are priced after we see the line.

How can you keep a sewer line healthy?

Keep grease and wipes out of the drains, know where your cleanout is, and act on early warning signs like gurgling or slow drains throughout the house.

A cleanout is a capped pipe, usually outside near the house, that gives us direct access to the sewer line. Knowing where it is speeds up any service call. If you've had a few backups, a camera inspection can show what's going on before the next one. We also offer a free video inspection. Our guide on what a sewer camera inspection shows explains what we look for.

Small habits help too. Run hot water for a few seconds after using the disposal, wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing, and keep a strainer in the tub and shower to catch hair. If more than one drain starts acting slow at the same time, give us a call early. A clog caught early is usually a quicker fix than a full backup.

How do you book sewer or plumbing service in Fountain Valley?

Call (714) 605-2950 or send a request through our contact page. We're open 6:00am to 7:00pm every day.

If sewage is backing up right now, stop using water in the house and call us. Our labor carries a 1-year minimum warranty, we pull the permit when one is required, and financing is available with terms up to 10 years for bigger jobs.