Plumber in San Clemente, CA

What are the signs of a sewer line problem in San Clemente?

Several drains backing up at once, a gurgling toilet and sewage smells are the big ones. When we see those in San Clemente, we clear the main line and run a camera to find the cause.

Your sewer line carries every drop of waste water from the house out to the city main. When it slows down, the whole home feels it. One slow sink is usually a branch drain. Trouble at the tub, toilet and washer all at once points to the main line.

Which clues mean the main line is the problem?

• Water comes up in the shower when you flush a toilet
• Toilets gurgle or bubble after the washer drains
• A sewage smell inside or around the house
• Wet or extra-green patches in the yard over the line
• Clogs that come back a few weeks after they're cleared

Our guide to the signs of a sewer line problem goes deeper, and the gurgling toilet page explains what that sound means.

What damages a sewer line?

Roots, shifting soil, grease buildup and old pipe wearing out are the usual causes. Each one leaves a different mark, which is why a camera look is so useful.

Sewer lines are buried, so damage happens out of sight. Here are the common culprits in general terms.

How do tree roots get into a pipe?

Roots go looking for water. A tiny crack or loose joint lets out a little moisture, and a hair-thin root slips in. Inside the pipe, it grows into a mat that catches paper and waste. Read about root intrusion in sewer lines.

What is a belly in a sewer pipe?

A belly is a low spot where a section of pipe has sagged. Water and waste collect there instead of flowing out. Bellies tend to cause slow drains and repeat clogs. See the glossary entry on a pipe belly.

Can grease cause a main line clog?

Yes. Grease poured down a kitchen drain cools and sticks to the pipe. Over time it narrows the line and traps other waste. Our article on what damages a sewer line covers more causes.

How does Done-Rite clear and inspect a sewer line?

We clear the main line through a cleanout, then send a camera through the pipe. You'll see the same video we do, so the next step is clear.

Our sewer and main line cleaning uses a cable machine sized for the main line. For heavy grease or roots, hydro jetting may work better, and it runs $650 to $850. Drain cleaning runs $99 to $350, and the $99 price includes a camera inspection on one qualifying drain with ground-level outdoor cleanout access, not yard drains.

Why is the camera step important?

Clearing a line fixes the symptom. The camera shows the cause. If the pipe is cracked, broken or sagging, you'll know before the next backup. We also offer a free video inspection. Learn more on our video camera inspection page.

How can I help prevent sewer clogs?

Small habits go a long way. Keep grease, coffee grounds and food scraps out of the sink. Flush only toilet paper, since wipes marked flushable don't break down the way paper does. If you've had root trouble before, a camera check every year or two lets us catch new growth early. Our home plumbing maintenance checklist has more simple steps you can take.

Should I choose a spot repair or a full replacement?

A spot repair fits when the damage is in one place. A full replacement fits when the pipe is failing along its length. Sewer replacement is priced after we see the line.

After the camera look, we'll talk through the options with you. Not every crack means digging up the whole yard.

What is a spot repair?

We dig down to the damaged section, cut it out and put in new pipe. It's a good fit for one bad joint or a single root entry point. Compare the choices on our spot repair vs. sewer replacement page.

What is trenchless sewer repair?

Trenchless methods fix or replace a pipe through small access holes instead of a long trench. Pipe lining coats the inside of the old pipe. Pipe bursting pulls a new pipe through while breaking the old one apart. Read trenchless sewer repair explained. Like full replacement, trenchless work is priced after we see the line.

Do sewer repairs need a permit?

We pull the permit when one is required. Our page on permits for sewer line work has more detail.

How do I set up sewer service in San Clemente?

Call (714) 605-2950 or fill out our contact form. We serve San Clemente every day from 6:00am to 7:00pm, with no trip charge.

If sewage is backing up into a tub or floor drain, stop using water and flushing toilets until we get there. We offer 24/7 emergency service with a 1-hour response. Our work comes with at least a 1-year warranty on labor, and Done-Rite is licensed, bonded and insured. Financing with terms up to 10 years is available for larger jobs.