Preparing for a Sewer Line Repair or Replacement

Information That Helps Us Schedule the Right Service

A sewer line service starts with the information you provide when you schedule it. The more our dispatch team understands about the problem, the more accurately we can prepare the right equipment and the right crew.

Useful details include the signs you are seeing, whether the problem affects multiple fixtures, and when the signs started. If you have an exterior cleanout, mention it, since it gives us access to the line without bringing equipment through the home. If the property has access constraints, such as a narrow lot or a finished yard over the line, mention them so we can plan the right approach.

Preparing the Property

A sewer line service may involve excavation, camera inspection, or lining, and a few preparations help the project go smoothly.

• Clear the area around the cleanout or the access point, including the path our technicians will take to reach it
• For an excavation, clear the yard over the line path and mark any sprinklers or landscaping that should be protected
• Secure pets away from the work area for their safety and so the crew can work freely
• Plan for a water shutoff during the project, since most sewer line services require the water to be off for a period
• Inform the household about the project so they can avoid heavy water use during the service
• For a traditional replacement, plan for the crew to need space for equipment and material, and for the excavation to disrupt the yard

What Happens During the Project

A sewer line service follows a general sequence, though the details depend on the option. Understanding the stages helps you know what to expect and what to ask.

We begin by confirming the signs with the property owner and inspecting the line with a camera. For a spot repair, that may include excavating the damaged section, replacing the pipe, and reconnecting the line. For a traditional replacement, that includes excavating the entire line, removing the old pipe, and installing the new one. For a trenchless lining, that includes cleaning and descaling the old pipe, inserting the liner, inflating it, and curing it into a new pipe.

We coordinate the permit and the inspection so the service is documented and code-compliant. We test the line before we finish, clean up the work area, and explain the care the line needs. Throughout the project, we explain what we are doing and answer any questions.

Questions Worth Asking Before Work Begins

Before the service starts, a few questions help the property owner understand the work and what to expect afterward.

• What is causing the problem, and what is included in the service?
• Are there other options, and what are the tradeoffs?
• How long will the service take, and will the water be shut off?
• What permits and inspections are required, and who coordinates them?
• What warranty or documentation will we receive?
• How can I protect the line to prevent this problem from returning?

Protecting the Line After the Service

After a sewer line service, a few habits protect the line and prevent the problem from returning. Avoid putting grease, coffee grounds, and flushable wipes down the drains, since these are the common causes of clogs. For a line with a history of root intrusion, a scheduled cleaning can prevent the roots from filling the line again. For a property with trees near the line, consider the root growth and the maintenance that keeps the line clear.

For a trenchless lining, the new pipe is root-proof and joint-free, which eliminates the root entry points. For a traditional replacement, the new pipe is also root-resistant, though the joints are a potential entry point over the long term. We discuss the specific care for your line at the end of the service.

When to Call Us Again

After a sewer line service, contact us if the problem returns, if new signs appear, or if the line is not performing as expected. A serviced line should function as it should, and an early call is easier to resolve than a delayed one. For any sign of a backup or a leak, call right away.

All Counties Plumbing serves homeowners and businesses across our confirmed Miami-Dade and Broward territory. Call (305) 303-0920 or submit a service request through our contact page to schedule a sewer line service or to report an active issue.