How do you check a sewer line?

Author: Loraine Herman  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

The most optimal way to inspect the inside of your sewer line (other than digging it up and cracking it open) is to contact your local plumbing company for a sewer line video camera inspection.

How do I know if my sewer line is bad?

An obvious sign of a sewer issue is if you see sewage pooling in your yard. A lingering foul smell and puddles that don't dry up indicate you might have a cracked main sewer line. Pest Invasion. A damaged sewer line can also invite unwanted pests into your home.

What are the methods of testing a sewer line?

Test gravity sanitary sewer pipes for leakage by either exfiltration or infiltration methods, as appropriate, or with low pressure air testing. Test new or rehabilitated sanitary sewer manholes with water or low-pressure air. Manholes tested with low-pressure air shall undergo a physical inspection prior to testing.

Is a sewer line inspection necessary?

Sewer lines, the vital infrastructure for disposing of waste from your home to municipal or septic systems, can be aged, damaged, or clogged with tree roots. Considering a sewer line inspection is not just advisable; it's a crucial step that could save you thousands in unforeseen expenses.

How to find blockage in a sewer line?

Tell-tale signs that your sewer line is clogged include:
  1. Gurgling sounds. Any gurgling, gargling, and glugging sounds coming from your toilet means you may have a sewer line clog.
  2. Malodorous smells. ...
  3. Slow-running drains. ...
  4. Water in strange places. ...
  5. Sewage in your sink.

How Do You Locate a Sewer Line?

How do I unclog a main sewer line?

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog
  1. Step 1: Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. ...
  2. Step 2: Open the cap and let the buildup drain out. ...
  3. Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe. ...
  4. Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond. ...
  5. Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable.

How do I check my sewer line?

Go to the city office directly or call them to see if they can tell you where the sewer line is located. Usually, they can show you where the line goes from your home to the city's main line. If you are unable to reach the city, see if there is an interactive underground utility map of your area online.

How often do sewer lines need to be replaced?

Generally speaking, you're going to find that most main sewer lines will only last somewhere between 50 and 100 years before you need to do a main sewer line replacement. You could very well have a broken sewer line on your hands right now and not even realize it.

How often do you have to clear your sewer line?

We recommend homeowners schedule sewer line cleaning every 18 to 24 months to prevent buildup and clogs. Regular cleanings help avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your plumbing system.

Do you have to fix a broken sewer line?

If your lower lateral is clogged or broken, it happened because you put things down the toilet or drain that you shouldn't have. The lateral could also have been damaged by roots from a tree on your property growing into your sewer line. In either case, it is your responsibility to repair the issue.

Which test is most for house sewer?

Hydrostatic Tests are highly recommended when you suspect or know of problems with the sewer lines. Hydrostatic Tests determine if there is a leak under a house or building in the sewer line system. If the system leaks, an Isolation test is performed to 'isolate' where the leaks are located.

How do you detect sewer pipes?

As mentioned earlier, signs of a sewer pipe leak can include foul odors, wet or soggy ground, unusual plant growth, rodent activity, slow drains, high water bills, and cracks in your foundation or walls. Look for these signs in your yard and around your home to confirm your suspicions.

What is the ball test for sewer line?

1 Sewer mains shall be tested for obstructions using a ball test. The sewer main shall be deemed unobstructed if a wood or metal ball having a diameter of 50 mm less than the inside diameter of the pipe can be readily pulled through the sewer main.

Does insurance cover sewer line replacement?

Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.

How much does it cost to clear a sewer line?

Average Cost to Unclog a Sewer Line

Clearing a clogged sewer line costs $250 to $800, depending on where the clog is located, what causes it, and the necessary cleaning. A clogged sewer line is typically an indication of a much larger problem.

What is the life expectancy of a sewer line?

This pipe, which lies buried under the soil of your yard, can last anywhere from 50-100 years or more, depending on the material from which the pipe is made and the conditions under which it is used.

How do plumbers clear sewer lines?

How Professional Plumbers Clean Your Drains
  • Manual Drain Snakes. A manual drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or a drain auger, is a small boring tool that rotates slowly as it's physically pushed through a stubborn clog. ...
  • Motorized Drain Snakes. ...
  • High-Definition Drain and Sewer Line Cameras. ...
  • Hydro-Jetting Machines.

How much does hydro jetting cost?

Hydro jetting costs $475 on average but range from $350 to $600. A plumber can give you a quote and get rid of your sewer clog. Having to keep your plumber on speed dial is no fun for any homeowner. If chronic sewer clogs are giving you issues, it might be time to call in the big guns.

How long does it take a plumber to unclog a main sewer line?

Clearing a clogged sewer line can take an hour to a few hours, depending on the blockage. If your lines are severely blocked, a video inspection and more advanced techniques may be necessary to find and address the clog.

Do plumbers check sewer lines?

Professional plumbers can use various camera styles to inspect the sewer line, such as: Remote-controlled crawler cameras. Pole or fixed zoom cameras. Push rod cameras.

How much does it cost to replace a sewer line in a house?

Cost Estimates

As we mentioned earlier, in the state of California, the cost of sewer line replacement can amount to anywhere between $50-$250 per linear foot, with an average of around $150.

How do you tell if your sewer line needs to be replaced?

7 Warning Signs Your Sewer Line Needs to Be Replaced
  1. There's a Spike in Your Water Bill. ...
  2. You Hear Gurgling Coming from the Pipes. ...
  3. The Water Is Slowly Draining. ...
  4. Your Yard is Soggy. ...
  5. The Smell of Sewage Lingers. ...
  6. Pests Are Attracted to Your Yard. ...
  7. The Toilet Bowl Water Level Is Up and Down.

How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged?

When the sewer line that carries waste away from the house is blocked, you'll notice the four signs that follow.
  1. All Your Drains Reek. ...
  2. Your Drains Are Blocked or Slow-Moving. ...
  3. You Hear Loud Gurgling Sounds Coming From Your Pipes Throughout Your Home. ...
  4. You Have an Unnaturally Lush Landscape or a Smelly, Sunken Lawn.

How do you test a sewer pipe?

To test for leaks, we take a rubber, inflatable test ball that is connected to an air hose and insert it into the sewer pipe at the main line cleanout. Once it is in place at the perimeter of your home, we inflate the ball to artificially plug the sewer line so that no water flows past it.

How deep are sewer lines buried?

For instance, residential sewer line depth ranges from 18 to 30 inches. However, city sewer line depths are different. Your city's sewer lines must always be deeper than the deepest residential pipe to allow waste to flow downhill. As such, these lines can go as deep as needed.

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