How to find a broken sewer pipe?

Author: Waylon Schroeder  |  Last update: Thursday, August 7, 2025

There are many tools out these days that can assist in determining the exact location of a broken sewer pipe. Many plumbers use cameras that go inside the pipe, sewer line locators that can trace the blockage from above ground and these days they make cameras with locators on them.

How to detect broken sewer pipe?

How to Tell if a Sewer Pipe is Leaking in a Yard
  1. Foul Odors. One of the most noticeable signs of a sewer pipe leak is a foul odor. ...
  2. Wet or Soggy Ground. ...
  3. Unusual Plant Growth. ...
  4. Rodent Activity. ...
  5. Slow Drains. ...
  6. Cracks in Your Foundation or Walls. ...
  7. Turn Off Your Water. ...
  8. Look for Signs of a Leak.

How to find a cracked sewer pipe?

Professional sewer line inspections are the fastest and surest way to find a sewer pipe crack. However, there are several ways you can locate and verify a sewer pipe break on your own: Turn on the bathroom sink and look for signs like rising toilet water or water in the base of your bathtub or shower.

How do you trace a sewer pipe?

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 do I find where my sewer line is?

It can typically be found in the basement, crawl space or garage. You will want to search for a pipe that is approximately four inches in diameter with a screw cap on the top that has a notch or square knob at the top. Note that some homes have an indoor sewer cleanout point, while others may be located outdoors.

How To Find A Broken Sewer Pipe Under A Slab

How far down are sewer lines buried?

The depth of sewer lines varies greatly. They can be as shallow as 12″ to 30,” or as deep as 6+ ft. Often times this is simply a matter of climate. In really cold climates, the pipe is buried deeper to prevent the pipe from freezing solid in winter.

How much does it cost to fix a clogged sewer line?

You will likely pay around $350 to $650 to have a plumber unclog a main sewer line unless you have complications like serious damage to the line.

How do plumbers find pipes?

Sonar/Radar: Plumbers can map water and sewer lines outside using a sonar device. Ground-penetrating radar may also be used. The equipment is rolled along the ground. If a buried pipe is located, it will show on a display.

How do I find out where my waste pipe goes?

You can either contact your local council and ask them for the plan associated with your property or you can contact a drainage expert who will conduct a CCTV drainage survey to get an accurate map of your drains.

Is there a pipe finder?

An electric stud finder detects a ferrous object—a black pipe—in our test wall. Magnetic stud finders are good to use for tasks like hanging pictures and bathroom mirrors.

How to locate a broken pipe?

Conducting a Visual Inspection

Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear on your pipes. Inspect the area where you suspect the breakage to have occurred. Check for any wet spots or areas with abnormal plant growth. If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that there is a breakage in your water or sewer pipe.

Does homeowners insurance cover broken sewer pipes?

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 to fix broken sewer pipe without digging?

4 Types of Trenchless Sewer Repairs
  1. CIPP. Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology relines damaged pipes by inserting a fiberglass tube coated with epoxy resin into the damaged pipe and then blowing it up like a balloon. ...
  2. Pipe Bursting. ...
  3. Spray Lining/Brush Coating. ...
  4. Slip Lining.

How do I find a broken underground drain pipe?

The best option is to use a pipe locator to trace the pipe. Mark it above ground with stakes and/or flags. This will help you to be very precise when you dig. It is also a good idea to locate other utilities that may be running through the same section of ground.

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 to find a break in a sewer line?

The most common sign of a sewer break is when you can see water coming up in your basement from the sewer pit, floor drain, through your walls, or on your sidewalk. Sewer breaks further out than your front yard will typically not surface due to the depth of the pipe.

How to trace a sewer line?

Dial 811

Probably the most convenient method, you can dial 811 in the United States. This national hotline connects you to your local utility company, allowing you to request that utility professionals come to your property and mark the location of various underground utilities, including your sewer lines.

How do you tell if a pipe is broken underground?

How to Tell if a Pipe Burst Underground
  1. Potholes or Sinkholes Around Your Lawn. These holes indicate a faulty pipe. ...
  2. High Water Bills. ...
  3. Fluctuating Water Pressure. ...
  4. Puddles or Pooling Water. ...
  5. Discolored Water and Odors. ...
  6. Overly Green Grass.

How do I find a PVC drain pipe underground?

To find an underground waste pipe, you need to use an underground pipe locator that can pinpoint its location based on its material, such as plastic, steel, or PVC. The best method is to use RTK; if you can't buy one, you can opt for RTK rental services.

Can a stud finder detect PVC pipes?

There are generally two types of stud finders: magnetic and electronic. Magnetic stud finders use a magnet to detect metal studs and other materials, including pipes, behind a wall. Electronic stud finders are able to sense a wider range of materials behind a wall, including wiring and PVC pipes.

How do I find out where my pipes go?

How do you locate an underground water pipe?
  1. Signal Generators. A signal generator is connected to a conductive material such as copper pipe with a secondary cable earthed into the ground through an earthing spike. ...
  2. Comophone knocker. ...
  3. Glass Fibre Reel. ...
  4. CCTV Drain Camera.

How do plumbers inspect pipes?

The next step up is a camera inspection. Using compact high-resolution cameras, the plumber can inspect the inside of pipes, so that issues with supply lines or your sewer line can be identified. A camera inspection can often detect future drain blockage. It's a comprehensive way to inspect your plumbing system.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer lines?

In most cases, home insurance will cover sewer line damage from specific events. This includes extreme weather (excluding earthquakes and floods), vandalism, fire, and damage from vehicles or falling objects.

What is the cheapest way to replace a sewer line?

Trenchless sewer repairs, such as pipe lining or pipe bursting, are typically 30-40% less expensive than traditional excavation and less invasive. Traditional excavation, which involves digging a trench to access the damaged pipe, is usually more expensive and can cause significant damage to your yard.

How much does Roto Rooter charge to unclog a sewer line?

Roto-Rooter's most popular service is clearing sewer lines using an auger strong enough to cut through tree roots. This service typically costs $400 to $600. Unclogging a branch line, or plumbing within the home, costs $350 to $500 on average. The technician uses a smaller auger to snake a drain in your home.

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