Project GuidesSewer repair: what to expect
How a sewer line problem is diagnosed, the repair methods a plumber may recommend, and what to ask before the work is scheduled.
By Elijah Canfield, Founder, Hire Best Pros · Updated August 26, 2026
Elijah Canfield is the founder of Hire Best Pros. He writes and edits the site's consumer guides, with a focus on how home service and moving projects are priced, scoped and compared.
A sewer line problem is normally diagnosed with a camera inspection that shows whether the line is blocked, cracked, offset at a joint, or invaded by roots. From there the options are cleaning or root cutting, a spot repair, a trenchless lining or pipe bursting, or a full excavation and replacement. The right choice depends on the pipe material, the extent of the damage and what is above the line.
Key points
- Ask to see the camera footage. It is the basis of the recommendation.
- Trenchless methods avoid digging but are not suitable for every failure.
- Sewer work often requires a permit and a municipal inspection.
Diagnosis
The plumber locates a cleanout and runs a camera down the line, marking the depth and position of anything found. Repeated backups, sewage odour, slow drainage across the house, unusually lush patches in the yard and sinkholes above the line route are the common reasons to inspect.
The repair options
- Cleaning or root cutting, when the pipe is sound but obstructed
- Spot repair, when a single section has failed
- Cured in place lining, which forms a new pipe inside the old one
- Pipe bursting, which pulls a new pipe through while breaking the old one apart
- Open cut replacement, when the line has collapsed or the route has to change
Want a sewer line looked at?
Find plumbing helpWhat the work looks like at your house
Expect access points to be opened, water use to be restricted for part of the day, and yard or driveway disruption on an open cut job. Ask up front who restores landscaping, paving and any interior surface that has to be opened, because restoration is frequently excluded from the plumbing quote.
Questions before you sign
- Can I see the camera inspection, and will it be repeated after the work?
- Which portion of the line is my responsibility and which belongs to the utility?
- Is the permit and inspection included?
- What is the warranty on the lining or the replaced pipe?
- What is excluded, specifically restoration of the yard or driveway?
Common questions
- Is sewer line work covered by home insurance?
- Coverage varies significantly by policy and by cause. Some insurers offer separate service line endorsements. Ask your insurer before assuming either way.
- How long does a sewer repair take?
- A cleaning or spot repair can be a same day job. Lining is often one to two days. A full excavation and replacement depends on depth, length and what has to be removed above the line.