How we fix sewer lines
Most sewer jobs start with a camera snaked down the clean-out to spot the problem. If it's roots or a clog, we blast it clear with a jetter that scours the pipe clean. Breaks or collapses need more: sometimes we dig to the spot and replace that section, but if the pipe's in rough shape all over, we might reline it. That means pulling a resin-coated sleeve through the old pipe that hardens into a new pipe inside the old one. It's less digging, but not every break can be fixed that way. We'll show you what we find and walk you through the choices.
Charleston's tough on pipes
Old homes here often have clay or cast iron sewer lines that crack as the ground shifts. Live oaks and pines send roots through the smallest cracks, and the high water table means breaks can wash out around the pipe. We see a lot of lines that sag where the ground's soft, holding water and waste where it shouldn't. That's why we check the whole run, not just where the clog seems to be. A fix that skips weak spots just means another call next year.
When to call us out
If every drain in the house is slow or you hear gurgling when you flush, the main line's likely blocked. A single slow drain could just be that branch line, but if snaking it doesn't last, the problem's farther down. We look for clean-outs first—those white pipes sticking up near the house—and check where the line leaves the foundation. Older homes might not have one, so we find another way in. The camera tells us whether it's roots, a break, or just buildup that needs jetting.
Questions about sewer line service
How do I know if it's roots or a broken pipe?
Roots grow slowly, so drains get worse over months. You might notice them backing up more after heavy rain when the ground's wet. A break lets in dirt, so the water looks muddy when it backs up. But the camera tells the truth—roots show up like spiderwebs in the pipe, and breaks look like gaps or cracks. Sometimes it's both: roots find the crack first.
Will you have to dig up my yard?
Not always. If the pipe's intact but clogged, jetting clears it without digging. Small breaks or root intrusions can sometimes be fixed with a liner that seals from inside. But if the pipe's collapsed or shifted out of line, we'll need to dig to that spot. We mark utilities first and keep the hole as small as the job allows. On concrete or patios, we try to work through clean-outs to avoid cutting.
My drains work but smell bad—is that the sewer line?
Could be. A dry or cracked trap under the house lets sewer gas up, or the line might have a belly holding stagnant water. But first check the easy stuff: a loose toilet flange or dried-out sink trap in the house can do it. If those are tight, we'll camera the main line. In old Charleston homes, cast iron pipes rust from the inside out, leaving rough patches that trap waste and stink.