What Are the Main Signs That Sewer Repair May Be Needed?

You may need sewer repair if you notice slow drains, gurgling toilets, foul odors, or water pooling in your yard. These are signs your sewer line is damaged, clogged, or collapsed. In Southern California, tree roots, aging clay pipes, and shifting soil are common culprits. Pipe-It-Right Plumbing can inspect your line with a camera and fix the issue before it becomes a backup.

Common Warning Signs of Sewer Line Problems

Most homeowners don’t think about their sewer line until there’s literally a mess.

Here are the top signs it’s time to call a professional:

• Multiple drains backing up at once (sinks, tubs, or toilets)
• Gurgling sounds coming from drains when other fixtures are used
• Sewage smells around bathrooms or outside cleanouts
• Patches of soggy grass or standing water in the yard
• Increased pest activity (flies or rodents near drains)

If several of these issues happen simultaneously, the problem is likely beyond your interior plumbing and in the main sewer line itself.

What Causes Sewer Damage in Southern California

Many SoCal neighborhoods still have old clay or cast-iron sewer pipes that weren’t built for modern water demand or seismic movement.
The most common causes we find include:

• Tree root intrusion through small cracks or joints
• Soil shifting due to drought or ground settling
• Grease and buildup from years of kitchen waste
• Pipe corrosion or collapse in older systems
• Improper slope or installation from past repairs

Our local soil and landscaping conditions mean even small leaks can expand quickly, especially after heavy rain or watering cycles.

How We Diagnose Sewer Line Issues

At Pipe It Right Plumbing, we never guess.

We use camera inspections to locate the exact problem and hydro jetting or spot repair methods to clear the line without unnecessary digging.

This allows us to:

• Identify cracks, roots, or blockages accurately
• Show you real-time footage of what’s happening underground
• Recommend the best fix

Repair Options We Offer

Depending on what we find, we might recommend:

Solution	Best For	Details
Hydro Jetting	Root intrusion, heavy buildup	Scours the full line clean using high-pressure water
Pipe Patching / Lining	Small cracks or leaks	Repairs damaged sections without full replacement
Sewer Line Replacement	Collapsed or outdated systems	Installs new pipe: PVC or HDPE for long-term durability
Preventive Maintenance	Recurring issues	Scheduled cleanings keep lines flowing year-round

Every solution we offer meets California plumbing code and includes a full post-repair inspection video for your records.

When to Act

Waiting too long can lead to a full system backup, structural damage, and costly remediation.

If you’re noticing recurring slow drains or outdoor odors, schedule a camera inspection right away. It’s fast, affordable, and could save thousands in repairs.

Quick Takeaways

• Watch for slow drains, gurgling toilets, and sewage odors. These are all early red flags.
• Roots and corrosion are common in SoCal’s older sewer lines.
• Camera inspections identify problems before they escalate.
• Licensed sewer repair experts protect your property and plumbing investment.

Get a Clear Look at What’s Going On Underground

Don’t wait for a major backup. Pipe-It-Right Plumbing specializes in sewer inspection, repair, and replacement using the latest technology.

Located in Southern California?

Schedule a camera inspection today and get answers before problems worsen.