Dealing With a Damaged Sewer Line? Here’s What Riverside Homeowners Need to Know About Sewer Repair
If you’ve ever had to deal with a slow-draining sink, a gurgling toilet, or (worst of all) raw sewage backing up into your home — you know just how stressful sewer problems can be.
The truth is, sewer line issues are more common than most people think, especially in older neighborhoods like we have here in Riverside, CA. But here’s the good news: not every sewer problem means full replacement. In many cases, a professional sewer repair can save the day — and save your budget, too.
At Elite Plumbing & Drains LLC, we help homeowners across Riverside tackle sewer problems every week. If you’re wondering what sewer repair actually involves, when it’s needed, or how much of your yard is going to be dug up, you’re in the right place.
First Things First: What Are the Signs of Sewer Trouble?
Most homeowners don’t think about their sewer line — until something starts going wrong. But catching the warning signs early can make the difference between a simple repair and a massive excavation.
Keep an eye out for:
- Water backing up into tubs, toilets, or showers
- Sinks and toilets draining slowly
- Strong sewage smells inside or around your home
- Puddles or wet spots in your yard when it hasn’t rained
- Unusually green grass or plants thriving in one area
- Bubbling or gurgling noises when you flush the toilet or drain the sink
If you notice any of the above, it’s time to call in a pro. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away — it’ll usually make it worse.
Why Sewer Repairs Are So Common in Riverside
Riverside has a mix of new developments and beautiful, historic homes. But with age comes wear and tear — and that includes what’s underground. Here’s why sewer problems are especially common in our area:
- Old clay or cast iron pipes are still in use in many neighborhoods.
- Tree roots love old sewer lines and can break in through even the smallest cracks.
- Shifting soil from droughts or heavy rain can cause pipes to sag or collapse.
- Hard water buildup can restrict water flow and speed up pipe corrosion.
Even in newer homes, poor installation or cheap materials can lead to sewer issues within just a few years.
How We Diagnose Sewer Line Issues
At Elite Plumbing & Drains, we don’t believe in guesswork. That’s why the first step in any sewer repair is a camera inspection. We use specialized waterproof cameras to take a real-time look inside your sewer line.
This lets us:
- See exactly where the damage is
- Understand the cause of the problem (roots, collapse, corrosion, etc.)
- Decide whether a spot repair or larger section needs fixing
- Plan the least invasive, most cost-effective solution
The best part? You get to see the footage too, so you know we’re being transparent every step of the way.
Types of Sewer Repairs We Perform
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sewer repair. Depending on the condition of your pipes and the type of damage, we might recommend:
1. Spot Repairs
Perfect for small cracks, minor root intrusion, or isolated problem areas. We dig a small area, repair or replace the damaged section, and patch it back up.
2. Pipe Lining (Cured-in-Place Pipe or CIPP)
This trenchless method involves inserting a flexible resin-coated liner into the existing pipe. Once it hardens, it forms a new, smooth pipe within the old one — no major digging required.
3. Pipe Bursting
If a section is completely collapsed or too damaged to repair, we use a pipe-bursting head to break apart the old pipe while pulling a new one through at the same time. This is also trenchless and great for avoiding driveway or landscape damage.
4. Sectional Replacement
Sometimes the damage is too severe for trenchless repair, but not widespread enough for full replacement. We can remove and replace just the affected portion with minimal disruption.
Will My Yard Be Destroyed?
This is one of the most common concerns homeowners have — and understandably so. No one wants to see their lawn, garden, or patio ripped up.
That’s why we always try trenchless methods first. With pipe lining or pipe bursting, we often only need to dig two small access points — one at the start of the repair and one at the end. This means:
- No giant trenches
- No need to tear up your driveway or sidewalk
- Much faster turnaround time
Of course, if the damage is severe or trenchless isn’t possible, some excavation may be needed — but we’ll always explain your options first and work to restore your property as cleanly as possible.
What Does Sewer Repair Cost?
Costs can vary quite a bit depending on the location, severity, and length of the pipe that needs fixing.
Here’s a rough idea of what you might expect:
- Camera inspection: Often under $300 — and worth every penny
- Spot repair: $1,000–$3,000
- Trenchless lining: $2,500–$8,000 depending on length
- Sectional replacement: $3,000–$10,000 depending on depth, access, and scope
The good news? Sewer repair is usually much more affordable than replacement, especially if you catch the problem early.
Why Choose Elite Plumbing & Drains LLC?
We’re not just plumbers — we’re problem solvers. When it comes to something as important (and sensitive) as your home’s sewer line, you want a team that knows their stuff and treats your home like their own.
Here’s what you get when you work with us:
- Licensed and experienced pros
- Trenchless repair options
- Honest, upfront pricing
- Emergency services when you need us most
- A local team that understands Riverside plumbing systems inside and out
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency
Sewer problems don’t fix themselves — and the longer you wait, the more expensive and damaging they can become.
Whether you’re dealing with a suspicious smell, a soggy lawn, or just want peace of mind, a quick inspection and professional repair can save you a lot of stress down the road.
At Elite Plumbing & Drains LLC, we’re proud to help Riverside homeowners protect their homes, their health, and their wallets. If you’re worried about your sewer line, give us a call — we’re happy to take a look and walk you through the next steps.