Sewer Line Services

Sewer Problems Need Immediate Attention

When your main sewer line has problems, everything in your house is affected. Multiple drains backing up, sewage odors, wet spots in your yard — these aren’t just inconveniences. They’re signs that something is seriously wrong underground.

Acme Plumbing & Heating has been diagnosing and repairing sewer lines throughout Portland since 2008. We have the equipment and expertise to find the problem and fix it right — whether that’s a simple cleaning or a complete line replacement.

Signs of Sewer Line Problems

Call us if you notice:

• Multiple drains backing up — Toilets, showers, and sinks all slow
• Gurgling sounds — From toilets or drains when using other fixtures
• Sewage odors — Inside or outside your home
• Slow drains throughout house — Not just one fixture
• Water backing up — Into floor drains or lowest fixtures
• Wet spots in yard — Especially along the sewer line path
• Lush patches of grass — Sewage acts as fertilizer
• Foundation cracks — Severe sewer problems can affect your foundation

Don’t wait on these symptoms. A sewer backup creates a health hazard and can cause extensive property damage.

Sewer Line Diagnosis

Video Camera Inspection

We don’t guess about what’s wrong with your sewer line. We use a fiber-optic camera to see exactly what’s happening inside the pipe:

• Locate the exact position of blockages
• Identify root intrusion
• Find cracks, breaks, or collapsed sections
• Spot bellied (sagging) pipe sections
• Determine pipe material and condition
• Document condition for insurance claims

Camera inspection takes about an hour and gives us the information we need to recommend the right solution.

Locating Your Sewer Line

Not sure where your sewer line runs? We can locate and mark it using electronic detection equipment. This is essential before any excavation or landscaping work.

Sewer Line Repair Options

Sewer Cleaning

For blockages caused by buildup or moderate root intrusion:

• Mechanical cleaning — Professional-grade cables that cut through roots and debris
• Hydro jetting — High-pressure water scours pipes clean
• Enzyme treatments — For maintenance after cleaning

Cleaning is the first line of defense and may be all you need — but if there’s physical damage to the pipe, cleaning won’t solve the underlying problem.

Traditional Sewer Repair

When a section of pipe has failed:

1. Excavate to reach the damaged section
2. Cut out and remove the bad pipe
3. Install new pipe with proper connections
4. Backfill and restore landscaping

This method works well for localized damage and gives us full access to inspect and repair properly.

Trenchless Sewer Repair

In some situations, we can repair your sewer line without major excavation:

Pipe Lining (CIPP)

• Insert a resin-coated liner into existing pipe
• Cure in place to create a new pipe within the old one
• Minimal disruption to landscaping
• Good for pipes with cracks or root intrusion

Pipe Bursting

• Pull new pipe through old pipe, breaking it apart
• Good for complete pipe replacement
• Two small access pits instead of trench
• Works with most pipe materials

Trenchless methods aren’t right for every situation, but when they work, they save significant time and landscaping restoration costs.

Sewer Line Replacement

When the entire line needs replacement:

• Excavate along the line path
• Remove old pipe completely
• Install new pipe (typically PVC)
• Connect to house and city main
• Backfill and grade
• Restore landscaping

Complete replacement is necessary when pipes are severely deteriorated, collapsed, or have extensive root damage.

Common Sewer Problems in Portland

Tree Root Intrusion

Portland’s mature trees are beautiful, but their roots are hard on sewer lines. Roots seek moisture and can enter pipes through joints or small cracks. Once inside, they grow and create blockages.

Signs of root problems:

• Recurring main line backups
• Slow drains that get worse after rain
• Roots visible on camera inspection

Solutions range from periodic cleaning to pipe lining to complete replacement, depending on severity.

Old Pipe Materials

Many older Portland homes have:

• Clay/terracotta pipes — Prone to cracking and root intrusion at joints
• Orangeburg pipes (1950s-70s) — Made of tar paper, they deteriorate and collapse
• Cast iron — Rusts from inside out over 50-80 years

If your home was built before 1980, the sewer line may be original and nearing end of life.

Bellied Pipes

When ground settles or shifts, sections of sewer pipe can sag, creating low spots where waste collects. This causes recurring backups even after cleaning. The only fix is to re-slope or replace the affected section.

Sewer Line Costs

Sewer work costs depend on:

• Problem type — Cleaning vs. spot repair vs. replacement
• Pipe depth — Deeper pipes require more excavation
• Length affected — Spot repair vs. full replacement
• Access — Landscaping, driveways, or structures in the way
• Repair method — Traditional vs. trenchless

We provide detailed written estimates and explain all your options. For major work, we can discuss financing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the problem is in my sewer line vs. the city’s?

Typically, you’re responsible for the line from your house to the property line or connection point. The city handles the main line in the street. We can help determine where the problem is located.

How long does sewer repair take?

Camera inspection: 1-2 hours. Spot repairs: 1 day. Full replacement: 2-4 days depending on length and depth. Trenchless repairs are often faster.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover sewer line repair?

Standard homeowner’s policies usually don’t cover sewer lines, but some do and many insurers offer separate coverage. Check your policy. We can provide documentation for claims when coverage applies.

How often should I have my sewer line inspected?

If you’ve never had problems, every 5-10 years is reasonable. If you have mature trees near the line or have had issues before, every 2-3 years. We recommend inspection before buying an older home.

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Sewer problems?

Don’t wait for a backup. Contact us or call (207) 555-7890 to schedule a camera inspection.