Sewer line repair: the short answer
Sewage coming up through a floor drain, tub or shower, or several fixtures backing up at once, usually means a blockage or break in the main sewer line. Stop running water and flushing, keep people and pets away from the sewage and call a plumber. A camera inspection is the standard way to find out what's wrong before anyone digs. Call (207) 555-0163 to speak with a local plumber in the Portland area.
Signs of a sewer line problem
- water or sewage rising in a basement floor drain
- toilets gurgling or bubbling when other fixtures drain
- several drains slow or backing up at the same time
- sewage odors inside or around the yard
- soggy, sunken or unusually green patches over the line
For other problems, see our main page on plumbing in Portland, ME.
How urgent is it?
Sewage in the house needs a call right away.
Stop using water so you don't add to the backup, keep everyone out of the affected area and don't try to clean up raw sewage without protection. Read sewer backup in the basement for what to do while you wait.
What causes sewer line problems
- Roots working into joints, especially in older clay pipe.
- Grease and wipes building up into a solid blockage.
- Sags or bellies where the pipe has settled and holds waste.
- Cracked, offset or collapsed pipe from age or ground movement.
Who is responsible for the sewer line?
In many cities, the property owner is responsible for the building sewer that runs from the house to the public main, and sometimes for the connection to the main itself. Rules differ from place to place, so if the problem may be at the street, ask the city's public works department where your responsibility ends before paying for digging.
Camera inspection and repair options
Clear and inspect
The line is cleared enough to run a camera through it, which shows roots, cracks, sags or a collapse and how far from the house they are.
Spot repair
A single damaged section can sometimes be dug up and replaced.
Trenchless repair
Where the pipe suits it, lining or pipe bursting can renew the line with less digging.
Full replacement
When the line is failing along its length, replacing it by excavation may be the long-term fix.
Digging in Maine: Dig Safe comes first
The Maine Public Utilities Commission says anyone using power tools to dig into the ground, homeowners included, must mark the proposed dig area in white and call 811 at least three business days ahead so utilities can mark their lines. Violations can bring fines of up to $10,000. The plumber or excavator handling a sewer replacement normally takes care of this, but it's worth confirming.
Roof drains and sumps
Portland and Westbrook have asked property owners to disconnect roof drains and sumps from the sewer system, because storm runoff can overwhelm the sewers and send untreated sewage into the Presumpscot River and Casco Bay. If your sump pump or downspouts tie into the sewer, ask the plumber about rerouting them. See sump pump repair.
What affects the cost
- Where the problem is: under the basement floor, under the yard or near the street.
- Depth and length of the line.
- Method: spot repair, trenchless lining or bursting, or full excavation.
- What's on top: pavement, driveways, walkways or landscaping.
- Permits and any work in the street.
See the plumbing cost guide.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Can I see the camera footage, and can you mark the problem's location?
- Is trenchless repair possible for this line?
- Who handles Dig Safe and any permits?
- What's included for restoring the yard, driveway or floor?
- What warranty covers the new pipe and the work?
What to have ready when you call
- which drains are backing up, and whether sewage is on the floor
- whether this has happened before, and what was done
- large trees near the line, and where you think the line runs
- whether you know where the cleanout is