Main Sewer Line Problems? We Fix Them Right.
Sewer line repair, replacement, and installation throughout the Triad — residential and commercial.
Your Sewer Line Is the Most Important Pipe You Never Think About
Everything that goes down a drain in your home flows through your main sewer line to the city sewer or septic system. When it works, you never think about it. When it fails, everything stops — toilets won’t flush, drains back up, and sewage can come into your home.
All-Star Plumbing repairs and replaces main sewer lines throughout High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and the Triad. We diagnose problems with camera inspection, explain your options clearly, and fix the problem — whether it’s clearing roots, repairing a section, or replacing the entire line.
According to HomeGuide, sewer line replacement typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000 for most residential properties, though costs vary based on length, depth, and method. We provide upfront quotes so you know exactly what you’re facing.
Signs Your Main Sewer Line Has Problems
Sewer line problems often start with warning signs. Know what to look for.
Multiple Drains Backing Up
- What it means: When more than one drain is slow or backing up — especially on the lowest level — the problem is in the main line, not individual drains.
- Urgency: High. Will likely get worse.
Sewage Coming Up Through Floor Drains
- What it means: Main line is blocked. Wastewater has nowhere to go and comes up at the lowest point.
- Urgency: Emergency. Stop using water and call immediately.
Gurgling Toilets and Drains
- What it means: Air is being pushed through the system because water can't flow freely. Indicates partial blockage.
- Urgency: Warning sign. Get it inspected before it becomes a full backup.
Sewage Smell in Yard
- What it means: Sewer line is leaking underground. Sewage is escaping into the soil.
- Urgency: Needs attention. Leak will worsen and may contaminate groundwater.
Wet or Sunken Spots in Yard
- What it means: Underground leak is saturating soil. Ground may sink where pipe has collapsed.
- Urgency: Indicates significant damage. Camera inspection needed.
Unusually Green Patch of Grass
- What it means: Leaking sewage is fertilizing that section of lawn. Sounds nice, but it means your sewer is leaking.
- Urgency: Get it inspected.
Recurring Main Line Clogs
- What it means: If we clear the line and it clogs again within months, there's an underlying problem — roots, belly, damage.
- Urgency: Camera inspection will reveal the cause.
Old Home with Original Sewer Line
- What it means: Clay pipes (pre-1970s) and cast iron pipes deteriorate over time. If your home is 50+ years old with original pipes, problems are likely coming.
- Recommendation: Proactive camera inspection to assess condition.
What Goes Wrong With Sewer Lines
Here’s what we typically find during camera inspection.
Tree Root Intrusion
Roots seek water and nutrients. Your sewer line has both. Roots enter through joints and cracks, then grow inside the pipe until they block flow.
Pipe Collapse
Old pipes deteriorate and eventually collapse. Clay pipes crack, cast iron corrodes through, and orangeburg (tar paper) pipes crush.
Bellied Pipe
A section of pipe has sunk, creating a low spot where waste collects instead of flowing. Causes recurring backups.
Offset Joints
Pipe sections have shifted and no longer align. Creates a lip where waste catches and roots can enter.
Solution: Repair affected section or reline.
Cracks and Breaks
Physical damage to the pipe — from ground pressure, freezing, or age. Allows sewage to leak out and roots/groundwater to enter.
Solution: Spot repair, pipe lining, or replacement depending on extent.
Grease and Debris Buildup
Years of grease, soap, and debris accumulate on pipe walls, gradually reducing flow until backup occurs.
Solution: Professional cleaning, possibly hydro jetting. If pipe is damaged, repair may be needed.
Sewer Line Repair Options
Different problems call for different solutions. Here’s what’s available.
- Spot Repair
When damage is localized to one section, we can excavate and repair just that area.
Best for: Single crack, localized root damage, or one offset joint.
- Pipe Lining (Trenchless)
We insert a resin-coated liner into the existing pipe. It cures in place, creating a new pipe inside the old one.
Limitation: Doesn’t work for collapsed or severely bellied pipes.
- Pipe Bursting (Trenchless)
We pull a new pipe through the old one, breaking the old pipe apart as the new one goes in.
- Traditional Excavation & Replacement
We dig up the old sewer line and replace it with new pipe — typically PVC.
how can we help?
Related Services
Emergency Plumbing
24/7 emergency plumber service for leaks, backups, and sudden plumbing failures.
Drains & Sewer
Drain cleaning, sewer inspections, and water or sewer main repairs done efficiently.
Commercial
Business & industrial plumbing, backflow testing, excavation through High Point and the Triad.
Remodels
Plumbing upgrades and renovations for kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home remodels.
Emergency Plumbing
24/7 emergency plumber service for leaks, backups, and sudden plumbing failures.
Water Heaters
Installation, repair, and maintenance for tank and tankless water heaters.
Repiping
Water lines, sewer lines, gas pipes, underground pipe repair
Leak Detection & Repair
Find and fix water leaks, slab leaks, pipe leaks
Drains & Sewer
Drain cleaning, sewer inspections, and water or sewer main repairs done efficiently.
Commercial
Business & industrial plumbing, backflow testing, excavation through High Point and the Triad.
Remodels
Plumbing upgrades and renovations for kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home remodels.
Your Plumbing Problem, Solved in 3 Simple Steps!
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Helpful Plumbing Tips From Local Experts
Our blog shares clear advice homeowners can use right away.
When Should You Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures?
What Causes Low Water Pressure in Your Home
Simple Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
When Should You Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures?
What Causes Low Water Pressure in Your Home
Simple Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Locations and Areas Served
Plumber Service Company Serving the Entire Triad
Sewer Line Questions
How do you know what's wrong with my sewer line?
Camera inspection. We insert a video camera and see exactly what’s happening — roots, collapse, belly, cracks, blockages.
How long does sewer line replacement take?
Spot repairs: often same day. Pipe lining: 1-2 days. Full excavation and replacement: 2-5 days depending on length and complications.
Will you have to dig up my yard?
Depends on the repair method. Trenchless options (lining, bursting) minimize excavation. Traditional replacement requires digging. We explain options and let you choose.
Is the city responsible for any of my sewer line?
Typically, you own and are responsible for the sewer line from your house to where it connects to the city main (usually at or near the property line). The city maintains the main. Check with your municipality.
How long do sewer line repairs last?
New PVC pipe lasts 50-100 years. Pipe lining typically warrants 50+ years. You shouldn’t have to think about it again in your lifetime.
Can tree roots come back after you clear them?
Yes, if the pipe isn’t repaired. Root cutting is temporary — roots regrow. Permanent solutions include pipe lining (seals joints) or replacement.
Do you handle commercial sewer lines?
Yes. We repair and install sewer lines for commercial properties throughout the Triad.