From the Crew
The South Bay Homeowner's Sewer Line Guide
We work on about 65 sewer lines a year and run more than 150 camera inspections. This is what we tell people on the phone.
Answers from Jesse Rendon, master plumber, and Ryan Nunez, co-owner
Call (310) 808-7343- Sewer jobs a year
- 65
- Camera inspections a year
- 150+
- Buyer scopes that find a problem
- 8 in 10
- Sewer shut off during a job
- 6 hrs
Is it a clog or is the line failing?
How do I know if my sewer line is failing?
A properly working sewer line should never clog. If your main line keeps backing up, something is wrong with the pipe itself. A camera inspection shows you what it is.
What do you find most often on camera?
Three things: tree roots, offsets where sections of pipe have shifted out of line, and collapsed pipe.
How old is too old for a clay sewer line?
Clay lines usually start causing trouble at around 50 years. Many South Bay lines are now 50 to 60 years old. The older communities in Torrance and Palos Verdes have the worst lines we see.
What should I do during a sewage backup?
Stop running water and wait for the plumber to arrive. Every flush and every faucet adds to what's coming back up.
Line it or replace it?
How do you choose between pipe bursting and lining?
Lining needs a pipe still in good shape, with no breaks or major cracks. If the line is broken, pipe bursting replaces it completely.
What goes into the ground?
Pipe bursting pulls in new HDPE pipe. Our CIPP liners are PermaLiner and meet ASTM F1216.
Should I just keep having it snaked?
This is the most common bad advice we hear. People pay to clear the same line again and again when it needs a real repair, and all that money buys nothing permanent.
Is trenchless really a new pipe?
With pipe bursting, yes. You get a brand-new sewer line instead of the old one, without tearing up your property. That's the value most people miss.
What the job looks like
How long does it take?
Plan on about two days.
Can I stay home?
Your sewer is shut off for about six hours.
How much digging is there?
Lining needs one access hole and pipe bursting needs two. Each is about 4 ft by 4 ft by 4 ft. A typical South Bay line from house to street is about 40 ft.
Who handles permits?
We do all of it: we pull the permit and meet the inspector.
Buying or selling a home
Is a sewer scope worth it when buying?
Yes. About 80% of the buyer scopes we run find a real problem.
What should a buyer ask for if the scope finds a problem?
Ask for a credit toward the repair.
Should sellers scope before listing?
Yes. If you don't, the buyer will, and they will most likely find issues you didn't get a chance to deal with first.
Keeping an old line alive
How often should an old clay line be checked?
Once a year: a camera check or root cleaning.
What wrecks sewer lines?
Root killer, wipes and grease.
Does root killer work?
It's a temporary fix, and it damages the sewer line.
How often should restaurants jet their lines?
Quarterly.
Paying for it
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line repair?
In our experience, insurance usually covers repairs only inside or under the home. Check your own policy for the line in the yard.
Who pays if the street or sidewalk has to be opened?
The customer does. It comes up at the tie-in, where your line meets the city's.
Want to see what's in your line?
Estimates are free, and a camera inspection is free with any service call.