Sewer Line Repair and Replacement Process

Intact water and sewer lines are important to living in a comfortable and clean home. Whether it is an overflowing toilet that spills sewage, a faulty sewer line or backed up tank that causes sewage damage, it can have devastating effects on your home. Besides contaminating different areas of your home, sewage also causes several health problems.

This is where the role of professional sewer drain inspection comes into play. Certified professionals, such as Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter, can help you conduct sewer line cleaning and disinfect your house.

The professional plumbers at Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter, understand that a sewer leak with messy cleanup and unpleasant smell of a sewer pipe can be frustrating. It is challenging for homeowners to pinpoint the underlying causes of sewage problems.

If you want to prevent sewer line clog or sewer line damage, learning what causes them to break is important. Keep on reading to determine what breaks or causes the repair to your sewer line and how you can repair or replace them.

Sewer Line Inspection, Repair and Replacement

How to Know if Your Sewer Line is Leaking

To prevent sewer line damage, you must know how to identify or spot the underlying causes that lead to sewer line damage. Look for the following signs to spot a damaged sewer line to call sewer line repair or replacement professionals on time.

  • Strange gurgling and bubbling noises from your toilet
  • Noticeable/constant sewage backup in toilet or tub
  • The slow draining tub or no slow drain
  • Water shortage in the toilet(s)
  • Significantly greener patches near a sewage pipe
  • Sewer odor in the yard, basement, or other areas of the property
  • Flooded yard

a. Causes of Sewer and Drain Problems

As mentioned above, when sewage is backed up from sewer main lines into homes through drain pipelines, it causes expensive damage and creates several health hazards. There are plenty of factors that may cause sewer line repair or sewer line replacement. Here are some causes of sewer and drain problems.

Some of them include:

Sewer Main Line

A blockage in a city’s sanitary main can occur due to any reason. If this blockage is not fixed in time, sewage water from the main sanitary backs up into homes through floor drains. Generally, it happens slowly and gives homeowners enough time to seek the help of a plumber to check the damage.

Blockage due to Shrubs and Tree Roots

Trees and shrubs seeking moisture often extend into sewer lines and cracks, and may cause extensive damage. They are small and can quickly get into the tiny cracks in the drain lines. But as shrubs and trees continue to grow, the roots enter the pipes and cause severe blockage.

Standing Waters in Home Basement

Basement flooding leads to water flowing to the building and the foundation. Water deteriorates the cement floor, walls, and slowly damages the structure. This may cause sewage back up after a massive rainstorm.

Flooding

Even if there is no floodwater in your house, the water may flow into the sewer lines. Note that a sewer backup that flooding causes may contain more than normal waste. If there is a power failure during the flood, the issue may get even worse. Several sewer plants and treatment stations use power to seal return valves. If they fail, waste flows back into pipes.

Remember that sewage comprises wastewater, which is hazardous to health and the environment. If raw sewage somehow gets into the groundwater, it may cause severe health problems. The dirty water, debris, or waste carries potentially harmful microorganisms that make them a health hazard. Moreover, the harmful solids contain toxic chemicals that can damage water bodies supporting wildlife.

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Michelle Perez profile pictureMichelle Perez
18:37 12 Dec 25
I have used Conejo Seviced a couple of times now, and they have done a fantastic job both times. They were prompt, professional, easy to talk to, honest, and did the job in the specified time frame. I will happy to continue using them.
Lana Light profile pictureLana Light
02:38 12 Dec 25
Owen was my electric tech,
and from the conversation over a couple of electrical issues here, I understood quickly that Owen knows the line of work very well: educated, smart, polite, with down the the earth professional demineur... He checked the wiring, and explained the possibilities why my appliance keeps tripping the breaker..
Thank you Owen.
The company has a right set up. They would also remind you about the appointment, and would convinietly call you a few minutes ahead.

They have the right codes... they won't walk in their shoes on your floors either...
I strongly recommend the Conejo company for your electrical issues...
Robert Lewis profile pictureRobert Lewis
22:40 11 Dec 25
Juan did an outstanding job. He is very professional and personable. He kept us informed on what he was doing. It was a pleasure working with him and Conejo Services. We have used you before and we have always had prompt and professional service. Thank you so very much.
Leslie Hackney profile pictureLeslie Hackney
18:30 08 Dec 25
When our 31 year-old furnace suddenly stopped working, they were out within 24 hours of my call. It was a quick and easy replacement part, but something we wouldn’t dare do ourselves. It’s good to know we’ve found a reliable repair service!
Alejandra Aldana profile pictureAlejandra Aldana
01:20 05 Dec 25
It was excellent service from the initial request to schedule an appt for electrical repairs and the installation updates as to the time and date of service technician arrival at work site. The service person was timely in his arrival time, considerate , respectful and courteous.
Major Tom profile pictureMajor Tom
13:06 03 Dec 25
David G. was patient, personable and explained things. He was thorough and cleaned up after himself. He is an asset to the company and exemplifies the level of professionalism and quality that I have come to expect from Conejo Services.
Linda Munday profile pictureLinda Munday
04:49 03 Dec 25
The entire staff were wonderful. The crew that came out to do the installation were so nice and respectful. I would recommend them to anyone.
Carol Riccobono profile pictureCarol Riccobono
23:09 01 Dec 25
Juan did an excellent job checking out our furnace and dryer vent. He was very informative and thorough. And he did not try to upsell us on other services.
Ted Haber profile pictureTed Haber
03:36 29 Nov 25
Omar was our electrician. He was very professional and easy to work with. He gets my vote.
Matt Bovard profile pictureMatt Bovard
22:26 26 Nov 25
I like supporting local Ventura county companies and then when they do such a great job it’s double gratification…
Joe F. profile pictureJoe F.
00:18 26 Nov 25
Heesse was on time, performed a HVAC tune up, and solved the problem of the thermostat not working. I know who I will contact for future hone repair needs.
Steve Kurasch profile pictureSteve Kurasch
21:18 25 Nov 25
Jesse was here right on time to do testing and inspection of our furnaces. He was very thorough, professional and knowledgable and corrected several problems that other companies missed. He also gave us some options to look at in the future. We signed up for their maintenance plan and feel very confident that Conejo Services will meet our needs now and in the future. Thank you for giving us peace of mind!
Mary O'Sullivan profile pictureMary O'Sullivan
00:55 14 Aug 25
This company really stands behind its work. I have the platinum maintenance for my both HVAC and plumbing, both installed by them and it really pays off. The plumbing area, especially, led by Andrew Dilger and team are honest, thorough, skilled and offer options from minimal to full overhaul with pro’s and cons and short vs. long-term financial differentials of each approach. I have an older home with pipes at end of their 60 year shelf-life and it’s a new area for me. It’s really great to be able to trust a company when the product isn’t visible, but buried in the ground. I liked Derek who identified a potential issue during normal maintenance and the oversight of Andrew confirming it and best approach. I think it’s the honest approach set by senior management, including Andrew, Ralph and others. And highly professional! Kudos!
Jennifer Friedman profile pictureJennifer Friedman
00:45 10 Apr 25
We were on Conejo’s maintenance plan for a while. We found they were very thorough in checking our A/C, plumbing and electric systems. It is worth considering these plans.

We had other work done where we felt the pricing was quite high, like for a garbage disposal and for installing a tankless hot water heater. So consumers should be sure to do price comparisons.

When they put in our tankless hot water heater, there were a couple of code violations that needed to be corrected, plus we had some questions about the costs. But when our concerns finally reached the Customer Service managers, their response was excellent and all our concerns were immediately and satisfactorily resolved.
Rick Phillips profile pictureRick Phillips
00:10 03 Feb 25
I strongly suggest getting cost estimates from other companies before hiring Conejo. I was provided an estimate of $7149 to perform what turned out to be 7 hours of work by two (relatively low paid) employees and a couple hours to use specialty equipment to pinpoint failure point. I had a blockage in my home sewer system caused by root intrusion. By using their tool inserted into the sewer pipe they said the blockage was 8 feet deep and under my concrete entryway walkway and would therefore take two workmen 2 to 3 days to complete the repairs. I questioned that pricing since it seemed too high and was provided a reduction of $850 to $6299. That still seemed like a high price but I needed to get the work done quickly so I accepted the bid. (My big mistake.) I monitored the work when their two workmen came to make the repairs. I am retired from SoCalGas so have some knowledge about excavating and fixing damaged pipe. The sewer pipe was only 3 feet deep, not 8 feet deep. The work involved digging and exposing the 4-inch plastic sewer pipe and then cutting out a 3-foot section and installing new pipe, then backfilling the excavation (which was done poorly – was not well compacted – I did this after they left as best I could. I hope my entryway sidewalk doesn’t fail/crack in the future.) They completed the work in 7 hours. I then contacted Conejo and asked to them to reconsider the price since the basis of the estimate was incorrect. I eventually spoke with their plumbing manager, Nick, who said he would speak with the person who developed the estimate and get back to me. Nick never got back to me even though I called their offices twice and texted Nick. The next contact I had from Conejo was a revised bill reducing the charge by $500, leaving me with a bill of $5799. On the positive side, the people I spoke with in their billing and/or scheduling department with friendly and responsive.
Ben Rogers profile pictureBen Rogers
17:47 26 Jan 25
Conejo installed a new furnace and water heater at my home, and I’m so impressed with the quality of their work. Their prices are competitive and their team is the best!
Pav G profile picturePav G
20:40 08 Aug 24
Outstanding Service from Alfredo at Conejo Valley Heating and AC

We’ve had ongoing AC issues for a couple of years, and after trying other companies, we finally found the solution with Alfredo from Conejo Valley Heating and AC. The level of professionalism and quality of work Alfredo delivered was unparalleled.

From the moment he arrived, Alfredo impressed us with his attention to detail—respecting our home by wearing booties and carefully assessing the situation. He identified the root cause of our AC problems, taking his time and staying late into the afternoon, even after a long, busy day. As the last appointment of the day, Alfredo made sure our AC was fully repaired before leaving.

Beyond fixing the immediate issue, Alfredo also provided valuable advice and options for maintaining our AC in the future, along with some helpful plumbing suggestions. His dedication to his craft and customer service is truly world-class.

We highly recommend requesting Alfredo if you’re considering Conejo Valley Heating and AC. We’ve permanently requested him as our go-to technician for any future needs. His work is simply outstanding, and we couldn’t be more satisfied with the service.
Jason D profile pictureJason D
19:01 13 Jun 24
A home inspection was done for the sale of our home and the inspector flagged our furnace as not having a furnace door switch and being a potential fire hazard. Parker arrived to open the furnace door to find that the switch had a piece of black tape over it to protect it, he removed said tape, job done. Unreal. Thanks Parker.
Cindy Gooden profile pictureCindy Gooden
22:09 04 Jun 24
Gave us an estimate and we decided to wait a few months before booking. I called when we were ready to book, but the person they directed us to never called us back!

We ended up choosing another local plumber who charged half what CVHAPR quoted us. I'm so glad we got a second opinion.
Amber Hauptman profile pictureAmber Hauptman
18:56 10 May 24
Parker was awesome! He was very informative and answered our million questions! Looking forward to working with him again soon! Thank you Parker!!!

b. Causes of Sewer Line Damage

From minor wear and tear to clogged pipes, here is what can cause sewer line damage.

Tree Roots

As mentioned above, tree roots follow water sources when they grow near the sewer lines. As a sewer line carries liquid waste, tree roots are attracted to them naturally. It is especially true if there are small leaks in the pipes. If roots come in contact with the sewer pipes, they wrap around them and may cause breakage.

In addition to that, roots can cause severe weakening, clogging, and structure breakage. Particularly, it is common in homes with older construction as they mostly have clay sewer pipes and are most susceptible to damages from roots.

Corroded Pipes

Though sewer pipes are steel-made and galvanized to avert rust, they are prone to corroding due to magnesium and calcium buildup and regular wear and tear. If you leave corrosion untreated, it leaves the pipe prone to cracks and leaks.

Clogged Pipes Due to Foreign Objects

The sewage lines of your home can handle soft objects like toilet paper and human waste. However, you should avoid flushing hard wrappers and towels as they can disintegrate and cause blockages. They are hard to fix with drain cleaning agents.

Even items like grease and cooking oil can clog sewer pipes if you pour them into the sink. You should pour the liquids into the containers or dispose of them in the trash can.

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures such as cold weather can freeze the pipes.

The frozen pipes may burst if ice expands. It is worth mentioning that it is not only cold weather that may cause the sewer line to rupture, as extreme heat has a similar effect.

What to Expect During a Sewer Line Inspection

If there is a break or leak in the sewer line, it is essential to repair it. Typically, you can choose two options. You can either dig a small trench around the pipe or opt for trenchless sewer line repairs. Put simply, the options given below are two methods you can expect during a sewer line inspection.

Pipelining

Though sewer drain inspection determines minimal damage, the plumbing experts such as Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter recommend pipelining. They will inflate a tube and press against it on the existing line. When it is up against the sewage line, the hardness and epoxy cures repair the leaks. Experts then remove the inflatable tubes.

Pipe Bursting

It destroys the pipe to replace it with a new one. The process is less time-effective and more expensive but doesn’t require heavy or extensive excavation. When your home’s sewer line is too damaged to apply the pipelining technique or simply clean it out, you can opt for invasive trenchless repairs. This sewer line cleaning technique makes a cone-shaped bit via an existing line.

However, if the sewer lines have damage beyond repairs, you can resort to traditional sewer line replacement techniques. The methods are not only costly but also extremely invasive. Technicians or professional sewer line experts need to dig up the yard to find the broken or damaged lines. Keep in mind that excavation is mandatory if your home’s sewage system has experienced extensive damages.

Benefits of a Sewer Line Inspection

Thanks to camera inspection technology, you can find what is going on inside your plumbing system. Sewer line inspection is exactly what it sounds like: it helps detect anything from clogs to leaks. Read the given reasons to find why sewer line inspection is beneficial for your home.

Locates a Water Break or Leak

There are plenty of telltale signs of leaks and water breaks to spot damages that need sewer line repairs or replacement. Several hidden clues can show that something isn’t right with your drainage or plumbing system.

Though the not-so-subtle signs are enough to locate the areas where water is escaping the pipes, a sewer line inspection can help you find the exact location.

Eliminates the Need of Unnecessary Digging

The idea of making a small hole in the yard isn’t bad until the hole turns into a 4-foot trench. It may become even worse if plumbers still find it hard to locate the leak. Sewer line inspection by the experts like Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter, on the other hand, is less intrusive. It eliminates the excessive digging and the higher cost in your lawn or yard.

Determines the Exact Condition of Pipes

The entire plumbing inner work of your home is out of sight most of the time. Monitoring the pipes’ condition at all times is important, especially when you need sewer line replacement. The inspection process uses a camera which is typically non-intrusive and helps determine the exact condition of the pipes.

It is essential, especially when you buy a new property and want to know ahead if pipes are at risk of corrosion or collapse. It can prevent costly repairs and impending emergencies.

Sewer Line Repair vs. Sewer Line Replacement

If the sewer line of your home has cracks, go for sewer line repair. However, if the damages are severe, you should opt for sewer line replacement, according to experts. Qualified plumbers from Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter conduct a pipe leak test using traditional or trenchless sewer repair.

Trenchless Sewer Repair

Trenchless sewer repairing is the modern method with its easy-to-handle and cost-effective procedure, which has replaced the conventional trench replacement option.

It saves you from having to dig long trenches. Also, you don’t have to wait for months to get approval to reroute the water lines.

In fact, it is a convenient way of subsurface construction and requires merely a few trenches. Advanced technology in plumbing is trending these days. It is defined as a family of materials, methods, and equipment to be used for installation, rehabilitation, or underground replacement purposes to build new infrastructure.

If you are looking for minimal excavation in your yard, these are some trenchless construction methods to choose from according to your requirements:

  • Microtunneling
  • Tunneling
  • Directional Boring
  • Pipe Jacking
  • Pipe Ramming
  • Directional Drilling
  • Moiling

Sewer Line Replacement

As mentioned above, if sewer pipes have extensive damages that require replacement, leaving it to experts is the best way to get the traditional sewer line replacement done. The plumbing professionals first prepare a schematic diagram to map out the damage and the techniques needed for sewer line replacement.

Average Cost for a Sewer Line Inspection, Repair, and Replacement

The average cost homeowners need to pay for sewer line repair is $2,556. However, it may increase or decrease from $1,073 to $4,055, depending on the severity of the damage. Homeowners who choose a full replacement may have to spend $3,000-$25,000.

How to Protect Your Sewer Lines

Note that not all types of sewer damages are preventable. However, there are steps to slow down the rate of damage.

Seek the assistance of professionals to get a sewer line inspection of your sewage system once a year. It helps ensure that your sewage system is working well. You can opt for a camera inspection that goes inside of the sewer pipe to check for blockages or corrosion.

Though an already-existing leak or crack in the pipe often causes a root invasion in the sewer lines, removing the trees from the surrounding area after replacing or repairing the pipe is always beneficial. It ensures that the same problem will not arise in the future.

As described above, disposing of toilet paper and human waste in the sewer lines causes blockages. Therefore, you need to be careful and use the sewage system properly.

Why Choose Our Sewer Line Inspection Services

Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter only provides state-of-the-art and professional plumbing services. The exceptional sewer drain inspection, sewer line repair, and replacement services are a matter of record with all the major accredited plumbing associations.

Our professionals inspect the sewer lines or health of drains to help you make an informed decision if you should replace or repair them. Choosing us for routine maintenance helps you avoid costly repairs and replacements.

Call us today or visit us online to have your blocked or clogged sewer lines problems handled by our professionals.

Our innovative solution

  • Water Heaters
  • Drain Cleaning
  • Re-Pipe Specialists
  • Sewer Inspection

Why choose Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter?

  • Trusted, certified technicians
  • Emergency Repairs
  • Available 24/7
  • Exceptional Service Guarantee
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Licensed and Insured
  • Workmanship Parts Guaranteed
  • Courteous, Uniformed Professionals
  • Convenient Appointment Times

Why Choose Our
Plumbing & Rooter Services?

Free plumbing estimates

free estimates

Schedule a free estimate of your home’s plumbing system to spot or identify leaks, cracks, and hidden issues.
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We stay connected to our clients 24/7. We value your time and offer help no matter when or where you need it.
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We are a team of bonded, insured, and certified contractors to protect you from unforeseen damages and costs.

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