Expert Sewer Repair and Replacement Services in Eastpointe, MI

Signs You Need Sewer Line Repair or Replacement

Wondering if your sewer line is the problem? Watch for these warning signs:

Sewage Backing Up

This is the obvious one. If sewage comes up through floor drains, toilets, or bathtubs, your main sewer line is blocked or broken. This is an emergency that needs immediate attention.

Multiple Drains Clogging

One slow drain might be a simple clog. But if toilets, sinks, showers, and floor drains all back up at once, the problem is in your main line.

Gurgling Sounds from Drains

Hear bubbling or gurgling when you flush the toilet or run water? That’s air trapped in your sewer line trying to escape. Usually means a blockage or break somewhere in the line.

Sewage Smells

Rotten egg or sewage odors around your property mean gases are escaping from a cracked or broken sewer pipe. This isn’t just unpleasant. It’s a health hazard.

Our Sewer Line Repair and Replacement Process

We don’t guess about sewer problems. Here’s exactly how we diagnose and fix them:

Step 1: Camera Inspection
First, we need to see what’s actually happening inside your sewer line. We send a high-definition waterproof camera through your pipes to inspect the entire line from your house to the street.

This shows us exactly what’s wrong. Tree roots? We can see them. Cracks or breaks? They show up clearly. Collapsed sections? We know exactly where they are.

The camera also measures distance, so we know the exact location of any problems. That’s critical for planning repairs.

Step 2: Diagnosis and Recommendations
After inspection, we’ll show you the camera footage and explain what we found. We’ll be straight with you about whether you need a simple repair or full replacement.

Sometimes a small section of pipe is damaged while the rest is fine. That’s a candidate for spot repair or pipe lining. Other times, the whole line is deteriorated and needs replacement.

We’ll explain your options, the pros and cons of each method, and give you upfront pricing so you can make an informed decision.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Repair Method
We offer both traditional and trenchless repair methods. The right choice depends on your specific situation.

For spot repairs where one section of pipe is damaged, we might excavate just that area and replace the damaged section. Quick, effective, and less expensive than replacing the whole line.

For more extensive damage, we use trenchless methods like pipe lining (CIPP) or pipe bursting. These fix your sewer without tearing up your entire yard.

For completely failed lines, especially very old cast iron or Orangeburg pipe, full replacement with new PVC pipe is often the best long-term solution.

Step 4: Completing the Repair
Once you approve the plan, we get to work. Our crews have the equipment to handle any sewer job, from small excavators for traditional replacement to specialized trenchless equipment.

We coordinate with the city for permits and inspections. We locate underground utilities before we dig. We take photos and videos throughout the process.

Most importantly, we protect your property. We use trench boxes for safety, minimize damage to landscaping, and restore everything when we’re done.

Step 5: Testing and Cleanup
After repair or replacement, we run another camera through your line to verify everything is perfect. We test the flow. We make sure there are no leaks.

Then we restore your property. We backfill excavations properly, compact the soil, replace sod or landscaping, and patch any concrete or asphalt we had to cut.

You’ll get warranties on both our work and the materials we install. And we’ll show you everything on video so you can see exactly what was done.

Trenchless Sewer Repair Options

Trenchless technology has changed how we fix sewer lines. Instead of digging a trench from your house to the street, we can repair or replace your line with minimal excavation.

Pipe Lining (CIPP)
Cured-in-place pipe lining creates a new pipe inside your old pipe. We insert a felt liner saturated with epoxy resin, inflate it against the pipe walls, and cure it with heat or UV light.

The result is a seamless, jointless pipe that’s resistant to roots and corrosion. It works great for pipes with cracks, small breaks, or root intrusion. The whole process often takes just one day.

Pipe Bursting
For pipes that are severely damaged or collapsed, pipe bursting works well. We pull a bursting head through the old pipe, breaking it apart while simultaneously pulling new HDPE pipe into place.

This completely replaces your sewer line without the mess and expense of traditional excavation. It’s faster, costs less, and leaves your yard largely intact.

Benefits of Trenchless Methods
Less property damage means lower restoration costs. No tearing up driveways, sidewalks, or landscaping. Faster completion times, usually 1-2 days instead of a week. Long-lasting results with modern materials that outlive traditional pipes.

Trenchless isn’t always possible. If your line is completely collapsed in multiple places, or if it’s badly misaligned, traditional excavation might be necessary. We’ll tell you honestly which method works best for your situation.

Traditional Sewer Line Replacement

Sometimes the old-school method is still the best approach.

For Eastpointe homes with severely deteriorated cast iron or Orangeburg pipe, complete excavation and replacement with new PVC provides the most reliable long-term solution.

Yes, we have to dig a trench from your house to the city connection. But modern equipment makes this much faster than it used to be. Small excavators can work in tight spaces. We can usually complete the job in 2-4 days.

New Schedule 40 PVC sewer pipe will last 100+ years. It won’t corrode, crack, or fail like your old pipe. Tree roots can’t penetrate properly installed PVC joints.

We excavate carefully to protect your property. We shore trenches properly for safety. We maintain proper slope for drainage. We install everything to code and coordinate city inspections.

After installation, we backfill with proper materials, compact everything correctly, and restore your property to its original condition or better.

What Damages Sewer Lines in Eastpointe?

Understanding why sewer lines fail helps you prevent future problems:

Tree Root Intrusion
This is the number one cause of sewer problems in older Eastpointe neighborhoods. Roots from mature trees seek out the water and nutrients in your sewer line. They work through tiny cracks, then grow into thick mats that block the entire pipe.

Maples, willows, poplars, and oaks are the worst offenders. If you have large trees near your sewer line, regular camera inspections every few years can catch root problems before they cause complete failure.

Corrosion and Deterioration
Cast iron pipes corrode from the inside due to hydrogen sulfide gas created by sewage. After 50-60 years, they can corrode completely through. Clay pipes become brittle and crack over time. Orangeburg pipe compresses and collapses.

There’s no preventing age-related deterioration. Eventually, old pipes need replacement.

Ground Movement
Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles cause soil to expand and contract. Over decades, this shifts pipes, breaks joints, and creates bellies (low spots where sewage collects).

Ground settling from improper backfill during original construction also causes problems. Misaligned or offset pipes create blockage points and eventual breaks.

Improper Installation
Some older Eastpointe sewer lines weren’t installed to today’s standards. Inadequate slope causes drainage problems. Improper bedding leads to pipe failure. Missing or incorrect cleanouts make maintenance difficult.

When we replace a sewer line, we do it right. Proper slope, correct materials, solid bedding, and positioned cleanouts for future access.

Sewer Line Repair vs. Replacement: Which Do You Need?

This is the big question. Here’s how we decide:

Spot Repair Works For:

• One localized section of damaged pipe
• Small cracks or breaks
• Root intrusion in one area
• Recent damage from construction or excavation

Pipe Lining Works For:

• Multiple small cracks throughout the line
• Moderate root intrusion
• Pipes in decent structural condition with surface damage
• Situations where excavation is extremely difficult

Full Replacement is Better For:

• Orangeburg or badly corroded cast iron pipe
• Multiple collapsed or broken sections
• Severely misaligned pipes
• Lines with inadequate slope
• Pipes that are too small for current needs

Honestly? Most Eastpointe homes with original 1950s-60s sewer lines need full replacement, not repair. Patching one section of a 65-year-old pipe just delays the inevitable. Other sections will fail soon after.

We’ll give you our honest professional opinion. Sometimes repair makes sense. Often, spending a bit more for complete replacement saves money in the long run by avoiding repeated repairs.

Cost of Sewer Repair and Replacement in Eastpointe

Let’s talk numbers. You need to budget for this work.

Costs depend on several factors. What’s wrong with your line, what method we use, how long your line is, how deep it’s buried, and what we have to excavate through.

Spot repairs for one section of damaged pipe might cost $1,500-3,500 depending on location and access.

Trenchless pipe lining typically runs $4,000-10,000 for a residential sewer line, depending on length and condition.

Traditional excavation and replacement usually costs $5,000-12,000+ for a typical Eastpointe residential property. If we have to go under driveways or through difficult terrain, costs increase.

These are ballpark figures. Every situation is different. We provide detailed written estimates after camera inspection so you know exactly what the work will cost.

Many homeowners insurance policies cover sewer line repair or replacement if the damage was sudden and accidental. It’s worth checking with your insurance company.

We also work with financing companies that offer payment plans for larger projects. Ask us about financing options when we give you the estimate.

Emergency Sewer Services

Sewer emergencies can’t wait for business hours.

Sewage backing up into your home creates health hazards and property damage. You need help immediately.

We provide 24/7 emergency sewer repair service throughout Eastpointe and Macomb County. When you call our emergency line, you’ll reach a real person who will dispatch a licensed plumber to your location.

Our trucks carry equipment for emergency repairs. We can often stabilize the situation quickly, even if permanent repairs need to wait until the next day.

Emergency service costs more than scheduled work. But when sewage is backing up into your basement at midnight, the extra cost is worth it to stop the damage and restore your plumbing.

Serving All of Eastpointe and Macomb County

We provide sewer repair and replacement throughout Eastpointe, including:

• Gratiot Avenue corridor
• Eight Mile Road area
• Nine Mile Road district
• Ten Mile Road region
• Kelly Road neighborhood
• Hayes Road area
• Toepfer Road district
• Stephens Road area
• Schroeder Park
• Kennedy Park
• All of the 48021 zip code

We also serve Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Warren, Harper Woods, Fraser, Clinton Township, Center Line, Sterling Heights, Mount Clemens, and all of Macomb County.

Why Choose Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing for Sewer Work?

Licensed and Experienced
Our plumbers hold Michigan plumbing licenses and have years of experience with sewer line work. We handle everything from simple repairs to complex replacements on a regular basis.

Both Traditional and Trenchless Options
We offer every repair method, so we can recommend what’s actually best for your situation, not just the service we’re equipped to provide.

Professional Equipment
We own the specialized equipment needed for sewer work. High-definition camera systems, hydro jetting machines, excavators, trenchless equipment. We’re not renting equipment or contracting work out to other companies.

Proper Permits and Inspections
We handle all permit applications and coordinate city inspections. Your sewer work will be done to code and properly documented.

Property Protection and Restoration
We minimize damage during excavation and restore your property properly when we’re done. Sod, landscaping, concrete, asphalt. We make it right.

Upfront Pricing
After camera inspection, we’ll give you a detailed written estimate. You’ll know exactly what the work costs before we start.

Warranty on Work and Materials
We warranty our workmanship and the materials we install. You’re protected if anything goes wrong.

Our Plumbing Services in Sterling Heights