Oak MI Trusted Choice
Sewer Repair & Replacement in Royal Oak, MI
When your sewer line fails, it’s not just an inconvenience. It’s a health hazard, a property risk, and honestly, a homeowner’s nightmare. If you’re dealing with sewage backups, slow drains, or that unmistakable smell in your Royal Oak yard, you’ve come to the right place.
My Drain Master has been helping homeowners and businesses across Royal Oak, from Downtown to Sherwood Forest, fix their sewer problems without the drama. We’re not here to sell you services you don’t need. We’re here to diagnose the real issue, give you honest options, and get your plumbing back to normal.
Book Your Free Plumbing Consultation
Got a plumbing issue or need a quote? We’re here to help. Contact Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing today for a no-obligation consultation.
Why Royal Oak Homes Face Unique Sewer Challenges
Here’s the thing about Royal Oak: many of our beautiful older homes were built between the 1920s and 1970s. That charm comes with a catch. Back then, sewer lines were made from clay tiles or cast iron pipes. These materials don’t last forever.
If you live in neighborhoods like Normandy, Northwood, or along the Woodward Avenue corridor, there’s a good chance your sewer line is reaching the end of its life. Clay pipes crack. Tree roots from those gorgeous old maples and oaks find their way in. Cast iron corrodes. It’s not a matter of if these pipes will fail, but when.
Plus, Royal Oak has rear-yard sewers in many areas. That means your sewer line might run through your backyard instead of under the street. When problems happen, you need a plumber who understands how to access these lines without destroying your landscaping
Signs You Need Sewer Repair in Royal Oak
Don’t wait for a full-blown disaster. Watch for these warning signs:
Multiple Slow Drains – When more than one drain is acting up, it’s not a coincidence. Your main sewer line is probably blocked or damaged.
Sewage Backup – If sewage is coming up through floor drains, toilets, or basement fixtures, you have a serious blockage. This needs immediate attention.
Foul Odors – Smelling sewage in your yard or home? That’s a sign of a broken or cracked sewer line.
Wet Spots in Your Yard – Unexplained soggy areas or unusually green patches of grass often mean sewage is leaking underground.
Gurgling Sounds – Toilets and drains making strange noises? Air trapped in your sewer line is trying to escape.
Foundation Cracks or Settling – In severe cases, a leaking sewer line can erode soil under your foundation.
Most Royal Oak homeowners ignore the early signs. Don’t be that person. Early detection saves thousands of dollars.
How We Diagnose Your Sewer Problem
We start every job with a thorough video camera inspection. No guessing. No assumptions. We send a high-resolution camera through your sewer line to see exactly what’s going on.
This inspection shows us:
- The exact location of the problem
- The extent of the damage
- The condition of your entire sewer line
- Whether you need a simple repair or full replacement
- What’s causing the issue (roots, collapse, corrosion, bellying)
You’ll see what we see. We’ll show you the video and explain everything in plain English. Then we’ll give you honest recommendations and upfront pricing. No surprises later.
Your Sewer Repair Options
Based on what we find, we’ll recommend one of these solutions:
Trenchless Sewer Repair
This is our go-to method when possible. Trenchless technology lets us repair or replace your sewer line with minimal digging. We only need two small access points instead of tearing up your entire yard.
Pipe Lining (CIPP) – We insert an epoxy-saturated liner into your existing pipe. Once it cures, you have a brand-new pipe inside the old one. It’s seamless, jointless, and lasts for decades. Great for most residential repairs in Royal Oak neighborhoods.
Pipe Bursting – For pipes that are too far gone, we use pipe bursting. A special tool breaks apart the old pipe while simultaneously pulling a new HDPE pipe into place. Perfect for those old clay lines common in Royal Oak homes built before 1980.
Benefits of going trenchless:
- Your yard stays intact
- Faster completion (often same-day)
- Less expensive than traditional excavation
- No need to replace driveways, sidewalks, or landscaping
- Long-lasting results
Traditional Excavation
Sometimes you need to dig. If your sewer line has completely collapsed, is severely offset, or has major pitch problems, excavation might be the better option. It’s more involved, but when it’s necessary, we do it right.
We’ll excavate only the damaged section when possible. After the repair, we restore your property with fresh topsoil and sod.
Spot Repairs
Got a small section of damaged pipe? We can do targeted spot repairs without replacing the entire line. This works well for localized tree root damage or a single cracked section.
Common Sewer Issues We Fix in Royal Oak
Tree Root Intrusion
Those beautiful trees lining Main Street and throughout Berkley Border Area? Their roots are searching for water, and your sewer line is like an oasis. Roots can infiltrate through tiny cracks and grow into massive blockages. We remove roots with hydro jetting and then recommend pipe lining to prevent them from coming back.
Collapsed or Bellied Pipes
Soil shifting, foundation settling, and ground freezing can cause pipes to sag or collapse entirely. Royal Oak’s freeze-thaw cycles are tough on underground infrastructure. When pipes belly (sag), waste can’t flow properly and backups happen.
Clay Pipe Deterioration
If your home was built before 1980, you likely have clay sewer pipes. These pipes were standard back then, but they crack, break apart, and fail over time. We replace them with modern materials that will outlast you.
Cast Iron Corrosion
Cast iron pipes rust from the inside out. Eventually, they develop holes and cracks. Many Royal Oak homes in the Gardner area and Washington Avenue area have these aging pipes.
Offset Pipes
When pipe sections separate or shift out of alignment, sewage can’t flow properly. This often happens at connection points and requires professional repair.
Why Choose My Drain Master for Sewer Repair in Royal Oak?
We’re not the biggest plumbing company in Oakland County, and that’s by design. We’re focused on doing excellent work for our Royal Oak neighbors, not chasing every job that comes along.
Michigan Licensed Master Plumbers – Our team holds proper state licensing and certifications. We’re not sending apprentices to handle complex sewer work.
Fully Insured and Bonded – Your property is protected. Period.
Upfront Pricing – We give you the total cost before we start work. No hidden fees, no surprise charges.
Video Documentation – You get a copy of the inspection video. Keep it for your records or show it to your insurance company if needed.
Workmanship Warranty – We stand behind our repairs with comprehensive warranties on parts and labor.
Emergency Service Available – Sewer problems don’t wait for business hours. When disaster strikes, we’re here.
Insurance Claim Assistance – Sewer line damage might be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. We’ll provide the documentation you need.
Same-Day Service – For emergency situations, we often respond and complete repairs the same day.
Serving All of Royal Oak and Surrounding Areas
We work throughout Royal Oak’s neighborhoods, including Downtown Royal Oak, Sherwood Forest, Clawson Border Area, and everywhere in between. We also serve nearby communities like Birmingham, Ferndale, Troy, Madison Heights, Berkley, Huntington Woods, and Pleasant Ridge.
Whether you’re near Woodward Avenue, in the Main Street District, or anywhere else in Oakland County, we’ve got you covered.
Our Sewer Repair Process
Here’s what to expect when you call My Drain Master:
- Free Estimate – Contact us and we’ll schedule a convenient time to visit your property. No charge for the initial consultation.
- Video Camera Inspection – We’ll run a high-definition camera through your sewer line to identify the problem. Often included free with repair work.
- Detailed Explanation – We’ll show you exactly what’s wrong and explain your options. No pressure, no sales tactics.
- Transparent Pricing – You’ll get a written estimate that covers everything. Labor, materials, permits, cleanup, restoration.
- Efficient Repair – Once you approve, we’ll get to work using the most appropriate method for your situation.
- Testing and Cleanup – After repairs, we test your system to make sure everything works perfectly. Then we restore your property.
- Warranty Documentation – You’ll receive warranty information and inspection records for your files.
Materials We Use
We only install quality materials that will last:
- PVC pipes – Durable, corrosion-resistant, perfect for most residential applications
- HDPE pipe – High-density polyethylene for pipe bursting applications
- Epoxy pipe lining – Creates a seamless interior pipe for trenchless repairs
- Cast iron – When building codes require it for commercial properties
- ABS pipe – For specific applications where it’s the best fit
All materials meet or exceed Michigan plumbing code requirements.
What About Cost?
This is what everyone wants to know. Here’s the honest answer: it depends on several factors.
A simple spot repair might cost a few thousand dollars. A complete sewer line replacement could run significantly more. Trenchless methods typically cost less than traditional excavation when you factor in property restoration.
What affects the price:
- How deep your sewer line is buried
- The length of pipe that needs repair or replacement
- The method used (trenchless vs. excavation)
- Accessibility (rear-yard sewers can be trickier)
- Condition of surrounding soil
- Any obstacles like trees or structures
We’ll give you an exact quote after the inspection. No ballpark estimates, no “it could be anywhere from X to Y.” You’ll know the real cost before we start.
Frequently Asked Questions?
How long does sewer repair take?
Most trenchless repairs in Royal Oak are completed in one day. Traditional excavation might take two to three days depending on the extent of work. We’ll give you a realistic timeline upfront.
Will you tear up my entire yard?
Not with trenchless repair. We only need two small access points. Even with traditional excavation, we minimize the dig area and restore everything when we’re done. Your garden won’t be a construction zone.
How do I know if I need repair or full replacement?
That’s what the camera inspection tells us. If you have one damaged section, repair makes sense. If your entire sewer line is deteriorating, replacement is smarter and more cost-effective in the long run. We’ll show you the footage and let you make an informed decision.
Are clay pipes a big problem in Royal Oak?
Yes. Many Royal Oak homes built before 1980 have clay sewer pipes, and they’re reaching the end of their 50-70 year lifespan. Clay pipes crack, separate, and allow tree roots to infiltrate. If you have clay pipes, it’s smart to get them inspected even if you’re not having problems yet.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover sewer line repair?
Sometimes. It depends on your policy and what caused the damage. Sudden breaks might be covered, but gradual deterioration usually isn’t. We’ll provide all the documentation you need to file a claim. Check your policy or call your insurance agent to find out your specific coverage.
What if roots come back after you remove them?
Root removal alone is temporary. Roots will return because they’re attracted to the moisture in your sewer line. That’s why we recommend pipe lining after root removal. The seamless epoxy liner has no joints for roots to penetrate, which solves the problem permanently.
Can you repair sewer lines in winter?
Yes, though Michigan winters can complicate excavation work. Frozen ground is harder to dig, but trenchless repairs work year-round. If you have an emergency in January, we’ll take care of it.
Don’t Wait Until It’s a Disaster
Sewer problems only get worse. That small backup today becomes a basement full of sewage tomorrow. Tree roots that start as a minor annoyance will completely block your line if left alone. A cracked pipe will eventually collapse.
We’ve seen too many Royal Oak homeowners wait too long. They end up with contaminated basements, ruined belongings, and way bigger repair bills. If you’re noticing any warning signs, call us now.
Ready to Fix Your Sewer Line?
My Drain Master is ready to help. We’ll diagnose your problem accurately, explain your options clearly, and complete the repair efficiently. No runaround, no pressure, no surprises.
Whether you’re in Downtown Royal Oak or over in Sherwood Forest, we’re your local sewer repair experts. Michigan licensed, fully insured, and committed to doing the job right.
Contact Info
Location
33044 Mound Rd
Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Phone
586-942-3330
Our Services
Our Plumbing Services in Sterling Heights
Drain Cleaning
Clogged drains are more than just an inconvenience—they can lead to costly damage if left untreated. Our expert plumbers use advanced tools to quickly and effectively remove blockages in sinks, tubs, and toilets. With routine drain cleaning, you can avoid backups and ensure your system flows smoothly year-round.
Jetting
When standard cleaning isn’t enough, high-pressure jetting gets the job done. We use state-of-the-art equipment to blast away grease, sludge, roots, and debris from inside your pipes. This powerful method not only clears current blockages but also helps prevent future clogs, making it an ideal solution for long-term plumbing health.
Plumbing
From leak repairs to repiping, our licensed plumbers provide reliable solutions tailored to your home or business needs. We offer a full spectrum of services, including drain cleaning, water heater installation, and emergency repairs, ensuring your system runs efficiently and reliably. Trust our experienced team for professional, high-quality plumbing work every time.
Sewer Repairs & Replacement
Sewer problems can disrupt your property and pose serious health risks if not handled quickly. At Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing, we specialize in repairing and replacing damaged sewer lines using both traditional and trenchless methods. Whether it’s root intrusion, cracked pipes, or a collapsed line, our team diagnoses the issue with precision and provides the most cost-effective, long-term solution.
Floor Breaks
Some plumbing problems hide beneath concrete floors and require specialized access. Our expert floor break services provide safe, controlled openings to reach underground pipes without unnecessary damage. Using professional-grade cutting equipment, we minimize dust, debris, and disruption while exposing only the exact area that needs repair.
Camera Inspections with Video
When it comes to plumbing problems, seeing is believing. Our advanced camera inspections provide a real-time, high-definition look inside your pipes, allowing us to identify clogs, cracks, leaks, or root intrusions with pinpoint accuracy. This non-invasive technology eliminates guesswork and prevents unnecessary digging or costly trial-and-error repairs.
Leak Detection
Leaks often remain hidden until they cause expensive water damage, mold growth, or high utility bills. Our leak detection service uses state-of-the-art technology—including electronic listening devices, moisture meters, and thermal imaging—to pinpoint leaks quickly without tearing into walls, floors, or ceilings.
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