Sewer Line Repair in San Francisco
Backups, gurgling drains or sewage smell? We find the problem with a video camera inspection, then repair or replace the line, often without digging up your yard.
- Video camera inspection first
- Trenchless repair when the line allows it
- Permits and inspections handled
“Basili is the owner and he supervised my sewer line repair years ago. Since then I’ve used them on several occasions.”
“Everything was backing up into the bathtub... not an hour and a half later, they got it working perfectly again.”
“They offered different options to address the issue and after carefully explaining it to me we decided to start with the cheaper suggestion.”
Signs of a damaged sewer line
The sewer line, or side sewer, carries everything from your house to the city main under the street. When it cracks, sags or fills with roots, the first signs show up inside the house.
- Several drains slow at once, not just one sink.
- Sewage backing up into the lowest drain, often a basement shower or floor drain.
- Gurgling toilets when the washer or shower drains.
- Sewer smell inside the house or near the cleanout outside.
- Soggy or sunken spots in the yard or sidewalk above the line.
- Clogs that return right after the main line was cleaned.
How we repair sewer lines
- Camera inspection first. We run a video camera through the line from the cleanout to see exactly where and what the problem is: roots, a crack, a sag, a broken joint or an offset pipe.
- Options in writing. We show you the footage, explain the options from a spot repair to a full replacement and give you a fixed price.
- Trenchless when possible. Pipe lining or pipe bursting can repair or replace the line through small access points instead of a long trench across your yard or sidewalk.
- Permits and inspection. Sewer work in San Francisco usually needs a permit and inspection from the Department of Building Inspection. We handle that as part of the job.
What sewer line repair costs
Sewer line repairs in San Francisco commonly run from about $1,500 to $6,000 or more. The price depends on how deep the line is, how long the damaged section is, what is above it and whether a trenchless method can be used.
The camera inspection is what turns a guess into a fixed price, so we always start there.
Sewer lines in San Francisco: what owners should know
In San Francisco, the property owner is responsible for the side sewer from the house to the city main. Many of these lines are old clay or cast iron pipe, and roots from street trees find their way into the joints over time.
San Francisco also has a combined sewer system that carries both rainwater and wastewater. In heavy storms, especially when they line up with high tides, the system fills up and water can push back toward homes with low drains. Our guide on how to prevent a sewer backup during high tides explains which homes are most at risk and what helps.
Repair, replace or just clean?
Not every sewer problem needs digging. Roots and buildup can often be cleared with drain cleaning and hydro-jetting. A single broken joint can be spot-repaired. When the line is cracked along its length or keeps failing, replacing it is the lasting fix. We start with the option that solves the problem at the lowest cost, and tell you honestly when it will not last.
Real jobs and guides from our plumbers
Leaks & Pipes
Record High Tides in San Francisco: How to Protect Your Home From a Sewer Backup
Which SF homes are at risk of sewage coming up through a low drain, and the steps to take before October 27.
Leaks & Pipes
Fully Clogged Cast Iron Drain Line: A Real Repair in Palo Alto
Heavy buildup closed off a cast iron drain. How we cleared it and replaced the bend and 10 feet of pipe.
Areas we serve
- San Francisco Our base on San Bruno Ave, minutes from Portola, Excelsior, Bayview and Visitacion Valley.
- South San Francisco, Brisbane & Daly City Right across the county line from our shop.
- San Bruno & San Mateo Homes and businesses along the Peninsula.
- Redwood City & Palo Alto Including the cast iron drain line job in Palo Alto.
- Mountain View Including the commercial sprinkler replacement at a bank branch.
Frequently asked questions
How much does sewer line repair cost in San Francisco?
Sewer line repairs in San Francisco commonly run from about $1,500 to $6,000 or more, depending on the depth, length, access and whether a trenchless method can be used. We camera-inspect first and give you a fixed price in writing.
Can you fix a sewer line without digging up my yard?
In many cases, yes. Trenchless methods like pipe lining or pipe bursting repair or replace the line through small access points. A camera inspection tells us if your line is a good candidate.
Who is responsible for the sewer line from my house to the street in San Francisco?
The property owner is responsible for the side sewer (lateral) from the house to the city main. Roots, cracks and sags in that line are common causes of backups.
Do I need a permit for sewer work in San Francisco?
Yes, sewer work in San Francisco usually requires a permit and inspection from the Department of Building Inspection. We handle the permitting and inspections as part of the job.
What are the signs of a broken sewer line?
Several drains slow at once, gurgling toilets, sewage smell inside or outside, water backing up into the lowest drain, soggy spots in the yard, or recurring clogs right after cleaning.