Sewer line repair in Lee & Collier County
Your sewer line carries everything from every drain in the house out to the city sewer or septic system. When it breaks, you notice quickly, and it's not a problem you can ignore. We repair it in the least disruptive way that will last.
- Sewer camera inspection: a live look inside the line so the diagnosis is based on what we see. See sewer camera inspections.
- Spot repair: cutting out and replacing one damaged section of pipe.
- Full sewer line replacement: new pipe from the house to the connection when the old line is failing throughout.
- Root removal and repair: clearing roots, then fixing the joint or crack they came through.
- Cleanout installation: an access point so the line can be cleared and inspected without opening the ground.
- Commercial sewer lines: restaurants, offices and multi-unit properties. See commercial plumbing.
We're a Florida state-certified plumbing contractor (license CFC1429748), a second-generation family business serving all of Lee and Collier County since 2016.
Signs of a damaged sewer line
A failing sewer line gives warnings. The earlier you act, the smaller the repair tends to be.
- Sewer smell indoors or outdoorsGas or waste odor near drains, or in the yard over the line.
- Multiple drains back upTub, sink and toilet slow or back up together.
- Clogs that keep returningCleared drains that block again within weeks.
- Gurgling toiletsAir pushed through a restricted or broken line.
- Soggy or sunken yard spotsWet ground, or a dip in the lawn, with no sprinkler leak.
- Greener grass in a stripA leaking line can fertilize the grass above it.
- Water in a floor drainWastewater coming up where it should drain down.
- Pests or rodentsCracks in a sewer line can give pests a way in.
A camera inspection shows exactly what is wrong. Estimates are free.
Why sewer lines fail: roots, age and shifting ground
Sewer lines are out of sight, so they get attention only when they fail. Most failures come from a short list of causes.
Tree roots. Roots seek moisture and nutrients. Joints in older pipes leak tiny amounts of water, and roots follow that moisture into the pipe, growing into a mass that catches waste. Clearing the roots helps for a while, but unless the opening is repaired they come back.
Cast iron and clay pipe in older homes. Homes built decades ago, including many in central Fort Myers and parts of North Fort Myers, were often plumbed with cast iron or clay. Cast iron corrodes and scales inside, and its walls thin over time. Clay pipe comes in short sections with many joints, and each joint is an entry point for roots.
Shifting and settling soil. Southwest Florida's sandy soil can move with heavy rain, drought and nearby construction. Pipes can sag into a low spot, where waste collects, or separate at a joint.
Crushed or collapsed pipe. Heavy vehicles driving over a line, and tree growth, can crush older pipe. A collapse blocks the line completely.
Grease and buildup. Over the years, grease and waste coat the pipe and shrink the opening, which makes everything else worse.
Camera first: how we diagnose a sewer line
We don't recommend digging until we know what is down there. A waterproof camera on a flexible cable goes through the cleanout and we watch a live image. We can see roots, cracks, offset joints, sags, scale and collapses, and measure how far from the cleanout each one is.
- You see it too. We show you the footage, so you understand the problem and aren't asked to take our word for it.
- We locate the problem. Knowing the depth and position means the repair can be targeted instead of a long trench.
- We recommend the smallest fix that lasts. If one section is bad and the rest is sound, we say so.
This is the step that separates a repair price you can trust from a guess. If the camera shows a simple clog and nothing more, you pay for a cleaning. See drain cleaning for that route.
Sewer line repair options
Which fix is right depends on the camera findings, where the damage is and what is above the pipe. We explain every option that makes sense for your property and give you an upfront price for each.
Spot repair (open trench). We dig to the damaged section, cut it out and replace it with new pipe. It fits a limited problem in a line that is otherwise sound.
Full replacement. If the pipe is failing along its length, replacing the whole line is the lasting answer. It removes the old joints, root entry points and weak spots.
Trenchless methods. Where the layout and condition of the pipe allow it, trenchless repair methods can reduce digging through landscaping, driveways and patios. They don't fit every line, and we'll tell you honestly whether they fit yours.
Before we start, we explain what will be dug, how we protect your yard and hardscape, and how long the line will be out of service. For permits, a sewer line replacement can require them, and we explain what is needed for your property.
We'll show you the footage and the options, with no pressure.
What to expect from a sewer line repair visit
- Call or book online. Backups are prioritized and emergency calls are answered 24/7.
- We inspect with a camera. A licensed plumber finds the problem and shows you.
- You get options and an upfront price. Spot repair, replacement or a plan for clearing and monitoring. The price is agreed before work begins.
- We do the work. We protect your property, make the repair, restore the grade and clean up.
- We test and confirm. Water is run through the new section, and where appropriate we re-run the camera.
- You're covered for a year. Our 1-year personal guarantee covers parts and service.
Protecting your sewer line over time
- Know your cleanout location. It is usually a capped pipe near the house or at the property line. Keep it accessible.
- Watch the trees. Large trees and shrubs planted near the sewer line are future root problems.
- Keep wipes and grease out of drains. Both build up in the main line.
- Act on slow drains. A slow main line gets worse, not better.
- Inspect before big events. Before hosting guests, after a flood or when buying a home, a camera look is inexpensive insurance.
Our plumbing maintenance plan includes a whole-home plumbing check, and we're glad to look at your cleanouts.
Sewer line repair near you
We repair and replace sewer lines in every city in Lee and Collier County, including:
Sewer line repair FAQ
What are the signs of a broken sewer line?
Common signs include a sewer smell indoors or in the yard, several drains backing up at once, gurgling toilets, clogs that keep returning and soggy or sunken spots in the lawn. A camera inspection confirms what is wrong.
How do you find a sewer line problem without digging?
We feed a waterproof camera through a cleanout and watch a live image of the inside of the pipe. We can see roots, cracks, offsets, sags and collapses and measure where they are, so any digging is targeted.
Do I need to replace the whole sewer line?
Not always. If the damage is in one section and the rest of the pipe is in good shape, a spot repair can be enough. If the pipe is failing along its length, replacement is the lasting fix. The camera footage lets you see which applies.
How much does sewer line repair cost?
The cost depends on the depth, length and material of the pipe and what sits above it. We give free estimates and agree on an upfront price before work begins.
Can tree roots really break a sewer pipe?
Yes. Roots enter through small cracks and joints, then grow into a mass that blocks the line and widens the opening. Clearing roots restores flow, but the damaged joint must be repaired to stop them from returning.
Why are older Fort Myers homes more likely to have sewer problems?
Many older homes were plumbed with cast iron or clay pipe. Cast iron corrodes and scales over decades, and clay pipe has many joints that let roots in. A camera inspection shows how much life the line has left.
Do you repair sewer lines on weekends?
Yes. Emergency calls, including sewage backups, are answered 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.