The sewer line carries everything from your home's drains to the city main or septic tank. When it has a problem, the symptoms tend to show up in more than one place: multiple drains backing up, toilets gurgling, sewage coming up in the lowest floor drain or shower, a sewer smell in the yard, or a patch of lawn that stays wet or grows faster than the rest.
Common causes include tree roots growing into joints, pipe that has sagged or shifted with the soil, cracked or collapsed sections, and older clay or cast iron pipe breaking down with age. Heavy grease buildup can also narrow the line over time.
Haygood Plumbing connects you with an independent plumber in Durham, NC who handles sewer work. The plumber who takes your job will usually clear the line first if it is blocked, then run a camera through it to see exactly what is going on and where. The video shows roots, cracks, offsets, and bellies, and it lets the plumber locate the problem spot from the surface.
Repair options depend on what the camera finds. A minor root intrusion may just need cleaning and regular maintenance. A damaged section may be dug up and replaced, and some plumbers offer trenchless methods such as pipe lining or pipe bursting that limit digging. Ask the plumber to walk you through the footage and explain why they recommend one method over another.
Before the visit, find your cleanout if you can and avoid running water while the line is backed up. Ask whether a permit or a utility locate is needed for digging in Durham, NC, and whether the quote includes restoring the trench or yard surface.