Main Sewer Line Cleaning in San Diego — Clear the Backup at the Source
Sewer Drain & Main Line Cleaning Across San Diego County
When More Than One Drain Backs Up, It's the Main Line
A single slow sink is usually a branch-line clog. When the toilet gurgles while the washer drains, the tub backs up when you flush, or water comes up through a floor drain or the cleanout outside, the problem is almost always in the main sewer line that carries everything from your house to the city sewer. Plunging and store-bought drain cleaner will not reach it.
Our licensed plumbers open the line from the cleanout with a professional sewer machine, cut through roots, grease and debris, and restore full flow. Then we run a camera through the line so you can see what caused the blockage and whether it is likely to come back.
We clean main sewer lines and sewer drains in homes across Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, La Jolla and Fallbrook. If the line needs more than snaking, we also offer hydro jetting, sewer camera inspection and sewer line repair. For a single clogged fixture, see our drain cleaning service.
Call us today at (760) 276-6690, or contact us online to book sewer line cleaning. Our call center answers 7 days a week.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is main sewer line cleaning?
It is clearing the large pipe that carries all of your home’s wastewater out to the city sewer. We access it through a cleanout, run a sewer machine with a cutting head through the full length of the line, and remove the roots, grease, wipes and debris that are blocking flow.
How do I know the clog is in the main line and not one drain?
Main line clogs affect several fixtures at once. Common signs are a toilet that gurgles or bubbles when another fixture drains, water backing up into the tub or shower when you flush, sewage odor, or water coming out of the outdoor cleanout. If only one sink is slow, it is usually a branch line.
Is sewer drain cleaning the same as hydro jetting?
No. Snaking with a sewer machine cuts an opening through the blockage and is the right first step for most backups. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the full inside of the pipe and is better for heavy grease, scale or recurring root growth. After the camera inspection we will tell you which one your line actually needs.
Is a camera inspection included?
Yes. Every main sewer line snaking includes a complimentary camera inspection, so you see the condition of the pipe and the cause of the clog on video. Terms apply — contact us for details.
Why does my sewer line keep clogging?
The most common causes in San Diego County are tree roots entering at pipe joints, grease buildup, flushed wipes, and older cast iron or clay lines that have cracked, scaled or sagged. Heavy rain can also push groundwater into damaged lines. A camera inspection shows which of these you are dealing with.
How long does main line cleaning take?
Most residential main line cleanings take one to two hours, including the camera inspection. Lines without an accessible cleanout, or with heavy root intrusion, can take longer. We will tell you what to expect before we start.
How much does sewer line cleaning cost?
It depends on access, line length and what is causing the blockage. We give you an upfront price before any work begins, so you approve the cost first and there are no surprise line items on the invoice.
What should I do while I wait for a plumber?
Stop running water in the house: no flushing, laundry, dishwasher or showers. If you know where the outdoor cleanout is and it is overflowing, keep people and pets away from it. Read our guide on what to do in the first hour of a sewer backup.
Do you work on septic systems?
No. We clean and repair sewer lines that connect to the city sewer. We do not service septic tanks or wells.
Every main sewer line snaking includes a complimentary camera inspection. Terms apply — contact us for details.
