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Main sewer line issues often affect multiple fixtures at once rather than a single drain. Recurring clogs in sinks, tubs, or toilets throughout the home can indicate a blockage or damage in the main sewer line rather than a localized plumbing issue.
Other common warning signs include water backing up into toilets or bathtubs, gurgling sounds from drains or toilets, and persistent sewage odors coming from plumbing fixtures. Outside the home, unexplained wet patches, soggy soil, or unusually green areas of grass may point to a leaking or broken sewer line underground.
Because these symptoms can worsen over time, identifying the cause early is important. A professional evaluation, often using a sewer camera inspection, can determine whether the sewer line needs repair and help prevent more extensive damage.
Responsibility for a broken sewer pipe usually depends on where the damage is located. Homeowners are generally responsible for the sewer lateral, which connects the home’s plumbing system to the municipal sewer main. This includes the portion of the pipe running under the yard, driveway, or sidewalk.
The city is typically responsible only for the main sewer line located under public streets or public easements. If a sewer issue occurs anywhere along the private sewer lateral, repairs usually fall to the homeowner. A sewer camera inspection can confirm the location of the damage and help determine responsibility before repairs begin.
For Denver-area homeowners, Done! helps identify sewer line problems and explain repair options in clear, straightforward terms, so there are no surprises about next steps.
Trenchless sewer repair is a modern approach that fixes damaged sewer lines without the need to dig long trenches through yards, driveways, or landscaping. The process typically begins with a sewer camera inspection to assess the condition of the pipe and determine whether trenchless repair is an option.
Two common trenchless methods are pipe lining (cured-in-place pipe, or CIPP) and pipe bursting. Pipe lining creates a new pipe inside the existing one using a resin-coated liner, while pipe bursting breaks apart the old pipe and pulls a new one into place. Both methods can reduce disruption, shorten repair timelines, and limit restoration work compared to traditional excavation.
However, trenchless repair is not suitable for every situation. Severely collapsed pipes or certain pipe materials may still require excavation. A professional evaluation can confirm whether trenchless sewer repair is the right solution for a specific sewer line problem.
Floor drains typically connect to your home’s sewer system through a drain pipe that leads into the main waste line. Most floor drains include a P-trap and vent to allow water to flow out while preventing sewer gases from entering the home. In some Denver-area homes, garage or basement floor drains may instead route to a sump pit or approved storm drainage system, depending on local plumbing codes and how the home was built.
Floor drains are designed to safely remove excess water from areas like basements, laundry rooms, utility rooms, and garages. In most homes across the Denver metro area, a floor drain connects to the main sewer line through a network of underground pipes. This allows water to drain away efficiently while keeping wastewater contained within the plumbing system.
To prevent sewer gases from entering the home, floor drains are typically built with a P-trap. The trap holds a small amount of water that acts as a seal between your living space and the sewer system. Floor drains are also vented, which helps maintain proper air pressure so water can flow freely without gurgling or slow drainage.
In some cases, especially in garages or lower-level spaces, a floor drain may not connect directly to the sewer line. Depending on local Denver-area plumbing codes and the age of the home, the drain may route to a sump pit, daylight drain, or an approved storm drainage system instead. This is common in homes where managing groundwater or surface runoff is part of the original design.
Because floor drain configurations vary by location, age of the home, and local code requirements, problems like sewer odors, slow drainage, or backups often require professional inspection to identify where the drain actually leads. For homeowners across the Denver metro, including those in the southern areas with easy access from Aurora, Done! Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric helps trace floor drain connections, confirm proper trapping and venting, and correct issues before they turn into water damage or sewer backups.
When a sewer line blockage or breakage is suspected, limiting use of sinks, toilets, and appliances that drain water can help reduce the risk of backups. Sewer problems often worsen when additional wastewater continues to flow through a compromised pipe.
A professional inspection is typically the next step. Sewer camera inspections allow the inside of the pipe to be evaluated, helping locate blockages, breaks, or other damage without digging. This information makes it possible to determine whether the issue can be cleared, repaired, or if further work is needed.
For situations that appear urgent, such as active backups or strong sewage odors, scheduling service promptly can help prevent additional damage. Emergency sewer services are often available to assess the situation and stabilize the problem before permanent repairs are completed.
Main sewer line issues can develop for several reasons, many of which occur gradually over time. Tree root intrusion is a frequent cause, especially in areas with mature trees, where roots seek out moisture and can enter small cracks or joints in the pipe. Once inside, roots can restrict flow or cause pipes to separate.
Aging sewer pipes are another common factor. Older materials may crack, corrode, or collapse as they deteriorate, increasing the likelihood of leaks or blockages. Buildup inside the sewer line, including grease, paper products, and other debris, can also narrow the pipe and lead to slow drains or backups.
In regions like the Denver area, ground movement caused by freeze–thaw cycles and shifting soil can place stress on underground pipes, potentially leading to misalignment or breaks. Identifying the exact cause of a sewer line problem typically requires a professional inspection, which helps determine the most appropriate repair approach.