Stop water use
No flushing, showers or laundry until the line is cleared.
Sewer line broken, root-filled or backing up again?
A sewer line that keeps backing up after being cleared is often broken, sagging or full of roots. A camera inspection shows which. Call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent sewer contractor diagnoses and repairs the line.
Am I in the right place?Yes for repeated backups, sewage odor outside, soggy patches in the yard, or a camera showing breaks or roots.
Is this urgent?Urgent if sewage is backing up now. Otherwise, repair before the next backup.
What do I do next?Call 833-877-1717 with the ZIP code, the backup history and any inspection results.
Need it cleared now: main line clog. Want to see inside first: camera inspection. Less digging: trenchless repair.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
If it is backing up now
Keep sewage contained
Keep people and pets away from any overflow.
Gather history
Dates of past backups, previous camera videos and any repair invoices help the contractor.
Sewer gas and excavation
A strong sewer smell indoors can mean a dry trap or a broken line. Never enter a dug trench yourself; trenches can collapse. Excavation in public right-of-way usually needs permits that the contractor handles.
What a sewer line repair can involve
Spot repair
Digging at one break and replacing that section.
Pipe lining
A resin liner cured inside the old pipe. See trenchless repair.
Pipe bursting
Pulling new pipe through the old one with two small access pits.
Root removal
Cutting roots and sealing joints. See tree root removal.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- How often it backs up
- Any camera video or report
- Pipe material and age, if known
- Trees near the sewer line
- Driveways, patios or landscaping over the line
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles sewer line repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Sewer line repair questions
How do I know my sewer line is broken?
Repeated backups after clearing, sewage smell outside, unusually green or soggy patches, or a camera inspection showing breaks, offsets or roots.
Is trenchless repair always possible?
No. Severe collapses, sags or some pipe materials may need excavation. The contractor decides after inspecting.
Can I call about a sewer line at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Who pays for the sewer line to the street?
Responsibility usually depends on where the break is and local rules. The section on private property is usually the owner’s.
How long does sewer line repair take?
It depends on method, length and permits. Ask the contractor for a timeline in the estimate.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.