1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air

Sewer Line Repair in Salt Lake County

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If your drains keep backing up, clearing them again may not solve the problem. Damage in the main sewer line can leave you dealing with the same mess over and over.


At 1st American Plumbing, we find out what’s happening below ground and explain what it will take to fix it. Our licensed plumbers help you understand whether the line needs a repair or replacement before work begins.

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Signs of a Main Sewer Line Problem

Your main sewer line carries wastewater away from your home. When that shared line becomes blocked or damaged, the effects can show up at several fixtures.


Give us a call if you notice:

  • Backups that keep returning: The problem comes back even after the line has been cleared.
  • Several slow drains: Fixtures in different parts of the house are struggling to drain.
  • Water backing up elsewhere: Running the washing machine causes water to rise in a shower or floor drain.
  • Unusual gurgling: A toilet bubbles when another fixture drains.
  • Persistent sewage odors: You notice a sewer smell inside your home or outside near the line.
  • Unexplained soggy ground: An area of the yard stays wet without recent rain or watering.


These symptoms don’t always mean the pipe is damaged. A blockage can cause similar trouble, and wet ground may have another source. We’ll check the line before recommending sewer line repair.

If you’re dealing with an occasional clog at one sink or shower, our drain cleaning services may be the right place to start.

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Sewage Backing Up? Call Us Now.

An active sewer backup needs prompt attention. Stop using water in the home while you arrange help. Flushing toilets or running appliances can send more wastewater toward the blockage.


Keep people and pets away from the affected area. Avoid contact with sewage, and don’t try to plug a drain to stop the backup.


Our team provides 24/7 emergency plumbing repair. For an active backup, call us directly rather than waiting for a response to an online request.


Call Now

  • Herriman: 801-695-4114
  • South Jordan: 801-477-5816
  • Midvale: 801-874-2900


Finding Out What’s Wrong With the Line

A recurring backup tells us there’s a problem. It doesn’t tell us whether the pipe is broken.


We start by asking what you’ve noticed and whether the line has needed work before. When conditions allow, we use a sewer camera to inspect the pipe through an accessible cleanout.


The inspection can help identify:

  • Roots entering through joints or damaged areas.
  • Cracks or broken sections of pipe.
  • Joints that have shifted out of alignment.
  • Low spots where wastewater collects.
  • Buildup or other obstructions.


A heavy blockage may need to be cleared before we can get a useful view. We’ll explain what we can see and whether further investigation is needed.


Once we understand the problem, we can recommend clearing the obstruction or repairing the pipe. Replacement is another option when the damage is more extensive.

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Choosing the Right Sewer Line Repair

The condition of the pipe determines what kind of work makes sense. We also consider where the damage is located and how we can reach it.

Repairing a Damaged Section

If the damage is limited and the surrounding pipe is sound, replacing one section may be enough. This can address a broken pipe or failed connection without replacing the entire line.

Considering a Trenchless Option

Some sewer lines can be repaired or replaced with less excavation. Whether that’s possible depends on the pipe’s condition and the access available.


We’ll discuss this option when it fits the job. Learn more about the methods on our Trenchless Pipe Repair page.

Replacing More of the Line

A longer section may need replacement when damage affects several areas or the pipe has deteriorated throughout. Excavation may also be necessary to correct the pipe’s slope or reach a collapsed section.


We’ll explain why we recommend a particular approach and what the work will involve.

Why Sewer Lines Develop Problems

Sewer pipes can deteriorate over time, but age isn’t the only factor. Conditions around the pipe and what goes down the drains also matter.


Common causes include:

  • Tree roots: Roots can enter through openings in the pipe and grow into an obstruction.
  • Deteriorating pipe: Older materials may crack or weaken as they age.
  • Ground movement: Shifting soil can separate joints or change the pipe’s slope.
  • Poor support or installation: A line may settle and develop a low spot that holds wastewater.
  • Grease and flushed debris: Accumulation can block the line even when the pipe itself is intact.


Clearing a blockage can restore flow, but it won’t fix a broken pipe or a low spot. If the trouble keeps returning, an inspection can help explain why.


What to Expect Before Work Begins

Sewer work can affect your yard and interrupt use of your home’s plumbing. We’ll discuss those details with you before you approve the job.


We’ll walk you through:

  • What we found: The problem and the condition of the surrounding pipe.
  • What we recommend: The proposed repair and why it’s appropriate.
  • Where access is needed: Any areas that may require excavation.
  • How plumbing use will be affected: When you’ll need to avoid using connected fixtures.
  • What the estimate covers: Including the agreed scope of cleanup and restoration.


You’ll receive pricing before work begins and have a chance to ask questions about the plan.


Sewer Line Repair in South Jordan, Herriman & Midvale

We provide sewer line repair in South Jordan and help homeowners in Herriman and Midvale address recurring backups and damaged sewer pipes.

Whether this is the first sign of trouble or a problem you’ve dealt with before, we’ll help you understand what’s happening and what to do next.


Need help with another plumbing problem? Take a look at our plumbing services.

Sewer Line Repair FAQs

  • How do I know if my sewer line is damaged?

    Repeated backups and slow drainage at several fixtures are reasons to have the main line checked. Persistent sewer odors or unexplained wet ground may also warrant an inspection. A camera inspection can help distinguish pipe damage from a blockage.


  • Can a sewer line be repaired without digging up the yard?

    Sometimes. Trenchless methods can reduce excavation when the pipe and site conditions are suitable. Access openings may still be needed, and some damage requires digging. We’ll explain what’s possible after inspecting the line.


  • What causes sewer lines to fail?

    Pipe deterioration and ground movement are common causes. Roots can enter damaged joints, while inadequate support can allow the line to settle. An inspection helps identify which conditions are affecting your pipe.


  • Is a sewer backup an emergency?

    Yes. Sewage entering your home requires prompt attention. Stop using connected plumbing and keep clear of the affected area. Call us directly for emergency help.


  • Does a recurring backup mean I need a new sewer line?

    Not necessarily. A recurring obstruction may be resolved without replacing the pipe. If damage or poor alignment is causing the backups, repair may be needed. We’ll inspect the line before recommending replacement.


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Client Testimonials: Utah's Trusted Sewer Plumbers

Location Services

Other Areas We Serve

Our sewer line specialists provide service throughout the entire Wasatch Front, including:

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Let’s Find the Cause of Your Sewer Trouble

You shouldn’t have to keep dealing with the same backup. We’ll inspect the line and explain your options so you know what it will take to address the problem.