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Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Sewer Line

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Sewer Line

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Sewer Line Mar 29, 2025

Sewer lines typically last from 50 to 80 years, depending on the quality of installation, soil condition, pipe material, and other factors. Everyone wants their sewer line to last as long as possible, but it won’t last forever. As a homeowner, it’s important to know when it’s time to replace a failing sewer line.

Today, the plumbers at Rooter Man Plumbing outline the common signs that indicate your sewer line is on its way out. We are a professional plumbing repair service that offers a wide range of sewer services in residential and commercial services.

Frequent Backups & Slow Drains

Does your toilet back up often? Are your sinks and tubs draining slower than usual, even after trying DIY fixes? If multiple drains in your home are frequently clogging or draining slowly, this could be a warning sign of a failing sewer line. A simple blockage can often be cleared with professional drain cleaning, but if backups keep returning, your sewer line may be collapsing or severely damaged, requiring a replacement.

Multiple Drain Clogs at Once

A clogged kitchen sink is frustrating but usually not a major issue. However, if your toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers are all clogging simultaneously, it’s likely a deeper problem. This often means that your main sewer line is compromised, blocking all wastewater from flowing properly. Minor clogs can be fixed, but when multiple drains fail at once, it’s a strong indication that your sewer line is deteriorating.

Severe Pipe Corrosion

Older homes often have sewer lines made of cast iron, clay, or Orangeburg pipe, which deteriorate over time. Corrosion, cracks, and rust can weaken the entire pipe and lead to frequent leaks or total failure. If a plumber inspects your line and finds extensive corrosion, patching small sections won’t be enough—you’ll likely need a sewer line replacement to avoid repeated issues.

Tree Root Infiltration

Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, and your sewer line is a prime target. Over time, roots can break into your pipes, causing blockages, cracks, and even total pipe collapse. While minor root invasions can sometimes be cleared, major root damage usually requires replacing the affected section or the entire sewer line to prevent further intrusion.

Aged or Outdated Sewer Line

Sewer lines have a lifespan. If your home is 50+ years old and still has its original sewer pipes, you should consider calling a local plumber in University Place, WA for a replacement even if you haven’t had major issues yet. Older materials like clay, cast iron, and Orangeburg pipe degrade over time, making them more likely to collapse or break. Upgrading to modern materials can save you from costly emergency repairs down the road.

Repeated Need for Sewer Repairs

If you’ve had to call a plumbing repair service multiple times in the past few years for sewer-related issues, it may be time to stop throwing money at temporary fixes. A sewer line that constantly needs repairs is a strong candidate for replacement. It’s in your best interest to invest in a new sewer line and avoid frequent disruptions and unexpected plumbing emergencies.

Call Rooter Man Plumbing for sewer repair and Replacement

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait for a full-blown plumbing disaster. Rooter Man Plumbing has been providing homeowners and businesses with professional sewer repairs and trenchless sewer line replacements for over 40 years. Our experienced plumbers use advanced technology to inspect your pipes and recommend the best course of action. Whether you need a simple repair or a sewer line replacement, we’ll ensure your plumbing system runs smoothly and efficiently.

Contact Rooter Man Plumbing today to schedule an inspection and get reliable solutions for your sewer line problems.

Testimonials

What People Are Saying!

Fast friendly service. Family-owned business. Very happy with my home repair

Gina Kneeland Tacoma, WA

Quick response from initial call and Jared arrived early the next morning to fix our broken spigot, during a time where the cold weather has been reaking havock on home owners and commercial properties frozen pipes.

Robby G. Tacoma, WA

No-nonsense, very communicative, transparent in work scope. I used them for a very small project, but they seem very knowledgable about older style plumbing. I will be using them from now on.

Noah Schenirer Tacoma, WA

Ron from Rotter-man and his team did an outstanding job on replacing our graywater piping in our crawl space. I though there pricing was fair and he gave a clear explanation on what it would take. I now have a plumber I can count on.

Paul Barnard Tacoma, WA