At Go 2 Plumbing and Heating, we believe emergencies deserve urgent, expert attention. That’s why we proudly offer 24-hour emergency plumbing services in Edmonton, unlike your typical 9-5 plumbing company. And when it comes to sewer line problems, fast action isn’t just smart, it’s essential.
So how do you know when a sewer line issue is just a repair job… and when it’s time to stop patching and replace the whole line?
Let’s dive into the 5 telltale signs you need a sewer line replacement, not just a repair and why ignoring them could spell disaster for your home, health, and wallet.
1. Repeated Backups & Blockages
Occasional clogs are part of life. But repeated backups, especially in your lower drains (like basement toilets or showers), are waving a red flag. It could mean that the main sewer line is compromised.
If you’ve already had multiple drain cleanings or rooter services within a year, and the problem keeps coming back, it’s no longer a clog, it’s a system failure. Replacing the sewer line could be the only way to truly fix the issue.
What’s Happening:
- Your sewer pipe may be cracked, collapsed, or invaded by tree roots.
- Temporary fixes (like snaking or hydro-jetting) only remove symptoms, not the cause.
- As the pipe degrades, repairs become costlier, and damage becomes more severe.
2. Persistent Sewer Odors Indoors or Outdoors
Smell something foul? Don’t ignore it.
That rotten egg or musty sewage smell you detect in your basement, yard, or even inside walls is more than unpleasant, it’s dangerous. Sewer gases contain methane and harmful bacteria that can impact your family’s health.
A properly functioning sewer line should be airtight, so if smells are escaping, that means your line is cracked or broken somewhere along the system.
Why This Matters:
- Gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide are hazardous.
- Odors indicate gaps or breaks in the pipe.
- Persistent smells usually mean the issue is too extensive for a simple repair.
3. Unexplained Lawn Changes Or Sinkholes
Have you noticed parts of your lawn turning unusually green or soggy? Is your yard sinking or forming soft spots?
When sewer lines break underground, they can leak sewage into the surrounding soil. This “natural fertilizer” might make your grass look lush at first, but it’s not a good sign. Worse, the soil can erode and create sinkholes that damage landscaping, fences, sidewalks, or even your home’s foundation.
Warning Signs:
- Wet patches in dry weather
- Unpleasant odors in your yard
- Cracks in walkways or driveway
In these cases, repairing a small section won’t cut it. You need a full replacement before the situation gets dangerous.
4. Old Piping Material (Aging Infrastructure)
If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a strong chance your sewer line is made from outdated materials like clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg (bituminized fiber) all of which degrade over time.
Even if you haven’t noticed major issues yet, aging pipes are a ticking time bomb.
Why Aging Sewer Pipes Fail:
- Clay pipes are brittle and prone to root intrusion.
- Cast iron corrodes, causing rough internal surfaces that catch debris.
- Orangeburg piping, popular in mid-century homes, collapses under soil pressure and moisture.
If you’re already having minor problems and your pipe is older than your favorite rock band, replacement is likely your best long-term investment.
5. Camera Inspections Reveal Severe Sewer Line Damage
The gold standard for diagnosing sewer problems today is a video camera inspection. If your plumber discovers:
- Cracks
- Collapsed sections
- Sagging (called “bellying”)
- Heavy root invasion
…it may be time to consider full replacement rather than throwing money at repeated repairs.
Repairs often only fix the visible issue, not the underlying deterioration. Once one section fails, others usually follow. Replacing the line now can prevent repeated disruptions, property damage, and skyrocketing costs down the line.
Why Trust Go 2 Plumbing and Heating for Sewer Line Replacement?
Sewer work is a big deal but it doesn’t have to feel like a nightmare. When you choose Go 2 Plumbing and Heating, you’re partnering with a team that:
- Offers 24/7 emergency service when you need it most
- Brings years of residential and commercial plumbing experience
- Uses cutting-edge diagnostic tools and trenchless options when available
- Provides honest, upfront pricing with no surprise fees
Whether it’s a simple faucet installation or a full sewer line overhaul, we show up ready to solve your problem efficiently and permanently.
We’ve helped countless Edmonton homeowners avoid water damage, plumbing emergencies, and costly mistakes by catching sewer issues early and handling them the right way from start to finish.
Don’t Delay, Early Action Saves Time and Money
Waiting on a sewer line replacement doesn’t just risk your plumbing—, t risks your home, health, and budget. A burst sewer line can lead to:
- Raw sewage in your home
- Structural damage to foundation and walls
- Mold growth and respiratory issues
- Expensive restoration costs
Acting fast ensures the problem gets fixed before it becomes catastrophic.
Get Expert Help Right Now
Whether you’re seeing the signs or just want peace of mind, Go 2 Plumbing and Heating is here to help, day or night.
📍 Address:
Go 2 Plumbing and Heating
9544 143 Ave NW
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
T5E 2H3
📞 Call us today: 780-850-8817
🌐 Book your FREE quote online: https://www.go2plumbers.ca/contact-us/
Final Thought: Sewer Line Trouble Is Scary But the Right Plumber Makes It Simple
When it comes to plumbing emergencies, don’t settle for temporary fixes or part-time help. At Go 2 Plumbing and Heating, we deliver round-the-clock expertise and long-term solutions, because your home deserves better than band-aids.
If your sewer line is acting up, listen to the signs. Let us help you flush your worries away for good.
