Best Sewer Line Repair Companies in Texas Ranked

A damaged sewer line is a serious issue that can disrupt your home's sanitation, pose health risks, and lead to significant property damage if left unaddressed. Sewer line repair involves diagnosing and fixing the underground pipe that carries all wastewater from your home to the public sewer main. This guide explains the key aspects of sewer line service in Texas, from common problems and repair methods to costs and regulations, helping you understand the process and connect with qualified local professionals for your project.

Augerpros Plumbing and Drain

206 W McDermott Dr #120, Allen, TX 75013

Augerpros Plumbing and Drain is a licensed and insured plumbing company serving Dallas, TX, and the greater North Dallas area. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company uses advanced sewer and video equipment to diagnose and address plumbing issues thoroughly. Recognized nationally as a Best of the Best winner for three consecutive years, Augerpros Plumbing and Drain combines decades of technical training with customer-focused service.

5.0

1.6k Reviews

Trident Plumbing

15222 King Rd Ste 301, Frisco, TX 75034

Trident Plumbing provides a range of plumbing services in Garland, TX, including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, water softener installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, and gas line installation. Their team includes Master Plumbers, licensed Journeymen, and Technicians who receive ongoing professional education. Trident Plumbing also offers specialized slab leak detection and repair, supporting both residential and commercial plumbing needs.

5.0

1.3k Reviews

Bow Tie Plumbing

1285 N Main St Suite 306, Mansfield, TX 76063

Bow Tie Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Arlington, TX, and the broader DFW area. With over 50 years of combined experience, they offer a wide range of services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. The company uses advanced techniques such as hydrostatic and smoke testing to identify plumbing issues and provides specialized services like tunneling for foundation access. Bow Tie Plumbing is known for transparent pricing, free estimates within 24 hours, and a 1-year labor warranty on their work.

5.0

796 Reviews

The Bearded Plumber

san antonio

The Bearded Plumber is a full-service plumbing company based in San Antonio, TX, offering both residential and commercial plumbing solutions. Founded by Jayson Jimenez, who brings a lifetime of industry experience, the company specializes in sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, and repiping services. They use advanced technology such as hydrostatic testing, camera pinpointing, and multifrequency locators to accurately diagnose and repair plumbing issues, including tunneling beneath foundations for precise sewer repairs. The Bearded Plumber is also certified to provide professional backflow plumbing services.

5.0

625 Reviews

O'Bryan Plumbing Services

800 Fulgham Rd Suite 35, Plano, TX 75093

O'Bryan Plumbing Services is a plumbing company serving Dallas, TX, offering a wide range of plumbing solutions including water heater repair and installation, sewer and drain cleaning, leak detection, and gas line installation. They use advanced technology such as sewer camera inspections to accurately diagnose and address plumbing issues. Established in 1982, O'Bryan Plumbing Services brings decades of experience to their work, providing comprehensive plumbing maintenance and repair services to residential customers.

5.0

601 Reviews

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Common Sewer Line Materials in Texas Homes

The material of your sewer line largely dictates its lifespan, common failure points, and the best repair approach. Texas homes feature a mix of materials installed over different eras.

• Cast Iron (Pre-1970s): Common in older neighborhoods, cast iron is durable but prone to internal corrosion from sewage gases over decades. This corrosion can lead to cracking, holes, and eventual failure, often requiring section or full-line replacement ^{1 2}.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): The modern standard for new installations and replacements. PVC is lightweight, resistant to corrosion and root intrusion, and cost-effective. It's the material most professionals will use for repairs and new lines today ^{1 2}.
• Clay Tile or Orangeburg: Found in some mid-century homes, these older materials can become brittle over time. Clay tiles can shift at the joints, allowing root intrusion, while Orangeburg (a bituminous fiber conduit) can soften, deform, and collapse, almost always necessitating a full replacement ^{2 3}.

Identifying your pipe material, often done via a camera inspection, is the first critical step in any repair plan.

Depth, Location, and Access Challenges

Sewer lines in Texas are typically buried at a depth of 4 to 6 feet to protect them from freezing (though less of a concern in most of Texas) and surface damage ^{4 5}. However, depth can vary based on local building codes, the slope needed for proper drainage, and the terrain of your property.

The location of the problem dramatically impacts the repair's complexity and cost. Common access challenges include:

• Lines running under concrete slabs, driveways, or patios.
• Lines buried beneath mature trees, landscaping, or pools.
• Extremely deep lines or those in areas with difficult soil conditions.
• Lines that cross under other utilities or structures.

These scenarios often make traditional excavation more disruptive and expensive, making trenchless methods (discussed below) a valuable alternative to consider.

Permits and Legal Requirements in Texas

Sewer line repair is not a DIY project and involves specific legal requirements designed for safety and compliance.

• Call 811 Before You Dig: This is a mandatory, non-negotiable first step in Texas (and nationwide). Calling 811 at least two business days before any excavation starts ensures all underground utilities (gas, electric, water, communication lines) are professionally marked to prevent dangerous strikes, service interruptions, and costly fines ^{4 6 7}.
• Plumbing Permits: Most Texas municipalities, including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Sugar Land, require a plumbing permit for work on the main sewer line ^{4 1 7}. A licensed plumber will typically pull this permit on your behalf. The permit process ensures the work meets city code and will be inspected upon completion, protecting your home's value and safety.

Repair Methods: From Traditional Digging to Trenchless Solutions

The chosen repair method depends on the damage's extent, location, pipe material, and budget. Texas professionals offer several approaches.

1. Traditional Excavation (Dig-and-Replace) This is the most straightforward method, involving digging a trench to expose the damaged pipe.

• Spot Repair: For a single, localized issue (e.g., a cracked section), only a small portion of the pipe is replaced. Costs typically range from $1,000 to $4,000+ ^{4 1}.
• Full Line Replacement: The entire line from the house to the street is replaced. This is often necessary for old, corroded, or collapsed pipes. It's the most invasive method but provides a brand-new, long-lasting pipe. Costs generally range from $4,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on length and depth ^{4 1 8}.

2. Trenchless Repair Methods These innovative techniques minimize landscape and hardscape destruction, often making them preferable despite a higher upfront material cost.

• Pipe Lining (Cured-in-Place Pipe): A resin-saturated felt tube is inserted into the old pipe and inflated. The resin cures, forming a new, seamless pipe within the old one. It's excellent for fixing cracks, holes, and joint issues but requires the old line to be structurally sound enough to act as a host ^{1 9}.
• Pipe Bursting: A bursting head is pulled through the old, damaged pipe, simultaneously fracturing it outward and pulling a new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe into place behind it. This method replaces the old line entirely with a new, slightly larger one and is ideal for lines that have collapsed or are too degraded for lining ⁹.
• Trenchless repair costs in Texas typically range from $3,000 to $12,000+, with savings often realized in avoided restoration costs (landscaping, concrete, etc.) ^{1 8}.

Cost Factors for Sewer Line Repair in Texas

The final price for your sewer line project is influenced by several variables ^{4 1 6 8 2 10}:

• Length and Depth of the Line: Longer and deeper lines require more labor, materials, and excavation time.
• Pipe Material and Condition: Replacing old cast iron or clay is more labor-intensive than working with PVC. The extent of damage (spot vs. full failure) is the primary cost driver.
• Job Location and Access: Repairs under driveways, slabs, or dense landscaping add significant labor and restoration costs. Easy, open-yard access is most economical.
• Repair Method Chosen: Trenchless methods have different cost structures than traditional excavation. Get quotes for both to compare total project costs.
• Local Permit and Inspection Fees: These vary by city. For example, municipalities like Dallas have specific fees for inspections related to sewer work ^{4 7}.
• Soil Conditions and Cleanup: Rocky soil is harder to dig than sandy soil. The cost of backfilling, compacting, and restoring the site (sod, concrete, etc.) must be factored in.

Signs You May Need Sewer Line Repair

Don't wait for a total collapse. Be proactive if you notice:

• Multiple drain clogs throughout the home (toilets, showers, sinks).
• Gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilets.
• Sewage odors in your yard or home.
• Unusually lush or soggy patches in the yard, especially near the sewer line path.
• Foundation cracks or settling that may be exacerbated by leaking sewer water.
• Slow drains that cannot be cleared with standard plunging or snaking.

If you observe these signs, the next step is to contact a professional who can perform a video camera inspection to accurately diagnose the problem.

Frequently asked questions

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