Top Sewer Line Repair Companies in Spokane, Washington Ranked

A failing sewer line is a serious issue that can disrupt your home and lead to costly property damage. Sewer line repair involves diagnosing and fixing the underground pipe that carries all your home's wastewater to the city's main sewer system. When this critical line is compromised, it's essential to find a qualified local professional who can provide a lasting solution with minimal disruption to your yard and daily life. This guide will help you understand the common problems, repair methods, and costs specific to Spokane, empowering you to make an informed decision when selecting a service provider.

Action Craft Experts, Plumbing, Drains, & Water Heaters

spokane

Action Craft Experts, Plumbing, Drains, & Water Heaters is a locally owned plumbing company serving Spokane, WA, and surrounding areas including Northern Idaho. They provide a wide range of plumbing services for residential, commercial, new construction, and remodeling projects. Their licensed team handles water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, and gas line installation, ensuring compliance with local codes and safety standards. With over 25 years of experience, they offer expertise in both traditional and tankless water heater systems and maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Action Craft Experts is licensed in Washington and Idaho and supports public works projects as well.

5.0

217 Reviews

Bulldog Rooter

16124 E Marietta Ave STE 101, Spokane Valley, WA 99216

Bulldog Rooter is a full-service plumbing company based in Spokane, WA, serving Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho since 2007. They offer a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, and leak detection. Bulldog Rooter is known for its licensed and experienced team that provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services without extra fees for nights, weekends, or holidays. Their capabilities include handling sewer backups and trenchless pipe repairs using the latest technology to maintain plumbing systems efficiently.

4.9

5.4k Reviews

Platinum Rooter & Plumbing

318 S Dishman Mica Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206

Platinum Rooter & Plumbing is a licensed and insured plumbing and excavation company serving Spokane, WA, and surrounding areas including Kootenai County. They offer a range of services such as drain cleaning, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, and gas line installation. The team is equipped to handle both residential and commercial projects, with expertise in trenchless sewer repair techniques. Platinum Rooter & Plumbing emphasizes fair pricing with flat-rate quotes and provides financing options through a national lender. They serve multiple locations in Washington and Idaho and focus on delivering quality workmanship.

4.9

628 Reviews

Spokane Rooter

spokane

Spokane Rooter is a locally owned and fully licensed plumbing company based in Spokane, WA. They specialize in trenchless sewer repair, sewer line inspections, drain cleaning, and hydro jetting services. The company offers professional sewer scope inspections with detailed video reports and expert analysis, including real repair bids. Spokane Rooter has completed over 17,000 sewer inspections and provides advanced trenchless sewer repair techniques such as pipe lining and pipe bursting to minimize property disruption. The owner personally performs inspections and ensures quick report delivery, supporting both residential and commercial clients.

4.9

232 Reviews

Hometown Plumbing

spokane

Hometown Plumbing provides commercial plumbing services in Spokane, WA. Their offerings include water heater installation, including tankless models, sewer line repair, and plumbing maintenance. The team is equipped to handle complex sewer line issues and offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to minimize business downtime. They focus on efficient and effective solutions for commercial clients.

4.9

134 Reviews

See more providers in Spokane, WA

Understanding Your Spokane Sewer Line

The sewer lateral is the private pipe that runs underground from your home's main drain to the public sewer main, usually located under your driveway, landscaping, or sidewalk ^{1 2}. In Spokane, many homes, especially older ones, have sewer lines made from materials that are now prone to failure. Knowing what you're dealing with is the first step toward an effective repair.

Common Pipe Materials in Older Spokane Homes

• Clay Tile: Common in mid-century homes, these pipes are joined with mortar that can erode, allowing tree roots to infiltrate and cause blockages or collapses.
• Orangeburg: A bituminous fiber pipe used from the 1940s to the 1970s. It degrades and flattens over time, leading to inevitable failure.
• Cast Iron: Durable but susceptible to corrosion and rust over decades, which can eventually lead to holes and breaks.

Top Causes of Sewer Line Failure in Spokane

Several factors unique to our region and infrastructure contribute to the need for sewer repair services.

1. Tree Root Intrusion: This is a leading cause of sewer problems in Spokane ^{1 3}. Aggressive tree roots seek out the moisture and nutrients inside sewer pipes. They can enter through tiny cracks or loose joints, eventually creating a dense mass that causes complete blockages or breaks the pipe apart.

2. Aging and Deteriorating Pipes: The natural lifespan of older clay, Orangeburg, or cast iron pipes is often 50-70 years. Many Spokane neighborhoods have homes with original sewer lines that are now well past their expected service life, leading to cracks, collapses, and total failure ^{1 3}.

3. Ground Shifting and Soil Conditions: Freeze-thaw cycles, soil erosion, and general ground settlement can put pressure on underground pipes. This shifting can cause pipes to crack, break, or misalign at their joints.

4. Clogs and Grease Buildup: While often repairable with cleaning, severe clogs from grease, debris, or non-flushable items can exacerbate weaknesses in an old pipe, leading to a rupture or backup that requires more than just a simple clearing.

Signs You Need Sewer Line Repair

Don't ignore these warning signs of a damaged main sewer line:

• Multiple drains in your home are backing up or draining slowly simultaneously.
• You hear gurgling sounds from toilets or drains.
• Sewage odors are present in your yard or home.
• You notice unexplained soggy patches, sinkholes, or unusually lush grass in your yard.
• Frequent need for drain cleaning indicates a deeper, recurring problem.

Repair Methods: Trenchless vs. Traditional Excavation

When you have a sewer line issue, you generally have two approaches: traditional excavation or modern trenchless sewer repair. The best method depends on the damage's location, extent, and your property's layout.

Traditional Excavation (Open-Trench Repair)

This conventional method involves using a backhoe to dig a large trench along the entire length of the damaged pipe to expose it, remove the old section, and install a new one.

• Pros: Sometimes necessary for severely collapsed pipes, complete failures, or situations where the old pipe cannot be lined or burst. It allows for a full visual inspection of the surrounding area.
• Cons: Highly disruptive to landscaping, driveways, sidewalks, and gardens. It requires extensive restoration work after the pipe is replaced, which adds significant time and cost to the project ^{1 2 4}.

Trenchless Sewer Repair

Trenchless technology has revolutionized sewer line replacement and repair by minimizing digging. Two primary methods are used in Spokane:

1. Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining: This is a form of sewer rehabilitation. A flexible, resin-saturated liner is inserted into the existing damaged pipe through an access point. It is then inflated and cured (often with steam or UV light) to form a hard, seamless "pipe-within-a-pipe." This method seals cracks and holes, prevents root intrusion, and restores flow ^{1 5 6}.

• Best For: Pipes that are structurally sound but cracked, leaking, or suffering from root intrusion. It extends the life of the existing line with minimal invasion.

2. Pipe Bursting: This method is for full sewer line replacement. A conical bursting head is pulled through the old, damaged pipe, fracturing it outward while simultaneously pulling a new, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe into place behind it ^{1 5 7}.

• Best For: Replacing pipes that are too damaged to be lined, such as collapsed clay or crushed Orangeburg. It provides a brand-new pipe without digging a continuous trench.

Key Advantages of Trenchless Methods:

• Minimal Disruption: Often only requires one or two small access pits, preserving your lawn, driveway, and landscaping ^{2 6}.
• Faster Completion: Many trenchless repairs can be completed in a day or two.
• Often More Cost-Effective: While the repair cost itself may be comparable, you save thousands on landscape and hardscape restoration ^{5 8 9}.
• Durable Result: The new HDPE pipe from bursting or the epoxy liner is highly resistant to roots and corrosion, offering a long-term solution.

Cost of Sewer Line Repair in Spokane

Sewer line repair and replacement costs in Spokane vary widely based on the method, pipe length, depth, and accessibility. Addressing issues early can lead to lower-cost repairs, while full-scale replacements are a major investment ^{1 5 9}.

Example Cost Estimates for the Spokane Area:

• Minor Repairs or Spot Fixes: For addressing a specific clog, small crack, or section of root intrusion, costs can range from $1,000 to $4,000+ ^{3 5}.
• Full Traditional Replacement (Excavation): This is typically the most expensive route due to labor and restoration. Expect a range from $7,000 to over $30,000, heavily dependent on length, depth, and what surfaces (like concrete driveways) need to be excavated and restored ^{3 5 10}.
• Trenchless CIPP Lining: For rehabilitating a line, costs might fall between $3,500 and $12,000 for a typical residential length (e.g., 20-30 feet) ^{5 2 7}.
• Trenchless Pipe Bursting: For a full replacement, this method can be significantly more affordable than traditional excavation, potentially halving the cost by eliminating most restoration expenses ^{3 5 8}.
• Hidden Restoration Costs (for Excavation): If you choose traditional digging, you must budget an additional $1,500 to $8,000 or more to repair your driveway, sidewalk, and landscaping ^{3 2 10}.

Getting an Accurate Quote

Always get multiple detailed, written estimates. A reputable Spokane contractor will perform a video camera inspection first to diagnose the exact problem, location, and length of the issue. The estimate should clearly state the recommended method (lining, bursting, or excavation), the materials to be used, the project timeline, and a breakdown of all costs, including permits and restoration.

Choosing a Sewer Repair Provider in Spokane

Selecting the right professional is crucial. Look for a licensed, insured, and experienced contractor who specializes in sewer work. Ask specific questions:

• "Do you perform a video inspection before providing a quote?"
• "Are both trenchless and excavation methods offered, and what do you recommend for my situation?"
• "Can you provide local references from similar projects?"
• "Who handles obtaining the necessary permits from the city of Spokane?"
• "What is included in the warranty for both labor and materials?"

A trustworthy expert will be transparent, educate you on your options, and focus on providing a durable solution that makes sense for your home and budget.

Frequently asked questions

Sources