When it comes to home maintenance, few issues are as dreaded as sewer line trouble. It’s messy, it’s smelly, and it can quickly turn into a costly emergency if left unresolved. But not every sewer issue requires a full replacement—some can be fixed with a simple repair. So how do you know when it’s time to go all in?
At Go 2 Plumbing and Heating, owned by Moe Hasan and proudly serving Edmonton and surrounding areas, we help homeowners navigate this exact issue every day. Located at 9544 143 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, we’re not your average plumber—we offer 24-hour emergency service, not just 9-to-5 like most others in the city.
In this guide, we’ll help you identify the warning signs of sewer line failure, explain what causes them, and break down how to know when a full sewer line replacement is the right move.
What Is a Sewer Line and Why Does It Matter?
Your main sewer line connects all your home’s drains—from toilets and showers to sinks and washing machines—to the city’s municipal sewer system. It’s buried underground and designed to last for decades, but time, tree roots, shifting soil, and other factors can cause it to crack, collapse, or become severely clogged.
When the sewer line fails, it affects your entire home’s plumbing system. Water won’t drain properly, waste may back up, and you might even face property damage or health risks from raw sewage exposure.
Common Causes of Sewer Line Damage
Before we look at signs and solutions, it’s helpful to understand what causes sewer line damage in the first place:
- Tree root intrusion – Roots from nearby trees or shrubs can infiltrate small cracks and force them wider over time.
- Old pipes – Pipes made from clay or cast iron are prone to corrosion and structural failure.
- Shifting soil – Changes in ground conditions can dislodge pipes or cause sagging.
- Grease buildup – Pouring grease down the drain leads to blockages that grow worse over time.
- Foreign objects – Non-flushable items can get stuck and clog the line permanently.
- Construction damage – Nearby digging or renovations may damage underground pipes.
Now let’s dive into the red flags that signal your sewer line may be in serious trouble.
Signs It Might Be Time for a Sewer Line Replacement
1. Multiple Drains Are Clogged or Backing Up
If only one drain is slow, the issue might be isolated. But if multiple drains in your home are clogging at once, the problem is likely deep in the main sewer line. You might notice gurgling noises, water bubbling in the toilet, or water backing up in the tub when you run the sink.
2. Bad Odours from Your Drains or Yard
A properly functioning sewer line keeps waste and its odors contained. If you smell rotten eggs, sewage, or mustiness coming from drains or around your yard, there may be a leak or break in the sewer line.
3. Lush Patches of Grass
Sewage acts like a fertilizer. If a section of your yard suddenly grows greener and faster than the rest—even during dry seasons—it could mean that sewage is leaking underground and enriching the soil.
4. Pooled Water or Sinkholes
When a sewer line leaks or collapses, water can pool on your lawn or cause sinkholes. These are serious safety hazards and a clear sign that the underground infrastructure has failed.
5. Visible Mold or Mildew in the Home
Moisture from leaking pipes may lead to mold growth on walls or ceilings, especially if the leak is under the foundation or behind a wall. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also be hazardous to your health.
6. Frequent or Recurring Drain Cleaning
If you’re constantly calling a plumber to clear blockages, that’s a major red flag. While a one-off clog is normal, repeated drain problems often indicate a deeper, more systemic issue—like a failing sewer line.
Repair vs. Replace: How to Decide
Not every sewer issue needs a full replacement. In some cases, a targeted repair can solve the problem. But there are times when replacing the entire line is the safer, smarter, and more cost-effective option.
Here’s how to tell:
| Condition | Repair | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Small, localized crack or break | ✅ | |
| Extensive tree root intrusion | ✅ | |
| Pipe collapse or full blockage | ✅ | |
| Recurring issues every few months | ✅ | |
| Old clay or cast iron piping | ✅ | |
| House renovation with plumbing upgrades | ✅ | |
| Minor corrosion | ✅ |
If your home is more than 30 years old, there’s a good chance the sewer line is made of outdated material and nearing the end of its life. In these cases, replacement not only solves current issues but also prevents future ones.
What to Expect During a Sewer Line Replacement
At Go 2 Plumbing and Heating, we make the replacement process as efficient and painless as possible.
Here’s how it typically works:
1. Sewer Line Inspection
We use video camera inspection to view the inside of your sewer line in real time. This lets us pinpoint the exact issue—whether it’s a collapse, crack, or tree root invasion.
2. Transparent Estimate
We offer a free, no-obligation quote, so you know exactly what to expect. No hidden fees, no surprises.
3. Excavation or Trenchless Repair
Depending on your home’s layout, we’ll either excavate the affected line or use trenchless technology (where possible) to replace the line with minimal disruption to your property.
4. Testing and Cleanup
After installation, we test everything to ensure proper flow and function. Then we clean up the site so your home looks like nothing ever happened—except your plumbing now works like a dream.
Why Edmonton Homeowners Trust Go 2 Plumbing and Heating
We’re not just another name in the phone book. Go 2 Plumbing and Heating is a locally owned company, committed to providing fast, reliable service across Edmonton and surrounding areas—including St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Spruce Grove, and more.
Whether you need a simple faucet installation, a tankless water heater, or a complete sewer line replacement, we offer 24-hour emergency plumbing service—unlike your average 9-to-5 Edmonton plumber.
We show up when others won’t. And we don’t just fix problems—we help you understand them so you can prevent future issues.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Sewer line problems are serious, but with the right knowledge and the right plumber, they’re manageable.
If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs—slow drains, foul odors, soggy yards, or frequent blockages—don’t wait until your basement is full of wastewater. Let Edmonton’s sewer experts handle it before it becomes a crisis.
📍 Visit us in person:
Go 2 Plumbing and Heating
9544 143 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5E 2H3
📞 Call us now: 780-850-8817
🖥️ Request your free quote: https://www.go2plumbers.ca/contact-us/
