Drains & sewer
A sewer camera inspection shows whether a line needs cleaning, a spot repair, a trenchless liner or full replacement. Get the inspection and a copy of the video before agreeing to any replacement, so you know exactly what's broken and where.
Signs your sewer line needs work
- Backups that return weeks after a drain cleaning
- Gurgling toilets when other fixtures drain
- Sewage smell in the basement or yard
- A soggy or sunken patch of lawn over the line
- Water coming up through the basement floor drain
Sewer camera inspection
A camera on a flexible cable goes in through a cleanout or the roof vent. The contractor sees roots, cracks, sags where water sits (bellies), offset joints and the exact depth and distance of each problem. Many Baltimore buyers order one before purchasing an older home, because the seller rarely knows the condition of the lateral.
Repair options
- Cleaning: roots or grease, pipe still sound.
- Spot repair: one broken section, dug up and replaced.
- Trenchless lining or pipe bursting: a new pipe formed inside or pulled through the old one, with less digging under steps, porches and landscaping. Not every line qualifies.
- Full replacement: collapsed or badly sagging pipe.
Work that reaches into the street or connects to the public sewer may need a permit and coordination with the city or county. See plumbing permits in Baltimore.
Trenchless sewer replacement
Trenchless methods repair or replace a sewer lateral without digging a full-length trench. Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining forms a new pipe inside the old one; pipe bursting pulls a new pipe through, breaking the old one apart. Both need small access pits rather than a trench, which can save rowhome front steps, sidewalks, driveways and mature trees. They aren't right for every line: a collapsed section, a severe sag or a lateral that changes size may still need digging, and the camera inspection shows which applies. Work in the street or sidewalk may also need a city or county permit.
Who owns the sewer line?
As a general rule, the property owner is responsible for the lateral from the house to the public sewer connection, and the city or county is responsible for the main in the street. Exactly where the line is split varies by jurisdiction, so ask the contractor to confirm before work begins, especially in Baltimore City.
How to get sewer line repair in Baltimore
- Call 443-863-5471. Tell us what's happening and where you are. Calls are answered 24/7.
- We connect you. You're put through to a licensed, independent local plumber who handles this kind of job in your area.
- Get a clear quote. The plumber explains the problem and the price before any work starts.
- You decide. Approve the work, and the plumber completes it with any permit your city or county requires.
Plumbers in Baltimore Today is a free referral service; we don't perform plumbing work ourselves. How it works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
Usually an hour or less for a single-family home or rowhome with an accessible cleanout.
Is trenchless sewer repair always cheaper?
Not always. It saves on digging and restoring concrete, steps or landscaping, but it only works on lines that are intact enough to line or burst. The camera inspection tells you which options apply.
Will homeowners insurance pay for a sewer line?
Standard policies often exclude wear, tree roots and age. Some insurers and utilities sell separate service line coverage. Check your policy before work starts.