Updated: October 2025
Reviewed by: Behm Enterprises (licensed sewer & water line contractor)
We proudly serve McHenry County, Lake County, and Northern Cook County from our headquarters in McHenry County.
Quick answer: Most sewer line problems come from tree roots, aging or brittle pipe, shifting soil, and what goes down the drain (grease and “flushable” wipes). Watch for several slow drains at once, toilet gurgling, sewer smells, soggy or sunken yard strips, or any backup. Standard homeowners insurance usually excludes the buried line—ask about Service Line and Sewer/Water Backup endorsements.
Table of Contents
- Main Causes of Sewer Line Damage
- Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Who Pays for Sewer Line Work?
- How Long Do Sewer Lines Last?
- What To Do First
- How Repairs and Replacements Work
- Living Through the Repair
- Insurance & Home Warranties
- How To Prevent Future Problems
- Quick Answers (People Also Ask)
- When To Call a Pro
Main Causes of Sewer Line Damage
1) Tree Roots
Roots search for water. They push into tiny gaps at pipe joints or cracks—especially in older clay pipe—causing blockages and leaks.
2) Old or Weak Pipe
All pipe ages. Metal can rust; clay and thin plastic can crack or shift. Weakened pipe fails more easily.
3) Soil Movement
Freeze–thaw cycles, heavy traffic, poor backfill, and nearby construction can move soil. This creates low spots (“bellies”) and stresses joints.
4) What Goes Down the Drain
Grease, “flushable” wipes, feminine products, and floss build up over time. They narrow the pipe and speed up damage.
5) Installation Problems
Wrong slope, poor bedding, or mismatched fittings shorten pipe life and raise the risk of leaks and misalignment.
Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
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Several slow drains at the same time (toilet, tub/shower, floor drain)
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Gurgling in toilets or drains when other fixtures run
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Sewer smells inside or near cleanouts
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Wet, sunken, or extra-green strips in the yard above the line
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Any backup in basement or lowest fixtures (treat as urgent)
Pro tip: These signs can look like drainage or groundwater issues. A video camera inspection tells you what’s wrong and where it is.
Who Pays for Sewer Line Work?
In many towns, the homeowner is responsible for the sewer service line (lateral) from the house to the property line or connection point. The city/utility maintains the public main in the street. In condos or older areas, there may be shared lines or easements—check local code and any HOA rules.
How Long Do Sewer Lines Last?
Lifespan depends on the material, age of the home, soil, and care:
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PVC/ABS: ~50+ years with proper slope and bedding
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Clay/Vitrified clay: ~50–100 years, but joints and brittleness are weak points
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Cast iron/ductile iron: ~50+ years; corrosion and scaling increase with age
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Orangeburg/bituminous fiber (older homes): shorter life; often due for replacement
If your main is 50 years or older, plan for a camera inspection. Older clay or iron lines are more prone to roots, cracks, and leaks. If defects are widespread (not just one spot), replacement or trenchless rehab is usually more reliable than repeated cleanings.
What To Do First
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Stop using water so the backup doesn’t get worse.
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Call a licensed sewer contractor and request a camera inspection to find the cause, location, and depth.
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Save the photos and video from the inspection; they guide the fix and help with claims.
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Skip chemical drain cleaners. They rarely help and can harm pipe.
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Choose the right fix with your contractor:
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Cleaning (snaking or hydro-jetting) for clogs and roots
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Spot repair for a small, damaged area
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Trenchless lining or pipe bursting to fix longer sections with less digging
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Open-cut replacement for severe damage or when codes require it
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How Repairs and Replacements Work
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Utility locating (Call 811) – Crews mark gas, electric, and other lines before work.
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Permits and inspections – Your contractor pulls permits; the city inspects the work.
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Cleanouts – Adding/using cleanouts makes inspection and future maintenance easier.
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Pick the method – Trenchless (lining/bursting) reduces surface damage; open-cut may be needed for major breaks or code upgrades.
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Restoration – Soil, sod, pavement, and landscaping are put back per the agreement.
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Final check & warranty – You get videos, photos, and warranty details.
Living Through the Repair (Water Use & Logistics)
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Water shutoff: Expect limited or no water use during key steps. Plan ahead—fill pitchers and jugs for drinking and hand washing.
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Timing: Your contractor will estimate how long work will take (simple clearing can be fast; replacement can take longer).
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Temporary stay: For multi-day projects, consider staying with family or a nearby hotel.
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Safety & access: Keep pets and children away from work areas and equipment.
Insurance & Home Warranties
Homeowners insurance: Standard policies usually do not cover the buried line outside your foundation. Ask your agent about two add-ons:
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Service Line Coverage – Helps pay to repair/replace the underground pipe when damaged by covered causes.
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Sewer/Water Backup Coverage – Helps pay for interior damage if water or sewage backs up through drains or a sump—even if the outside pipe isn’t covered.
Home warranties & utility plans: Some home warranty plans or utility-sponsored repair plans offer sewer line options, often with service caps and limits. They aren’t the same as insurance, but they can help with certain repairs. Read the fine print so you know what is and isn’t included.
Bottom line: Coverage varies. If you’re unsure, call your insurance agent and warranty provider before work begins so you know your out-of-pocket costs.
How To Prevent Future Problems
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Plant with care. Keep deep, water-seeking trees away from the line; use root barriers if needed.
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Watch what you flush. No grease, wipes, feminine products, or floss.
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Schedule camera checks for older homes or if you’ve had backups before.
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Control runoff. Extend downspouts and keep grading proper so soil stays stable.
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Confirm coverage. Ask your agent now about Service Line and Sewer/Water Backup endorsements.
Quick Answers (People Also Ask)
What are early signs of a sewer line problem?
Several slow drains at once, toilet gurgling, sewer smells, soggy or sunken yard strips, and backups in low fixtures. A camera inspection confirms the issue.
Are tree roots the main cause?
Often, yes—especially with older clay pipe. Roots enter small gaps and create blockages and leaks.
What’s the difference between backup coverage and service line coverage?
Backup coverage helps with interior damage from water/sewage entering through drains or a sump. Service line coverage helps fix the buried pipe outside. Many homeowners carry both.
Who is responsible—the homeowner or the city?
Usually the homeowner is responsible up to the property line or connection point; the city maintains the main. Check your local code and utility maps.
What’s the fastest way to diagnose the problem?
A video camera inspection. It shows clogs, roots, misalignment, low spots, and breaks so you can pick the right fix.
When To Call a Pro
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Diagnosis first: Start with a camera inspection.
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Clear plan: Your contractor recommends cleaning, spot repair, trenchless lining/bursting, or open-cut replacement.
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Smooth project: Proper permits, methods, and restoration keep the job clean and code-compliant.
Local help: From the first camera inspection to the final fix, Behm Enterprises makes the process clear and manageable. We serve McHenry County, Lake County, and Northern Cook County from our McHenry County headquarters. Let’s get you scheduled and put a solid solution in motion.
Ready to fix it today?
Call Behm Enterprises at 815-344-0197 or request service now.
