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Emergency plumber at your door in 60 to 90 minutes across the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita & LA CountyEmergency response in the Valley & LA County

Sewer line repair & replacement

Sewer line repair in Los Angeles, found on camera first.

Roots, cracked clay, offset joints and sagging bellies cause most recurring backups in older Valley and LA homes. We record the line, locate the failure from the surface and repair only what needs repairing, using trenchless methods whenever the pipe and ground allow.

Sewer line repair

Warning signs your sewer line is failing.

A main line rarely fails all at once. These are the symptoms that usually show up first, often weeks or months before a full backup.

  • Several drains back up togetherTub, toilet and floor drain trouble at the same time points to the main line, not one fixture.
  • Backups that keep coming backIf snaking only buys you a few weeks, roots or a break are usually the cause.
  • Gurgling toiletsToilets that bubble when the washer drains or the tub empties signal a restricted line.
  • Sewage odor indoors or in the yardGas escaping from a cracked pipe often smells strongest near the cleanout or foundation.
  • Soggy or extra-green patchesA leaking lateral fertilizes the lawn above it and can leave soft spots.
  • Water at the cleanoutStanding water or sewage in the cleanout means the line downstream is blocked.

How it works

How we repair sewer lines without guessing.

Most sewer laterals in the San Fernando Valley and older LA neighborhoods were installed decades ago in vitrified clay or cast iron. Clay joints let roots in, cast iron scales and cracks from the inside, and ground movement creates offsets and low spots called bellies where waste settles. Each failure needs a different fix, which is why we never quote a repair before seeing the pipe.

A camera inspection records the full run of the line. Our locator then pinpoints the problem and its depth from the surface, so we can tell you exactly where the damage is, how long the damaged section is, and which repair method fits. One cracked joint might need a spot repair. A line riddled with roots might be a candidate for trenchless lining. A collapsed or badly bellied line usually calls for pipe bursting or traditional replacement.

You see the footage and the options side by side before anything is dug, lined or replaced.

  • Spot repair. One damaged section replaced through a small excavation.
  • Trenchless lining. A new pipe cured inside the old one, no trench.
  • Pipe bursting or replacement. Full new line when the old one is beyond lining.
Cutaway illustration of a damaged sewer line and the restored pipe section

Our process

From backup to a repaired line.

Clear steps, explained before anything happens, so you always know what comes next.

  1. Clear and assess

    If the line is blocked, we clear it to restore flow and make the inspection possible.

  2. Inspect and locate

    The camera records the pipe and the locator marks the problem and its depth from the surface.

  3. Compare repair options

    You get spot repair, lining, bursting or replacement options based on what the footage shows.

  4. Repair and verify

    After the repair, a final camera pass confirms the line is sound and flowing.

Good to know

What drives the cost of a sewer line repair.

We do not quote major sewer work blind. These are the factors that shape the price, and the inspection answers each one.

  • 01

    Depth and access

    A shallow lateral in an open yard costs less to reach than a deep line under a driveway, slab or mature tree.

  • 02

    Length of the damage

    A single cracked joint is a spot repair. Damage along most of the run favors lining or full replacement.

  • 03

    Pipe material and condition

    Clay, cast iron, Orangeburg and ABS fail differently, and a collapsed section limits trenchless options.

  • 04

    Permits and restoration

    Excavation in the public right-of-way, concrete cutting and landscaping repair all affect the final number.

Customer reviews

Customers on sewer line repair.

Read all reviews

Reviews come straight from our Google Business Profile.

Posted on Google Google
Theodore Nilsson profile picture
Theodore Nilsson
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New Flow came out to my mothers house in Reseda and was able to clear the main line blockage. They were there within an hour and had very reasonable pricing. While there they identified another problem with the pipping(it is a 100 year old house lol) and came up with an option to replace some of the pipping. Definitely will be using them again for any problems down in the valley.
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Valerie profile picture
Valerie
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Whenever something goes wrong at our North Hollywood condo property, Art answers the phone day or night, which is why New Flow Plumbing has handled our plumbing since the place was built. Just last week a huge problem hit at 10:00 pm with all the tenants stressing out, but they had someone walking through the door in twenty minutes to get it taken care of. They show up ready to work seven days a week for the small stuff and the emergencies alike, so I always know we are covered.
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Michael profile picture
Michael
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Had a sewage back up at a unit and Art was able to take care of my problem. Due to it being an older house it had quite significant problems (old piping, no clear out,etc). He took care of the clog, add clear out, and also discovered the toilets that were installed were incorrect ones since forever and replaced both toilets as well. He also gave me advice on what he would do with the current drainage problem and what he would do temporarily, and or the future for my piping. Was very reasonably priced. 100% satisfied with the service he provided.
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Cherrie ! profile picture
Cherrie !
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Shower was way too cold. Looked at the tank and could tell it was completely done, so we reached out to New flow to fix the plumbing in Granada Hills. The tech got the new hot water heater put in and even cleaned up some sloppy copper fittings left behind from our previous remodel so everything lined up straight. He was wrapped up and out the door by 3p, and the hot water was running before he left.
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Ava-Lynnette De La Torre profile picture
Ava-Lynnette De La Torre
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Water was backing up into both my toilet and bathtub from a main line clog. A few plumbers gave weird replies, including one guy who threw out a random quote without even checking the pipes. I usually handle small things myself, but I needed real help here. Art came in and mapped out the whole line, running a camera to show me the blockages on the screen. He pushed past 60 feet clearing tree roots and debris, explaining the fix as he went. The final bill matched his quote. Thanks to them I can finally take a shower.
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Melanie Hernandez profile picture
Melanie Hernandez
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Great work from the best plumbers in the valley. I had a pretty big job done. They replaced the main water pipe out to the street. It was completed on time and they kept me informed during the down time (waiting for the city to approve the permit.) I would use them again. They are pleasant to work with.
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Taye325 profile picture
Taye325
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If you need a reliable plumber in Valley Village, save their number right now. Our new tenants moved into our rental last weekend and immediately hit us with a no hot water text. Found New Flow on Google, liked what I saw on their page, and gave them a call. Arman sent someone out just a few hours later. We looked at the old twenty year unit and agreed a full replacement made the most sense. They knocked it out the exact same day, saved my weekend, and kept the tenants happy. Already passed his name to a buddy of mine who hired him shortly after.
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Ava Lamison profile picture
Ava Lamison
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My parent's toilet was leaking and after messaging different places, I told my parents this place could fix our problem. Arman was the one who helped us out and after talking to him about a possible broken wax ring, he found the actual problem, roots in our pipes. He hydrojetted the roots and installed something to help keep the roots from growing for the next few years. So if you're have problems related to pipes, my family and I highly recommend coming here.
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tal abutbul profile picture
tal abutbul
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We have been calling New Flow for plumbing services ever since they warned us six years ago that our ancient drain pipes were on their last legs. When the system finally failed, we shopped around for bids on a full repipe. Every single plumber gave us quotes without stepping foot under the house, except them. The team crawled under there, filmed the pipes, and showed us that our water lines were still completely fine. Arman gave us a fair quote for just the drains, and his crew finished the work in one day. Hard to find contractors this upfront and genuine.
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Chloe profile picture
Chloe
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I cannot compliment New Flow Plumbing enough. They were recommended by our selling real estate agent for a sewage line inspection. They came out quickly, and Arman was very professional and polite right away. He was able to service the sewage line, provide thorough, expert knowledge, and give us recommendations. The pricing is excellent and fair, and I would definitely recommend using their services again. The HD video was provided for our own viewing, and it was emailed to us within hours of the visit. Overall a very enjoyable experience. 5 stars does not do it justice. Thanks again!!

FAQ

Sewer line repair questions.

Straight answers to what homeowners ask us most. Call if yours is not here.

Call 818-538-4958

If a cleaning restores flow and the camera shows a sound pipe, cleaning is enough. Roots growing through cracks, broken pipe, offsets and bellies keep coming back after cleaning and need a repair.

Often, yes. Trenchless pipe lining and pipe bursting repair or replace the line through small access points. A camera inspection confirms whether your line is a good candidate.

A spot repair is often finished in a day. Lining and bursting projects typically take one to two days, depending on length, access and permits.

In the City of Los Angeles, property owners are generally responsible for the lateral from the house to the public sewer main. Rules can vary in other cities.

Recurring sewer backups?

Start with a $199 sewer camera inspection and see exactly what is wrong before you pay for a repair.