Expert Excavation & Replacement
Complete Sewer Line Repair Services for Metro Atlanta Homes
Your main sewer line is the single exit point for every sink, shower, and toilet in your home. When it fails, the results are messy, unhygienic, and deeply stressful. At A&G Plumbing, our specialized sewer division handles everything from localized spot repairs to full yard excavations and complete sewer line replacements.
5 Warning Signs of a Failing Main Sewer Line
Don’t wait for a complete backup. Contact us immediately if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Multiple Slow Drains: If your toilet, bathtub, and sink are all draining slowly at the same time, the blockage is in the main line.
- Gurgling Sounds: Hearing a bubbling noise from your toilet when you run the bathroom sink means trapped air is trying to escape a clog.
- Multiple Backup Points: Water backing up into the bathtub when you flush the toilet or run the washing machine is a guaranteed main line issue.
- Sewer Gas Odors: A persistent smell of raw sewage in your yard or basement floor drains indicates a break or severe blockage.
- Lush, Swampy Grass: Unusually green or soggy patches in your yard directly above the sewer line heavily indicate a leak that requires a professional sewer camera inspection.
Repairing Root Intrusions, Bellied Pipes & Collapses
In Metro Atlanta, particularly in older neighborhoods with mature trees, **tree root intrusion** is the number one cause of sewer line failure in clay or cast iron pipes. Roots seek out the moisture and nutrients inside the pipe, eventually crushing it.
We never guess when it comes to sewer repair. We run a high-definition **sewer camera inspection** down the line to visually identify whether the issue is roots, a “bellied” (sagging) pipe holding waste, or a complete structural collapse. We show you the footage so you can make an informed decision.
Main Sewer Line Replacement Services
When repairs aren’t enough, our excavation crew performs a complete, open-trench sewer line replacement. We use heavy equipment to carefully excavate to the pipe, remove the failing section, and install new, durable PVC pipe with proper slope and support for decades of reliable use. While this is the most involved solution, it is the most reliable and long-lasting fix for a severely deteriorated or collapsed sewer line.
If the line is too compromised or lacks proper grading, our excavation crew utilizes heavy equipment to perform a traditional open-trench replacement, ensuring proper slope and support for decades of reliable use.
Why Choose A&G For Major Excavations?
- No Guesswork: We locate the exact depth and location of the break before digging.
- Property Protection: We lay down protective plywood for our heavy machinery.
- Utility Coordination: We handle all 811 utility locating (gas, power, fiber) prior to excavation.
- Turnkey Solutions: From permitting and digging to backfilling and reseeding, we handle the entire project.
Major Sewer Repair FAQs for Atlanta Homes
What causes an underground sewer pipe to collapse?
Older pipes made of clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg (tar paper) naturally deteriorate over decades. Soil shifting, heavy ground traffic, earthquakes, and especially tree roots wrapping around and crushing the pipe are the most common culprits. Once a pipe loses its structural integrity, the dirt above caves in, completely blocking the flow of sewage.
How do you replace a collapsed or severely damaged sewer line?
We perform traditional, open-trench sewer excavation. Our crew locates the exact depth and position of the failed section using camera inspection, carefully digs to expose the pipe, removes the damaged segment, and installs new PVC with correct grading. This is the most reliable, long-lasting method for a complete sewer line replacement.
Will I be without bathrooms during a sewer replacement?
Usually, water and sewer service only need to be turned off for a few hours on the specific day that the old pipe is disconnected and the new pipe is tied in. At A&G Plumbing, our excavation crews act fast to ensure you are never without essential facilities overnight.