What sewer cleaning involves
"Sewer cleaning" is a broad term for clearing the larger drain piping that collects wastewater from the entire building and carries it toward the municipal sewer or a septic system. It includes the building drain under or through the foundation and the lateral that runs under the yard to the street connection.
The most common form is main sewer line cleaning with a heavy-duty cable machine or hydro jetting. Providers may also clean floor drains, area drains, and storm laterals depending on their equipment.
Common warning signs
- Multiple drains in the home are slow at the same time
- Sewage or dirty water backs up into a basement floor drain, tub, or shower
- Toilets bubble when a washing machine or dishwasher drains
- A sewer smell in the basement or near the cleanout
- Unusually lush or soggy patches in the yard along the sewer path
Possible causes
Depending on the situation, the cause may include:
- Tree roots entering through joints or cracks in older clay or cast-iron pipe
- Grease and sludge accumulation over many years
- Flushed wipes and paper products forming a blockage
- A sag ("belly") in the line where solids collect
- Offset joints or a partial collapse in aging pipe
- Debris from construction or a broken pipe segment
When professional evaluation may be appropriate
- Any sewage backup, even a small one, since it involves a health hazard
- Multiple slow fixtures that a plunger does not fix
- Repeated main line clogs, which can indicate roots or a structural issue rather than a simple blockage
- Before buying an older home, as part of due diligence
What homeowners can expect
- Providers typically access the line through an outside cleanout or a basement cleanout on the main stack.
- After clearing the immediate blockage, many providers recommend a camera inspection to determine why the line backed up and whether repair may be needed.
- If the blockage is in the municipal main rather than your lateral, the provider may advise you to contact the municipality or utility.
- Pricing and scheduling are determined by the independent provider.
Safety considerations
- Sewage contains bacteria and other pathogens; keep children and pets away from affected areas and wear gloves and boots if you must enter.
- Do not run water or flush toilets while a backup is active, as this adds to the volume.
- See our guide on what to do during a sewer backup for step-by-step guidance.
Related services
Helpful guides
- Sewer Backup: What to Do FirstStop using all water in the house, keep everyone away from the wastewater, shut off electricity to a flooded area only if you can do so safely from a dry location, photograph the damage, and arrange for a professional to clear the line before cleaning up.
- Signs Your Main Sewer Line Is CloggedThe clearest sign of a main sewer line clog is that more than one fixture is affected at once, and the lowest drain in the house (a basement floor drain, tub, or shower) backs up when you use water somewhere else. A single slow sink is almost never a main line problem.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sewer cleaning and drain cleaning?
Drain cleaning addresses individual fixture drains and branch lines inside the building. Sewer cleaning addresses the larger main line that carries everything out to the street. The equipment, access points, and typical causes are different.
Who is responsible for the sewer lateral in New Jersey?
Responsibility for the lateral varies by municipality and utility. In many New Jersey towns the property owner is responsible for the lateral up to the connection with the public main, but you should confirm with your local municipality or sewer utility.
Will cleaning fix the problem permanently?
Cleaning removes the current blockage. If the cause is roots, a sag, or a broken pipe, the problem may recur until the underlying condition is addressed. A camera inspection can help identify whether a longer-term repair should be considered.
Need sewer cleaning help?
Describe what's happening and we'll route your request to an independent local provider when one is available for your area.