Home > Services > Sewer Services > Sewer Line Repair
Expert Repair for Broken, Cracked & Damaged Sewer Pipes Throughout Lancaster, Circleville & Chillicothe
When your sewer line is damaged, time is critical. Drain Bros specializes in professional sewer line repair throughout Central Ohio, addressing everything from minor cracks to complete pipe failures. As part of our comprehensive sewer services, we provide fast, effective repairs that restore your system’s function and protect your property from further damage.
Our experienced technicians use advanced HD camera inspection technology to accurately diagnose the exact location and extent of damage. This precision allows us to recommend the most cost-effective repair method—whether that’s targeted spot repairs, trenchless pipe lining, or traditional excavation—and complete the work efficiently with minimal disruption to your property.
Serving homeowners and businesses in Lancaster, Circleville, Chillicothe, and throughout Fairfield, Pickaway, and Ross Counties, we’re available 24/7 for emergency sewer repair when you can’t wait. Every repair is backed by our comprehensive warranty and completed by licensed, insured professionals.
Our team has extensive experience repairing all types of sewer line damage. Here are the most common issues we address:
Complete pipe breaks are serious emergencies that require immediate attention. These typically result from soil shifting, ground settling, heavy surface loads (vehicles or construction), or extreme freezing conditions. When a pipe breaks completely, sewage can’t flow properly, leading to backups in your home and potential contamination of surrounding soil.
Our Repair Approach:
We perform emergency camera inspection to confirm the break location and extent. For isolated breaks, we excavate precisely at the damage point, remove the broken section, and install new piping with proper couplings. The repair is tested thoroughly before backfilling. In cases where multiple breaks exist or the surrounding pipe is deteriorated, we may recommend complete line replacement as the more cost-effective long-term solution.
Cracks and fractures develop gradually from ground movement, root pressure, or pipe aging. While not as dramatic as complete breaks, cracks allow sewage to leak into surrounding soil and let groundwater infiltrate your sewer system. Left unaddressed, small cracks expand over time and can lead to complete pipe failure.
Our Repair Approach:
We use camera inspection to assess crack severity and length. For minor cracks in otherwise sound pipes, trenchless pipe lining provides an excellent solution—we insert a resin-soaked liner that cures in place, creating a new pipe within the old one. For more extensive cracking or if the pipe has structural instability, we perform targeted excavation to replace the damaged section. Our technicians evaluate surrounding pipe condition to prevent future problems in adjacent areas.
Tree and shrub roots seek water sources and can penetrate sewer lines through joints, cracks, or porous pipe materials. Once inside, roots grow rapidly, creating stubborn blockages and causing significant structural damage. This is especially problematic with older clay tile or cast iron pipes that have multiple joints where roots can enter.
Our Repair Approach:
Root repair involves multiple steps. First, we use specialized cutting equipment to remove roots from inside the pipe. We follow this with hydro jetting to clear remaining debris and thoroughly clean pipe walls. Camera inspection then reveals the entry points and pipe damage extent. We seal entry points through spot repairs or pipe lining, and in severe cases where roots have compromised pipe integrity, we replace the affected sections with root-resistant PVC. We also provide guidance on tree management to prevent recurrence.
A collapsed sewer line is a complete pipe failure where the line caves in, creating a total blockage. This catastrophic failure can result from severe soil pressure, decades of deterioration, nearby excavation damage, or in older systems, the natural failure of obsolete pipe materials like Orangeburg or clay. Collapsed lines require immediate professional intervention.
Our Repair Approach:
Collapsed lines typically require excavation for repair or replacement. We locate the collapse precisely with camera equipment, then excavate to access the damaged area. Depending on the collapse extent and condition of surrounding pipe, we either replace just the collapsed section or recommend replacing a larger portion to prevent future problems. Our excavation team works efficiently to minimize property disruption, and we handle all restoration including proper backfilling, compaction, and surface repair.
Metal pipes—particularly cast iron and galvanized steel common in older homes—eventually corrode from continuous exposure to sewage and moisture. Corrosion weakens pipe walls, creates rough interior surfaces that catch debris, and leads to leaks or collapse. Heavily corroded pipes may have a short remaining service life even after spot repairs.
Our Repair Approach:
After camera inspection reveals corrosion extent, we assess whether the problem is localized or widespread. For isolated corrosion with sound pipe elsewhere, we replace the corroded section. However, if corrosion is extensive throughout the line, we typically recommend complete line replacement with modern PVC or ABS materials. This provides a long-term solution and prevents recurring problems as other sections fail. We provide honest assessment and help you understand the most cost-effective approach.
Older sewer lines made of clay tile or concrete sections connect through joints that can separate over time. Ground movement, settling, or root intrusion can push sections apart, creating gaps where sewage leaks out and groundwater or soil enters. Multiple separated joints often indicate broader system problems.
Our Repair Approach:
Joint repairs depend on separation severity and pipe material condition. For minor separations in otherwise sound pipes, trenchless lining can span and seal the joints without excavation. For significant separations or if surrounding pipe is deteriorated, we excavate to properly reconnect or replace sections. When we find multiple separated joints during inspection, we evaluate whether targeted repairs or broader replacement provides better long-term value.
Drain Bros offers multiple repair approaches, allowing us to select the most effective, economical solution for your specific situation.
When damage is confined to a specific section and the rest of your sewer line is in good condition, spot repair offers an ideal solution. This targeted approach minimizes cost and property disruption while effectively resolving the problem.
How It Works:
Using precise camera location data, we excavate only at the damage site—typically a 3-10 foot section depending on the problem extent. We remove the damaged pipe segment and install new piping using appropriate couplings and fittings. The new section is aligned and secured properly, then we test the repair before backfilling.
Best For:
Isolated breaks or collapses
Localized root damage
Single cracked sections
Joint separations in otherwise sound lines
Shallow lines with easy access
Advantages:
Lower cost than full replacement, faster completion time, minimal property disruption, and highly effective when damage is truly localized. This method works with any pipe material and allows us to upgrade to modern materials at the repair point.
Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining is a no-dig repair technology that creates a new pipe inside your existing line. This method repairs cracks, seals joints, and reinforces deteriorated pipes without excavation.
How It Works:
We clean your sewer line thoroughly using hydro jetting, then insert a flexible liner saturated with epoxy resin. The liner is inflated to press against the existing pipe walls and held in place while the resin cures (typically 2-4 hours). Once cured, the liner forms a smooth, jointless pipe within the old one. We access the line through existing cleanouts or small access points.
Best For:
Â
Advantages:
Minimal property disruption, faster completion, no restoration costs, creates smooth interior surface that resists future buildup, and provides 50+ year lifespan. Ideal when you want to avoid excavation in finished landscaping or hardscaping.
Limitations:
Not suitable for completely collapsed pipes, severe line offset, or heavily deteriorated pipes lacking structural support. Requires relatively straight line sections for liner installation. Slightly reduces pipe interior diameter.
Sometimes traditional excavation is the most practical, effective, or economical approach—particularly for severe damage, deeply buried lines, or situations requiring pipe regrading.
How It Works:
We excavate a trench to expose the damaged sewer line section, working carefully to protect surrounding utilities and structures. The damaged pipe is removed and replaced with new material—typically PVC or ABS—properly graded and connected. We test the repair thoroughly, then backfill with appropriate materials in lifts, compacting each layer to prevent future settling.
Best For:
Advantages:
Allows complete pipe replacement with proper materials, enables grade correction, provides opportunity to reroute problematic sections, and gives access to address surrounding issues. Our experienced excavation team works efficiently and restores your property properly. Sometimes this traditional method is actually more cost-effective than trenchless alternatives.
Pipe bursting offers a trenchless replacement alternative for lines that are too damaged for lining but where full-length excavation should be avoided.
How It Works:
We excavate small entry and exit pits at the line ends. A bursting head is pulled through the old pipe, fragmenting it outward while simultaneously pulling new pipe into place behind it. This replaces the entire line without trenching its full length.
Â
Advantages:
Reduced excavation compared to traditional replacement, ability to upsize pipe diameter, complete line replacement with new materials, and faster completion than full excavation. However, this method requires more access space than lining and costs more than spot repairs.
Our approach is always diagnostic-first. We perform thorough camera inspection to assess your specific situation, then present options with honest pros, cons, and costs for each approach. We consider factors including damage type and extent, pipe depth and location, property access, your budget, and long-term reliability. We never push unnecessary upgrades but do recommend solutions that provide the best value over time.
Recognizing sewer line damage early can prevent emergencies and reduce repair costs. Contact us if you notice any of these warning signs:
The most obvious sign of severe sewer line damage is sewage backing up through drains, toilets, or floor drains. This typically indicates a complete blockage or collapse that prevents proper drainage. Backups are emergencies requiring immediate professional attention to prevent health hazards and property damage.
Sewage smells indoors or near your sewer line path indicate gases escaping through cracks or breaks. These odors might be constant or come and go depending on system use. Don't ignore sewage odors—they signal damage requiring repair and can pose health risks.
When multiple fixtures drain slowly simultaneously—especially lower-level fixtures—it suggests main sewer line obstruction or damage rather than individual drain clogs. This often precedes complete backups and warrants prompt inspection and repair.
Wet, soggy areas in your yard that persist even during dry weather can indicate underground sewer leaks. You might notice these as consistently damp patches, muddy areas, or sections that stay soft underfoot. These leaks waste water and can cause property damage.
If you notice linear patches of grass that are significantly greener or grow faster than surrounding lawn, especially following your sewer line path, it often indicates leaking sewage acting as fertilizer. This is a clear sign of line damage requiring repair.
Significant sewer leaks can erode soil around and under your foundation, leading to cracks, settlement, or other structural issues. If you observe foundation problems alongside other sewer symptoms, comprehensive inspection is essential.
Broken sewer lines create pathways for insects and rodents to enter your property. If you're experiencing unexplained pest problems, particularly sewer flies or rats, damaged sewer lines could be providing access.
While sewer leaks don't directly affect water usage, if your leak allows groundwater to infiltrate your system, your sewage treatment costs may increase. Combined with other signs, elevated bills warrant investigation.
Don't Wait for These Signs to Worsen
Early intervention prevents emergencies and reduces repair costs. If you're experiencing any warning signs, call (740) 327-8775 for professional inspection today.
Our systematic approach ensures quality repairs and keeps you informed every step of the way.
Every repair begins with thorough diagnosis. We perform professional HD camera inspection of your entire sewer line, not just the obvious problem area. This inspection reveals the exact damage location, identifies the underlying cause, assesses overall pipe condition, and uncovers any additional issues that could cause future problems.
Our inspection includes high-definition video recording with precise depth and location tracking. You receive a copy of the video and a detailed written report explaining our findings. This diagnostic step is crucial—it prevents guesswork and ensures we address the actual problem, not just symptoms.
Based on inspection findings, we evaluate which repair approach best suits your situation. We consider damage type and extent, pipe material and condition, depth and accessibility, your property characteristics, and budget constraints.
We present you with options—typically 2-3 viable approaches—explaining each method's process, timeline, cost, and long-term effectiveness. You receive written estimates detailing all costs including materials, labor, permits, and property restoration. We never pressure quick decisions; take time to review and ask questions.
Once you approve the approach, we schedule your repair at your convenience. Our crew arrives with all necessary equipment and materials. We protect your property with appropriate barriers and coverings, clearly mark all work areas, and maintain safe, organized work zones.
Throughout the repair, we keep you updated on progress and any findings that affect the work. If we encounter unexpected conditions, we discuss options before proceeding. Our focus is on completing repairs correctly and efficiently while treating your property with respect.
For excavation work, our experienced excavation team works carefully around utilities and structures. For trenchless repairs, we ensure proper access and equipment setup. Every repair method is executed by trained technicians following industry best practices.
We never consider a job complete without thorough testing. For sewer line repairs, this includes flow testing to verify proper drainage, follow-up camera inspection to confirm repair quality, pressure testing when appropriate, and verification of all connections.
For excavation repairs, we properly backfill in compacted lifts to prevent future settling, restore surface materials or coordinate with your landscaper, and clean up thoroughly. You receive warranty documentation, copies of permits and inspections, and maintenance recommendations.
Our warranty covers both workmanship and materials, and we stand behind every repair. If any issue arises with our work, we return to make it right at no additional charge.
One of the most common questions we receive is whether to repair or replace. The answer depends on several factors we evaluate during inspection.
Repair makes sense when damage is isolated to one or two locations, the rest of the line is in good condition, the pipe material is suitable and not obsolete, repair costs are reasonable relative to replacement, and you want to minimize property disruption.
Repairs are often completed in 1-2 days with minimal excavation. For appropriate situations, they provide excellent long-term results at reasonable cost. We back all repairs with comprehensive warranty.
Complete sewer line replacement becomes the better option when pipes show extensive deterioration throughout, you have multiple problem locations along the line, pipe material is obsolete or near end of service life, repeated repairs have been necessary, or the line has improper grading causing chronic problems.
While replacement costs more initially, it provides a complete long-term solution with modern materials, eliminates recurring problems, and comes with comprehensive warranty. Sometimes replacement is actually more economical than multiple repairs over several years.
Repair costs typically range from $1,500-$5,000 depending on damage location, depth, access, and method selected. Trenchless repairs often cost more than excavation-based spot repairs but eliminate restoration costs.
Complete replacement typically costs $3,000-$10,000+ depending on line length, depth, access, permit requirements, and property restoration needs. While more expensive upfront, replacement provides decades of trouble-free service.
Our Honest Assessment: We provide straightforward guidance on which approach makes financial sense for your situation. If your pipe is near end of life and showing multiple issues, we’ll recommend replacement even though repair would cost less immediately. Our goal is your long-term satisfaction, not maximizing project cost.
Several variables influence sewer line repair costs. Understanding these helps you interpret estimates and make informed decisions.
Deeper lines require more excavation, increasing labor and equipment costs. Lines under driveways, patios, or structures cost more to access and restore than those in open yard areas. Urban properties with limited access may require hand digging or special equipment. As a general rule, repairs requiring excavation deeper than 6 feet increase costs significantly.
Different methods have different cost structures. Spot repairs with excavation typically cost $1,500-$3,000. Trenchless pipe lining ranges from $2,500-$5,000+ depending on length. Traditional excavation for longer sections or pipe bursting costs more but may be more economical than alternatives in some situations. We provide detailed estimates for each viable method.
Most municipalities require permits for sewer work, with costs typically ranging from $50-$300 depending on location and project scope. Some areas also require inspections before backfilling. We handle all permit acquisition and coordinate inspections as part of our service. Permit costs and processing times are factored into our estimates and timelines.
Obviously, more extensive damage costs more to repair. A single break is less expensive than multiple separated joints or long cracked sections. During camera inspection, we identify all damage and provide estimates accordingly. Sometimes what appears as one problem reveals additional issues upon inspection.
While we don't inflate prices for after-hours service, emergency situations sometimes require immediate action with overtime labor. Planned, scheduled repairs allow us to optimize crew allocation and sometimes reduce costs. However, waiting too long and allowing damage to worsen often increases eventual repair costs significantly.
Drain Bros provides expert sewer line repair throughout Central Ohio. Our local presence ensures fast response and knowledge of area-specific considerations.
Lancaster’s mix of historic homes with older sewer systems and modern developments requires versatile repair expertise. Our Fairfield County team has deep experience with the clay tile and cast iron systems common in older Lancaster neighborhoods, as well as modern PVC installations in newer areas. We understand local soil conditions—the mix of clay and rocky terrain that affects excavation—and maintain strong relationships with Lancaster building officials for smooth permit processing.
Lancaster homeowners trust us for prompt, professional sewer line repair in Lancaster, OH. We maintain emergency service vehicles in the area for rapid response to urgent situations.
Circleville’s historic downtown and growing suburban areas present unique repair challenges. Our Pickaway County team knows the aging infrastructure common in older Circleville properties and has extensive experience with repairs in tight urban settings where access can be limited. We’re familiar with Circleville’s utility layouts and work carefully around existing infrastructure.
Whether you need routine repairs or emergency service, count on our Circleville sewer line repair services for reliable, professional solutions with minimal property disruption.
Chillicothe’s diverse landscape—from historic downtown properties to rural homes with longer sewer runs—requires adaptable repair approaches. Our Ross County team has experience with all scenarios, from urban repairs requiring careful excavation in confined spaces to rural properties with deep lines and challenging terrain. We understand seasonal considerations affecting ground conditions in the Chillicothe area.
Trust our professional sewer repair in Chillicothe for expert diagnosis, multiple repair options, and quality workmanship backed by warranty.
Beyond Our Primary Markets:
While Lancaster, Circleville, and Chillicothe are our primary service areas, we provide sewer line repair throughout Fairfield, Pickaway, and Ross Counties. Contact us to confirm availability for your specific location.
Our HD camera inspection systems provide crystal-clear views of your sewer line interior with precise location tracking. This technology eliminates guesswork, ensuring we repair the actual problem. We invest continuously in the latest diagnostic equipment because accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective repair.
Unlike companies that specialize in just one method, we offer trenchless, traditional excavation, and hybrid approaches. This versatility means we can truly recommend what's best for your situation rather than forcing one-size-fits-all solutions. We present options with honest pros and cons for each approach.
Every member of our repair team holds current Ohio plumbing licenses and receives ongoing training in the latest repair technologies. Our technicians average 15+ years of experience with all types of sewer systems and pipe materials. We maintain comprehensive insurance protecting you and your property.
We stand behind our work with industry-leading warranties covering both labor and materials. Our warranty terms are clearly explained before work begins—no fine print surprises. If any issue arises with our repair, we return to make it right at no additional charge. This warranty commitment reflects our confidence in our work quality.
As a full-service plumbing and excavation company, we handle all aspects of sewer repair in-house. Whether your project requires excavation work, drainage system adjustments, or coordination with other services, we manage everything seamlessly without subcontractors. This integration saves time and ensures quality control.
Sewer emergencies don't wait for business hours. We provide 24/7 emergency sewer repair with rapid response throughout our service area. When you call with an urgent situation, we dispatch immediately—not tomorrow or next week. Emergency pricing is transparent without inflated after-hours rates.
While some sewer damage is unavoidable, proactive maintenance can prevent many problems and extend your system’s lifespan.
Periodic camera inspections identify developing problems before they cause emergencies. We recommend inspection every 2-3 years for older systems, every 3-5 years for properties with trees near sewer lines, and after any warning signs appear. Early detection of cracks, root intrusions, or deterioration allows planned repairs rather than emergency situations.
Regular main line sewer cleaning removes buildup before it causes blockages and clears minor root intrusions before they cause damage. Hydro jetting also helps identify developing cracks or weak spots that warrant closer inspection. We recommend cleaning every 18-24 months for most residential systems, more frequently for properties prone to root problems.
If you have trees near your sewer line, consider regular root treatment or physical barriers to prevent intrusion. Remove or trim trees with aggressive root systems near your line. When planting new trees, locate them away from sewer paths. We can help you identify which trees pose the greatest risk to your specific system.
Never flush anything except human waste and toilet paper—no wipes (even “flushable” ones), feminine products, paper towels, or debris. Avoid pouring grease or cooking oil down drains as these congeal and build up. Proper disposal practices reduce stress on your system and prevent many blockages that can lead to pipe damage from excessive pressure.
Sewer line repair costs vary based on damage extent, repair method, and location factors. Typical ranges include:
The most accurate approach is professional camera inspection first ($250-$400), which provides exact diagnosis and allows precise cost estimates. Factors affecting cost include pipe depth, access difficulty, repair method, permit requirements, and property restoration needs.
Repair duration depends on damage extent and method selected:
Timelines include permit processing (1-3 days in most areas), actual repair work, testing and verification, and property restoration. We provide specific timeframes in your estimate and keep you informed of progress. Most repairs cause minimal disruption to your daily routine.
We minimize property impact through precise camera location and careful work practices. For excavation repairs, we dig only where necessary based on exact damage location. We protect surrounding landscaping with barriers, save and replace sod when possible, and properly restore all work areas.
Trenchless repairs dramatically reduce surface disruption—typically requiring only small access points rather than full trenches. Property restoration is included in our estimates so you know total costs upfront. We coordinate with your landscaper if you prefer professional restoration of ornamental areas.
While grass may take one season to fully recover from excavation, we ensure proper site restoration including backfilling, grading, and surface repair or replacement.
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency sewer line repair throughout Lancaster, Circleville, Chillicothe, and surrounding areas. When you call with an emergency, we dispatch immediately—not tomorrow or “when we have an opening.”
Our emergency response includes arriving with fully-equipped trucks, assessing the situation quickly, stopping the immediate problem, and preventing further damage. We stabilize urgent situations fast, then work with you to schedule permanent repairs at your convenience.
Emergency service pricing is transparent—we don’t inflate rates for after-hours calls. You receive the same straightforward pricing and quality workmanship as regular service.
We back all sewer line repairs with comprehensive warranties covering both workmanship and materials. Specific warranty terms depend on repair type:
We explain warranty terms clearly before work begins and provide documentation upon completion. If any issue arises with our repair during the warranty period, we return to make it right at no additional charge. Our warranty reflects our confidence in our work quality and commitment to your long-term satisfaction.
If we repair without addressing root entry points, roots can return. That’s why our repair process includes sealing entry points through spot repairs, pipe lining, or section replacement with root-resistant materials.
For properties with persistent root issues, we recommend:
We provide honest assessment of recurrence likelihood and recommendations for long-term prevention based on your specific situation.
Sewer line emergencies require immediate professional response. Don’t wait—call Drain Bros now for rapid emergency service throughout Central Ohio.
Learn more about our 24/7 emergency sewer repair services.
Don’t let sewer line damage worsen—contact Drain Bros for professional diagnosis and repair throughout Central Ohio.
Available 24/7 for emergencies. Regular service hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Start with professional camera inspection to accurately diagnose your issue and receive detailed repair estimates.
Fill out our service request form and we'll contact you within 2 hours during business hours.