Sewer line repair

Sewer line repair in Westminster, CO

Sewer line repair in Westminster: sewage backing up, drains slow all over the house or soggy ground in the yard? Stop using water and call (720) 861-8125 now to see if an independent plumber can reach your address.

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Close-up of large pipework at a construction site

Common problems

Warning signs of a sewer line problem

Sewer lines fail slowly. These signs show up before a complete backup.

Several drains back up together

When the washer drains and a bathtub fills or a toilet gurgles, the blockage is probably in the main line and not in one drain.

A drain that clogs again and again

Frequent clogs after clearing can mean roots, a crack or a sagging section of pipe.

Sewage smell in the house or yard

A persistent smell near the line or a wet spot over its path can mean a break in the pipe.

Soggy or unusually green patches

Wet ground or lush grass in a line across the yard can point to a leak in the sewer line.

Gurgling when water drains elsewhere

Air pushed through the line when you flush or drain water shows partial blockage.

Older home with its original line

Older homes can have older clay or cast iron pipe that cracks, shifts or collects roots.

Safe checks before you call

Stop using water. Hold off on the washer, dishwasher, showers and flushing until a plumber looks at the line. More water means more backup.
Find the cleanout. Many homes have a capped cleanout pipe near the foundation or in the yard. Knowing where it is saves time. Don't open it if sewage is under pressure.
Note which drains are affected. The lowest drains in the house usually show the problem first. Tell the plumber the pattern.

When to call a professional

Sewage is coming up in a tub, shower or floor drain.
More than one drain is slow or gurgling.
The ground over the sewer line is wet or sinking.
The same drain clogs again after you have cleared it.

Safety first: Sewage can carry germs. Keep children and pets away from backed-up water, avoid touching it, and do not use chemical drain cleaners on a sewer backup. Wash hands thoroughly if you come into contact.

Recognize the problem? Call to ask whether an independent plumber can reach your address.

Call (720) 861-8125

How a plumber typically diagnoses sewer line problems

Run a camera through the line to see the pipe, roots, cracks, bellies or collapses.
Locate the problem on the line and tell you whether it is on your side of the property or the city's.
Explain the options, such as cleaning, spot repair or replacement, and give you a written estimate. Underground work can need a permit.

What affects the cost of sewer line work

How long the section is, how deep it is and what is above it, such as a driveway, trees or landscaping.
The repair method: cleaning, patching a section, lining or replacing the line.
A permit and inspection for underground repairs.

This website doesn't set prices. Ask the plumber for a written estimate before you approve any work.

Local conditions

Who owns the sewer line in Westminster

Westminster's wastewater page says the city owns and operates the collection system and that the owner is responsible for the service line from the property to the point where it connects to the city main. If the problem is in the main, the city's wastewater collections team is the right call; if it is in the lateral, the city says to call a licensed plumber.

Westminster's Building Division lists repairing or replacing underground sewer or water lines as work that needs a permit. A plumber normally handles the permit, and the work is inspected. Tree roots, flushed wipes and grease are the city's list of common causes of sewer backups.

Repair or replace

Sewer line replacement in Westminster: the options a plumber may discuss

A camera inspection decides which of these is realistic for your line.

Spot repair

Digging down to fix one short failed section. Works when the rest of the line is sound.

Lining (trenchless)

A resin-coated liner is pulled through the old pipe and hardened in place. It can avoid digging up the yard when the pipe is still continuous.

Pipe bursting (trenchless)

A new pipe is pulled through as the old one is broken apart. It can suit a line that has collapsed in places but follows a straight path.

Open-trench replacement

Digging out and replacing the line. It is more disruptive but may be the practical option for badly damaged or offset pipe.

Trenchless methods are not possible on every line, and cost depends on length, depth and what is above the pipe. Ask for the camera video, the reason for the recommended method and a written scope. Westminster's Building Division requires a permit to repair or replace underground sewer or water lines, so ask who will pull it. For recurring clogs that may not yet need a dig, see drain cleaning, and for an urgent backup, emergency plumbing.

Decisions

Repair a section or replace the line?

A short damaged section can often be repaired by digging a small area. A line with damage in many places, or one that has failed more than once, may be better replaced. Some lines can be lined in place, which depends on the pipe and how bad the damage is.

Ask the plumber to show the camera footage, explain which option fits it and give the costs in writing. For a large job, consider getting a second estimate.

What to tell the plumber

Which drains back up, and whether it happens after laundry or showers.
The age of the house and whether the line has had work done.
Where the cleanout is, if you know, and what is above the line outside.

Discuss the diagnosis, pricing and timing directly with the plumber, and confirm their license and insurance before work begins.

Sewage coming up? Stop using water in the house, then call to ask whether an independent plumber can reach your address.

Call (720) 861-8125

Maintenance

Simple care that helps prevent repeat problems

Flush only toilet paper, and keep grease, wipes, rags and paper towels out of the drains.
Think about roots before planting trees near the sewer line.
Have a plumber camera the line if the house is older or a drain slows repeatedly.

Questions

Sewer Line Repair questions

Who is responsible for the sewer line in Westminster?

According to the city, the owner is responsible from the property to the point where the line meets the city main, and the city owns the main under the road.

Does sewer line work need a permit?

Westminster's Building Division lists repairing or replacing underground sewer or water lines as work that needs a permit. The plumber should tell you who pulls it.

What causes sewer backups?

Westminster lists tree roots, flushed wipes and other non-waste items, and grease as common causes.

How do I know whether the problem is in my line or the city's?

A plumber's camera can show where the blockage or damage is. If it is in the city main, the city wastewater collections team handles it.

What is trenchless sewer repair?

A way to repair or replace a sewer line with little digging, for example by lining the old pipe or pulling in a new one. It depends on the condition and path of your line, which a camera inspection shows.

How is a sewer line inspected?

A plumber feeds a small camera through a cleanout or fixture drain and records what it sees: roots, cracks, sags or a break. Ask to see the video and where on the line each problem is.

Where we take calls

Sewer Line Repair calls from across the north Denver metro area

Each local guide explains who handles permits and utilities there and what to check first.

Westminster area

North and east

West and north

Other services

Water dripping from the open end of a pipe

Sources and further reading

Wastewater — City of Westminster. Who owns the sewer main and the service line.
Residential wastewater questions — City of Westminster. Common causes of sewer backups and who to call.
Residential building permit requirements (PDF) — City of Westminster. Which plumbing work needs a permit in Westminster.
Plumbing permit and inspection information — Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations. Who can pull a plumbing permit and when inspections happen.

Need sewer line help? Call to get started.

One call tells you whether an independent local plumber can reach your address.

Call (720) 861-8125 Check your ZIP