Drain and sewer services clear grease-and-debris blockages, cut through root intrusions, and repair cracked or bellied wastewater lines before raw sewage backs up into living spaces. Bonded Plumbworks’ licensed plumbers locate obstructions using sewer cameras, then restore flow with hydro-jetting, mechanical augers, or trenchless repair — without unnecessary excavation. Drain and sewer calls account for nearly 40 percent of all residential plumbing service, making early diagnosis the fastest way to prevent escalating damage.
What Is Drain and Sewer Service
Drain and sewer service encompasses the inspection, cleaning, repair, and replacement of all pipes that carry wastewater away from a residential property. The drain system includes individual fixture drains, branch lines, and the main building drain. The sewer system begins at the property’s sewer cleanout and extends to the connection with the municipal sewer main.
Professional drain and sewer service uses specialized equipment — sewer cameras, hydro-jetting machines, and mechanical augers — to locate obstructions, assess pipe condition, and restore proper flow. The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) recommends annual sewer line inspections for homes older than 25 years, particularly those with cast iron or clay tile piping common construction. This service connects to broader plumbing disciplines including Sanitary sewer, Storm drain, and Sewerage, which Bonded Plumbworks addresses through our full range of residential services.
Drainage Fixture Units by Plumbing Fixture for Drain and Sewer Sizing
| Plumbing Fixture | DFU Value | Minimum Trap Size (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Water closet, private (1.6 gpf) | 3 | Per code |
| Water closet, public (1.6 gpf) | 4 | Per code |
| Water closet, public (>1.6 gpf) | 6 | Per code |
| Bathtub (with or without shower) | 2 | 1½ |
| Shower (5.7 gpm or less) | 2 | 1½ |
| Shower (5.7–12.3 gpm) | 3 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 | 1¼ |
| Kitchen sink, domestic | 2 | 1½ |
| Kitchen sink with disposal or dishwasher | 2 | 1½ |
| Dishwashing machine, domestic | 2 | 1½ |
| Laundry tray (1 or 2 compartments) | 2 | 1½ |
| [Floor drain](/glossary/floor-drain/) | 2 | 2 |
| Drinking fountain | ½ | 1¼ |
| Service sink | 2 | 1½ |
| Urinal (1 gallon per flush or less) | 2 | Per code |
| Urinal (standard) | 4 | Per code |
| Source: IPC 2024 Table 709.1 — Drainage Fixture Units by Plumbing Fixture | ||
Building Drain and Sewer Pipe Sizing by Fixture Load
| Pipe Diameter (inches) | Max DFU at ⅛" slope | Max DFU at ¼" slope | Max DFU at ½" slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1½ | — | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | — | 21 | 26 |
| 2½ | — | 24 | 31 |
| 3 | 36 | 42 | 50 |
| 4 | 180 | 216 | 250 |
| 5 | 390 | 480 | 575 |
| 6 | 700 | 840 | 1,000 |
| 8 | 1,600 | 1,920 | 2,300 |
| 10 | 2,900 | 3,500 | 4,200 |
| 12 | 4,600 | 5,600 | 6,700 |
| Source: IPC 2024 Table 710.1(1) — Building Drain and Sewer Pipe Sizing | |||
| Minimum 3" pipe required for any building drain serving a water closet. | |||
Signs You Need Drain and Sewer Service
- Multiple drains backing up simultaneously, indicating a main sewer line obstruction
- Gurgling sounds from toilets or floor drains when running water elsewhere in the home
- Sewage odors near floor drains, cleanouts, or in the yard above the sewer lateral
- Slow-draining sinks, showers, or bathtubs that persist after basic drain cleaning
- Water pooling in the yard above the sewer line, often with unusually green grass
- Foundation cracks or settling caused by a leaking sewer line eroding soil beneath the slab
- Recurring drain clogs that return within weeks of clearing
- Visible sewage backup through floor drains or toilet overflow during heavy rain
- Fruit flies or drain flies congregating near drains, indicating organic buildup
Our Drain and Sewer Process
Diagnostic Sewer Camera Inspection
Every drain and sewer project begins with a video camera inspection. Our technicians insert a waterproof, self-leveling RIDGID SeeSnake camera into the sewer line through a cleanout access point. The camera feeds real-time video to a monitor, revealing the exact location, depth, and nature of the problem — whether it is root intrusion, pipe collapse, bellied sections, or mineral scale buildup. We record the footage and provide a copy for your records. Drain and sewer inspection gives you a live view of the problem before any work starts. You review the findings and approve the quote before any repair begins.
Obstruction Removal and Drain Cleaning
For blockages, we select the appropriate clearing method based on the camera findings. Soft obstructions like grease and soap buildup respond to hydro-jetting, which blasts water at 3,000 to 4,000 PSI through a specialized nozzle. Hard obstructions and root masses require mechanical cutting with a General Wire Maxi-Rooter or similar drum-style cable machine. Routine clogs in branch lines are cleared with a handheld drain snake or closet auger.
Pipe Condition Assessment
After clearing the line, we re-inspect with the camera to assess underlying pipe condition. We look for pipe material degradation (common in cast iron and Orangeburg pipe), joint separation, bellied pipe sections where wastewater pools, and offset joints caused by ground shifting. This assessment determines whether cleaning alone is sufficient or if repair or replacement is necessary.
Repair and Rehabilitation
When pipes require structural repair, we use trenchless methods whenever possible. Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining inserts a resin-saturated liner into the damaged pipe and cures it in place, creating a new pipe within the old one. For severely collapsed sections, pipe bursting pulls a new HDPE pipe through the old pipe, fracturing the original line outward. Open excavation is reserved for cases where trenchless methods are not feasible due to access constraints or pipe geometry.
System Verification and Cleanup
After every repair, we perform a final camera inspection to verify proper flow, joint integrity, and slope. We confirm the system meets applicable state building codes minimum slope requirements — typically 1/4 inch per foot for pipes 3 inches and smaller, and 1/8 inch per foot for 4-inch and larger pipe. We clean the work area, restore any disturbed landscaping, and provide before-and-after video documentation.
Drain & Sewer Pricing
Drain and sewer services range from $150 for a single-fixture drain cleaning to $12,000 or more for trenchless sewer line replacement. Common price ranges include:
- Single drain clearing: $150 – $350
- Sewer camera inspection: $250 – $500
- Hydro-jetting (residential lateral): $350 – $600
- Trenchless sewer repair (CIPP lining): $3,000 – $8,000
- Full sewer line replacement: $5,000 – $12,000
Every drain and sewer estimate is based on camera inspection findings, so you know the exact scope and cost before any work begins. Call Bonded Plumbworks at (855) 557-9600 for a written quote.
Equipment and Materials
Our drain and sewer technicians carry manufacturer-grade equipment to every job. Diagnostic tools include RIDGID SeeSnake sewer cameras with self-leveling heads and digital recording. Cleaning equipment includes General Wire drain machines (Speedrooter, Maxi-Rooter, and Kinetic models) along with hydro-jetting units rated at 4,000 PSI. Trenchless rehabilitation uses NuFlow or Perma-Liner CIPP systems with epoxy-saturated felt liners. Pipe bursting equipment uses Spartan Tool or Hammerhead pneumatic bursting heads with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) replacement pipe. Repair materials include Schedule 40 PVC, ABS, and HDPE pipe rated to applicable state building codes specifications.
Approved Drain and Sewer Pipe Materials by Installation Location
| Material | Above-Ground (702.1) | Underground (702.2) | Building Sewer (702.3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC (Schedule 40, DR 22, DR 24) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS (Schedule 40, DR 22, DR 24) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cast iron (ASTM A888, CISPI 301) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Copper or copper-alloy (Type K, L, M, DWV) | Yes | Yes | Yes* |
| PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| [Stainless steel](/glossary/stainless-steel/) (Type 304, 316L) | Yes | Yes* | Yes (304, 316L) |
| Polyethylene (PE) profile wall | No | Yes | Yes |
| Concrete pipe | No | No | Yes |
| Vitrified clay pipe | No | No | Yes |
| Source: IPC 2024 Tables 702.1, 702.2, 702.3 — Approved Drain and Sewer Pipe Materials | |||
| * Copper building sewer limited to Type K or L. Stainless steel underground limited to 316L. | |||
Why Choose Bonded Plumbworks for Drain and Sewer
Bonded Plumbworks has served homeowners since 2006, building a reputation for thorough diagnostics and lasting repairs. Our plumbers hold active state plumbing licenses and carry manufacturer certifications for the trenchless rehabilitation systems we install. We maintain active membership in the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) and carry an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Every drain and sewer project includes video documentation, a written scope of work, and a warranty on parts and labor. We follow the applicable state building codes and IPC standards on every installation and repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does drain and sewer repair cost near me?
Drain cleaning for a single fixture typically costs between $150 and $350. Sewer line camera inspections range from $250 to $500. Trenchless sewer repair costs vary significantly based on pipe length, depth, and condition, generally ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 for a residential lateral. We provide written estimates after the camera inspection so you know the exact scope before any repair work begins.
How do I know if my sewer line needs replacement?
Recurring backups, multiple simultaneous drain problems, and visible sinkholes or settling above the sewer line are strong indicators. A camera inspection reveals the definitive answer — showing pipe material condition, joint integrity, slope, and any structural failures that cleaning cannot resolve.
Is drain and sewer repair worth the cost?
Drain and sewer repair prevents escalating damage that costs far more when left unaddressed. A $300 drain cleaning today can prevent a $5,000 sewer backup and water damage claim. Trenchless drain and sewer repair methods like CIPP lining restore pipe integrity without landscape destruction, delivering decades of service life from a single investment. Bonded Plumbworks backs every drain and sewer repair with a 90-day guarantee on drain and sewer work, so you have protection if the issue recurs.
What causes sewer gas smell in my house?
Sewer gas odors typically originate from dried P-traps in unused drains, cracked vent pipes in the attic or walls, failed wax rings at toilet bases, or damaged sewer pipe joints. Our technicians use smoke testing and camera inspection to pinpoint the exact source rather than guessing.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line repair?
Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover sewer line repair caused by normal wear, tree root intrusion, or aging pipe materials. Some policies cover sudden and accidental damage such as a burst pipe. We recommend reviewing your policy and considering a separate sewer line endorsement.
Schedule Today
Call Bonded Plumbworks at (855) 557-9600 to schedule a drain and sewer inspection or request emergency service. Our licensed plumbers provide same-day availability for urgent sewer backups and drain emergencies. Every drain and sewer service includes a 90-day guarantee on drain and sewer work, covering both parts and labor.
Bonded Plumbworks’ drain and sewer services are available across Florida — see all service locations.