The Sewer Experts San Diego Homeowners Rely On
Choosing the right contractor makes all the difference in a job as involved as sewer excavation. Here’s why residents throughout San Diego turn to JG Water Heaters, Filtration and Plumbing when sewer problems strike:
- Local Experience: We understand the unique soil conditions, building codes, and infrastructure challenges that come with working in neighborhoods from East Lake to Del Mar. Our San Diego-based team brings years of local expertise to every job.
- Licensed, Bonded & Insured: Our crews are fully licensed and insured for excavation and plumbing work. You’re protected from start to finish.
- Transparent Pricing: We provide detailed, written estimates before work begins—no hidden fees, no upselling. Just honest, straightforward pricing.
- Fast Turnaround: We work quickly and efficiently to minimize downtime for your home or business. Many projects are completed in just 1–3 days, depending on complexity.
- Property Respect: We treat your property like our own. That means minimizing disruption, protecting your lawn and hardscape, and cleaning up thoroughly after the job is done.
Common Sewer Line Problems in San Diego
Understanding what causes sewer line failure can help you know when to call for help. Here are the most common issues we see locally:
Tree Root Infiltration
Mature landscaping is beautiful, but tree roots can wreak havoc underground. In many older San Diego neighborhoods, large trees line the streets, and their roots naturally seek out moisture. If your sewer line has even the smallest crack or joint, roots will find it and grow inside, eventually blocking or breaking the pipe.
Signs of root damage include:
- Frequent backups or slow drains, especially in multiple fixtures
- Gurgling sounds in toilets or drains
- Strong sewage odors outside or near drains
Root infiltration can be managed temporarily with sewer cleaning, but in most cases, permanent repair or replacement is needed, often through sewer excavation.
Aging Infrastructure
Many homes in San Diego were built decades ago and still rely on outdated sewer materials like clay, cast iron, or even Orangeburg (a type of compressed paper-based pipe used in the mid-20th century). These materials break down over time, crack under pressure, and are prone to collapse.
If your home is 40+ years old and you’ve never had your sewer line inspected, now is the time. Aging pipes can fail without warning, and sewer excavation may be the only solution if a full replacement is needed.
Earth Movement and Shifting Soil
San Diego is beautiful, but it's also geologically active. Areas near canyons, hillsides, or the coast often experience soil shifting, especially during rainy seasons or drought cycles. Even minor seismic activity can cause your underground pipes to shift, bend, or crack.
Shifting soil may lead to misaligned joints, sagging areas in the line where waste pools, or complete breakages. Sewer excavation may be needed to access and realign or replace damaged sections.
Grease, Waste, and Debris Buildup
Let’s face it—most of us have poured the wrong thing down the drain at some point. Over time, grease, non-flushable wipes, and debris can accumulate in the sewer line, forming stubborn clogs. While minor buildup can often be cleared with hydro jetting, long-term neglect can cause the pipe to crack under pressure or become permanently blocked.
Typical indicators of buildup include:
- Multiple slow drains throughout the home
- Overflowing toilets or frequent backups
- Nasty smells from kitchen or bathroom drains
In serious cases, especially when buildup has weakened the pipe walls, sewer excavation may be necessary to access and replace the damaged section.
Don’t Wait—Get It Fixed Before It Gets Worse
Sewer line damage doesn’t go away on its own. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of:
- Backups into your home
- Foundation damage
- Wasted water and higher bills
- Health risks from raw sewage exposure
The sooner you act, the less disruption (and cost) you’ll face in the long run.
We Dig Carefully, Communicate Clearly, and Respect Your Home
We get it—sewer excavation sounds messy and disruptive. And yes, there’s digging involved. But JG Water Heaters, Filtration and Plumbing works hard to minimize damage, maximize clarity, and restore your home’s plumbing system as quickly as possible.
Step 1: Inspection and Consultation
We use advanced camera technology to inspect the entire sewer line. Then we sit down with you to explain what we see and what your options are.
Step 2: Permits and Planning
If sewer excavation is needed, we handle all permitting and comply with local codes. We also mark out utility lines and work around landscaping as much as possible.
Step 3: Careful Excavation
Our crew uses precision digging methods to reach the damaged sewer line. We take care to protect your yard and surroundings during the process.
Step 4: Repair or Replacement
Depending on the situation, we either repair the broken section or replace the entire line. We use high-quality materials that meet or exceed local plumbing standards.
Step 5: Backfill and Cleanup
Once the work is complete, we backfill the area and clean up thoroughly. We’ll even help guide you on landscape restoration if needed.
Step 6: Final Inspection
We perform a final inspection to make sure everything’s up to code and your home’s sewer system is working perfectly.
