Sewer backup: what to do first, and how we tell it from a break
A clog can be cleared with a cable. A broken pipe cannot. When a line backs up again within days of cleaning, or a cable hits a hard stop at the same distance every time, we send a camera down the pipe to see the cause.
The video shows roots, a bellied section holding water, an offset joint, or a crushed section. We show it to you and explain what repair fits.
| What we see on camera | What it means | Typical repair |
|---|---|---|
| Roots at a joint | Open joint letting roots in | Clear, then repair or reline the joint |
| Bellied section | Soil settled under the pipe | Replace the low section |
| Offset joint | Pipe sections have shifted | Dig and realign, or reline if mild |
| Collapse or crush | Pipe failed structurally | Excavate and replace |
| Clear, round pipe | Blockage was the issue | Clean and monitor |
Dig or trenchless?
Open trench
- Works for almost any damage
- Lets us replace and regrade
- Disturbs landscaping or hardscape
- Often the choice for collapsed pipe
Trenchless
- Pipe bursting or lining with small access pits
- Less lawn and driveway damage
- Needs a pipe the method can pass through
- Not suited to every failure
Trenchless is not always possible, and we tell you plainly when it is not. A camera pass tells us. See sewer inspection for details on what we record.
Sewage backing up?
Stop using water and call. The sooner we see the line, the sooner you know the repair.
Who owns which part of the sewer
Central San states that the property owner is responsible for the entire private sewer lateral, from the house to the connection at the public main, including the part under the street. Service calls on the public main are handled by the district, and a lateral repair is handled by the owner.
Central San also states that it has permit authority and inspection jurisdiction for building sewer repairs in its service area, that exterior sewer work needs a district permit before any trenching or excavation, and that the contractor must be registered with the district. Inspections need 24 hours notice before work starts. We confirm those steps before opening the ground.
What a lateral repair involves
Camera and locate
We find the problem and mark the depth and location above ground.
Utility marking
Call 811 for underground utility marking before any digging.
Permit and plan
In the Central San service area, which includes Pleasant Hill, exterior sewer work needs its own Central San permit before any trenching, and the contractor must be registered with the district. We handle that and agree the scope with you.
Repair and test
We replace the damaged section, test it and restore the work area.
What affects sewer repair cost
Our price is clear before work starts. Factors:
A sewer backup endorsement may cover damage inside your home. Repair of the pipe is usually the owner's cost, and some policies cover service line repair as an add-on.
Want your real number? Describe the job on the call and we quote it before work starts.
Where we repair
We repair laterals in 94523, in nearby 94518 in Concord and in 94553 in Martinez. The Concord page has more about that area. For cleaning of lines without damage, see sewer line cleaning.
Repairs follow Central San's specifications in its service area, which include an Approved Materials List for replacement pipe, along with the California Plumbing Code, which is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Common questions
Yes. The line is answered 24/7. Stop using water, call, and we will book the earliest visit.
If every drain backs up and the cleanout is full, check the cleanout. If the main in the street is blocked, call Central San. We can help you tell the difference.
Often yes, depending on the agency. Ask Central San or the city building division, and we confirm the steps before work starts.
Sometimes. Trenchless methods work for certain damage. A camera shows whether yours qualifies.
Central San states that the owner is responsible for the lateral up to the public sewer, including the part under the street.
The pipe repair is usually the owner's cost, though some policies offer service line coverage. Interior backup damage may be covered with an endorsement.
Still have a question about your situation? Call (855) 575-2890 any hour and describe what you are seeing.