Sewer Repair in Las Vegas
Expert sewer line diagnostics, repair, and replacement for Las Vegas homes
Short answer: The Cooling Company provides professional sewer line repair throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and surrounding areas. Our licensed plumbers use camera inspections to pinpoint the exact problem, then offer the most effective repair method — including trenchless options that minimize disruption to your yard and landscaping. Call (702) 567-0707 or book online.
Sewer line problems are among the most serious plumbing issues a homeowner can face. A damaged or blocked sewer line affects every drain, toilet, and fixture in your home. Left unaddressed, sewer problems escalate from slow drains and unpleasant odors to raw sewage backups that cause extensive property damage and create health hazards.
Las Vegas sewer lines face unique challenges. The desert soil shifts and settles beneath aging pipes. Older neighborhoods were built with clay and Orangeburg pipes that deteriorate over decades. Tree roots seek out any crack or joint as a water source. And the extreme temperature swings — from scorching summers to freezing winter nights — put constant stress on underground pipe materials.
The Cooling Company's licensed plumbers diagnose sewer problems accurately using advanced camera technology, then recommend the most effective and least disruptive repair method for your specific situation. We offer both traditional excavation repair and modern trenchless techniques, giving you options that balance cost, durability, and property impact.
Sewer Line Diagnostics: Camera Inspection
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective sewer repair. Without seeing the inside of the pipe, any repair is essentially a guess. Our sewer camera inspections use a waterproof, high-definition camera attached to a flexible cable that feeds through your sewer line from the cleanout access point to the municipal connection.
The live video feed shows us exactly what is happening inside your sewer pipe — and exactly where. Our camera equipment includes a locating transmitter that allows us to pinpoint the depth and horizontal position of any problem, which is critical for planning excavation or trenchless repair.
What camera inspections reveal:
- Root intrusion — tree and shrub roots entering through joints or cracks
- Pipe cracks and fractures — hairline cracks, offset joints, or complete breaks
- Bellied pipes — low spots where the pipe has settled, creating pools where waste accumulates
- Corrosion and deterioration — pipe material breaking down from age, chemical exposure, or soil conditions
- Blockages — grease buildup, mineral scale, foreign objects, or collapsed sections
- Joint separation — gaps between pipe sections where soil has shifted
- Pipe material identification — determining whether you have PVC, ABS, cast iron, clay, or Orangeburg pipe
Sewer Repair Methods
Trenchless Sewer Repair (Pipe Lining / CIPP)
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining is a trenchless repair method that creates a new pipe inside your existing damaged pipe. A flexible liner coated with epoxy resin is inserted into the sewer line, inflated against the pipe walls, and cured with heat or UV light. The result is a seamless, jointless pipe-within-a-pipe that is rated for 50+ years.
Benefits of trenchless pipe lining:
- No excavation — preserves your yard, driveway, landscaping, and hardscaping
- Faster completion — most jobs finished in 1 day vs. 3-5 days for excavation
- Seamless, jointless repair — eliminates the joints where roots typically enter
- 50+ year lifespan on the liner
- Works on most pipe materials and sizes
Trenchless repair is ideal when the existing pipe is structurally intact enough to support the liner but has cracks, root intrusion, or joint issues. It is not suitable for completely collapsed pipes or pipes with severe bellying.
Trenchless Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting replaces the entire sewer line without a full-length trench. A bursting head is pulled through the old pipe, breaking it apart while simultaneously pulling a new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe into position behind it. This method requires only two small access pits — one at each end of the damaged section.
Pipe bursting is the right choice when:
- The existing pipe is too damaged for lining (collapsed or severely deteriorated)
- You want to upsize the pipe diameter for better flow capacity
- The pipe material is Orangeburg or severely corroded cast iron that cannot support a liner
Traditional Excavation Repair
In some cases, traditional open-trench repair is the most practical or cost-effective option. This involves excavating down to the damaged section of pipe, removing it, and replacing it with new PVC or ABS pipe. While more disruptive than trenchless methods, excavation is sometimes necessary when:
- The pipe has completely collapsed over a long section
- Multiple severe bellies require re-grading the pipe slope
- Access for trenchless equipment is not available
- The damaged section is short enough that excavation is more cost-effective
After excavation repair, we backfill with proper bedding material, compact the soil in layers, and restore the surface. We coordinate with concrete and landscaping contractors when driveway or yard restoration is needed.
Spot Repair
When camera inspection reveals damage limited to a small section (3-6 feet), a spot repair may be sufficient. This involves excavating only the damaged area, removing the broken section, and connecting new pipe with couplings. Spot repair is the most cost-effective option when the rest of the sewer line is in good condition.
Common Sewer Problems in Las Vegas
Las Vegas sewer lines face challenges that are specific to the desert Southwest. Understanding these issues helps you recognize warning signs early:
Shifting Desert Soil
Las Vegas is built on soil that ranges from loose sand to rock-hard caliche. Both present problems for sewer lines. Sandy soil can erode and shift under pipes, causing bellies and joint separation. Caliche — a calcium carbonate-ceite layer found throughout the valley — can shift during periods of heavy rain or construction vibration, cracking rigid pipe materials like clay and cast iron.
Older Pipe Materials
Homes built before the 1980s in Las Vegas often have clay or cast iron sewer lines. Homes from the 1960s and earlier may have Orangeburg pipe — a tar-impregnated cardboard pipe that was inexpensive but has a limited lifespan. These materials were not designed to last forever:
| Pipe Material | Common in Homes Built | Expected Lifespan | Common Problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orangeburg | 1940s – 1970s | 30 – 50 years | Deformation, collapse, deterioration |
| Clay | Pre-1970s | 50 – 75 years | Root intrusion at joints, cracking |
| Cast iron | Pre-1980s | 50 – 75 years | Corrosion, scale buildup, cracking |
| ABS plastic | 1970s – 1990s | 50 – 80 years | Joint failure, sun degradation (exposed) |
| PVC plastic | 1980s – present | 75 – 100+ years | Joint separation if soil shifts |
Root Intrusion
Even in the desert, tree roots aggressively seek water. Mesquite trees, common palms, oleanders, and mulberry trees send roots deep into the soil where they find sewer pipe joints and cracks. Once a root enters a pipe, it expands rapidly, catching debris and eventually blocking the line entirely. Root intrusion is the most common cause of sewer backups in established Las Vegas neighborhoods with mature landscaping.
Bellied Pipes
A bellied pipe is a section that has sunk below grade, creating a low spot where water and waste collect. Over time, solids accumulate in the belly, reducing flow and eventually causing backups. Bellied pipes are common in Las Vegas due to soil settlement, especially in areas where construction fill was used during development.
Signs You Need Sewer Repair
Sewer problems rarely appear overnight. Watch for these warning signs:
- Multiple slow drains — when more than one fixture drains slowly, the problem is likely in the main sewer line, not individual drains
- Gurgling sounds — toilets or drains that gurgle when other fixtures are in use indicate a venting or main line issue
- Sewage odors — persistent sewer smell inside or outside your home suggests a cracked pipe or dry trap
- Sewage backups — waste coming up through floor drains, showers, or toilets is a clear sign of a blocked or collapsed sewer line
- Wet spots in the yard — soggy areas or unusually green patches of grass above the sewer line path indicate a leaking pipe
- Foundation cracks or settling — a leaking sewer line can erode soil beneath your foundation, causing settlement and structural damage
- Pest problems — rats, cockroaches, and drain flies can enter your home through cracks in damaged sewer pipes
- Recurring clogs — if drain cleaning provides only temporary relief and clogs return within weeks, the underlying pipe likely has structural damage
Sewer Repair Cost in Las Vegas
Sewer repair costs vary significantly based on the repair method, length of damaged pipe, depth, and accessibility. Here are typical ranges for Las Vegas:
| Sewer Repair Service | Typical Cost Range | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Camera inspection | $150 – $400 | 30 – 60 min |
| Spot repair (3-6 ft section) | $1,500 – $3,500 | 1 day |
| Trenchless pipe lining (CIPP) | $4,000 – $9,000 | 1 day |
| Trenchless pipe bursting | $5,000 – $12,000 | 1 – 2 days |
| Traditional excavation repair | $3,000 – $10,000 | 2 – 5 days |
| Full sewer line replacement | $5,000 – $15,000+ | 2 – 5 days |
| Cleanout installation | $500 – $1,500 | 2 – 4 hours |
Prices include labor, materials, and standard permits. Actual cost depends on pipe depth, length of damaged section, accessibility, repair method, and whether surface restoration (concrete, landscaping) is needed. We provide detailed, upfront estimates after camera inspection.
Our Sewer Repair Process
- Initial assessment — we discuss your symptoms, history, and timeline to understand the likely scope of the problem
- Camera inspection — we run a high-definition sewer camera through the entire line, documenting every issue and marking the exact location and depth of each problem area
- Diagnosis and options — we show you the camera footage, explain what we found, and present repair options with clear pricing for each approach. We explain the pros and cons of trenchless vs. traditional methods for your specific situation.
- Permitting — sewer repairs in Clark County require permits. We handle all permitting and inspections as part of the project.
- Professional repair — our licensed plumbers perform the repair using the method you selected, with quality materials and manufacturer-specified techniques
- Post-repair camera verification — after the repair is complete, we run the camera through the line again to verify the repair quality and confirm the line is clear and properly sloped
- Surface restoration — for excavation repairs, we backfill properly, compact the soil, and restore the surface. We coordinate concrete and landscaping restoration as needed.
Service Areas
We provide sewer repair throughout the Las Vegas Valley, including:
- Las Vegas (all neighborhoods)
- Henderson
- North Las Vegas
- Summerlin
- Enterprise
- Spring Valley
- Green Valley
- Southern Highlands
- Mountains Edge
- Centennial Hills
- Anthem
- Boulder City
Related Services
- Plumbing Services — full residential plumbing repair, installation, and maintenance
- Drain Cleaning — professional drain clearing, hydro jetting, and camera inspections
- Leak Detection — electronic and camera-based leak locating for water and sewer lines
- Water Heater Services — repair, replacement, and installation
Schedule Your Service
Call (702) 567-0707 or Schedule Now for fast, reliable service from The Cooling Company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need sewer repair or just drain cleaning?
If a single drain is clogged and clears with professional drain cleaning, the problem was likely just a blockage. If multiple drains are slow, clogs return within a few weeks of cleaning, or you notice sewage odors, wet spots in the yard, or gurgling sounds, the sewer line itself likely has structural damage that requires repair. A camera inspection is the definitive way to determine whether you need cleaning or repair.
What is trenchless sewer repair?
Trenchless sewer repair is a method of fixing damaged sewer lines without digging a full-length trench across your yard. The two main techniques are pipe lining (CIPP), which creates a new pipe inside the old one using epoxy-coated liner, and pipe bursting, which breaks the old pipe apart while pulling new pipe into place. Both methods require only small access points rather than extensive excavation, preserving your yard, driveway, and landscaping.
How much does sewer repair cost in Las Vegas?
Sewer repair costs in Las Vegas range from $1,500 to $3,500 for a spot repair to $5,000 to $15,000+ for a full line replacement. Trenchless pipe lining typically costs $4,000 to $9,000. The exact cost depends on the repair method, pipe depth, length of damaged section, and accessibility. We provide detailed estimates after camera inspection, before any work begins.
How long does sewer repair take?
Trenchless repairs (pipe lining or pipe bursting) are typically completed in 1 day. Traditional excavation repairs take 2 to 5 days depending on the length of pipe being replaced, pipe depth, and whether concrete or landscaping needs to be removed and restored. Spot repairs are usually completed in 1 day. We provide a time estimate along with your cost estimate.
Is the homeowner or the city responsible for sewer line repair?
In Las Vegas and Clark County, the homeowner is responsible for the sewer line from the house to the property line or the connection point at the municipal main. The city or county maintains the main sewer line in the street. This means most sewer line problems — including root intrusion, pipe deterioration, and bellied sections — fall on the homeowner to repair. Some homeowner's insurance policies and home warranty plans may cover sewer line repair; check your policy for details.
What type of pipe do Las Vegas homes have?
It depends on when your home was built. Homes from the 1940s-1970s may have Orangeburg (tar paper) or clay pipes. Homes from the 1960s-1980s often have cast iron. Homes built after the 1980s typically have ABS or PVC plastic pipes, which last 75-100+ years. A camera inspection reveals your pipe material and condition, which directly affects repair options and cost.
Can tree roots really break sewer pipes?
Yes. Tree roots are the most common cause of sewer line damage in established Las Vegas neighborhoods. Roots do not need large openings — they enter through hairline cracks, joint gaps, or porous pipe materials. Once inside, they grow rapidly in the nutrient-rich environment, expanding until they crack the pipe further or create a complete blockage. Mesquite, palm, oleander, and mulberry trees are the most common offenders in Las Vegas. Trenchless pipe lining eliminates future root entry by creating a seamless, jointless interior surface.
Do sewer repairs require permits in Las Vegas?
Yes. Sewer line repairs and replacements in Clark County require plumbing permits and inspections to ensure the work meets building code requirements. We handle all permitting and inspection coordination as part of every sewer repair project, so you do not have to deal with the county building department yourself. The permit cost is included in our estimates.
Schedule Your Sewer Inspection
Sewer problems do not get better on their own — they get worse. If you are experiencing slow drains, recurring backups, sewage odors, or wet spots in your yard, a camera inspection is the fastest way to find the cause and evaluate your repair options. The Cooling Company provides expert sewer diagnostics and repair across the entire Las Vegas Valley.
Call (702) 567-0707 or Schedule Now.