Phoenix metro
Sewer Line Repair in Phoenix, AZ
Several drains backing up or a sewer smell outside? Tell us what's going on and we'll try to connect you with an independent plumber who inspects and repairs sewer lines.
Signs of a sewer line problem
See your symptom here? Get matched and a plumber can confirm the cause.
Several drains back up at once
Tubs, showers and toilets together point to the main line.
A sewer smell inside or outside
A steady odor near drains or the cleanout can mean a cracked line.
A soggy or extra-green patch in the yard
A buried line is leaking wastewater.
Before you get matched
Treat it as urgent if
- Sewage is backing up in several drains or toilets
- A strong sewer smell indoors, or wet ground over the line
Have ready
- Which drains are affected
- Where your cleanout is, if you know
- Whether running water or flushing makes it worse
Which part of the sewer line is yours in Phoenix?
Per the City of Phoenix, owners maintain the sewer line from the house to the city main. Under City Code Section 28-5, the city repairs only broken service lines in the public right of way.
Residential cleanouts are generally private. For sewage overflowing from a city manhole, call the hotline below.
Official lines
- Water Services emergency hotline
- 602-261-8000The city's all-hours line for main breaks and sewer overflows.
Sources (checked October 2026): General Service Issues · Water Services FAQs · Contact the Water Services Department
Repair options
The plumber looks at your unit and explains which fits. We don't recommend one or quote prices.
How a plumber finds the problem
The tools a plumber may use, in plain words. They choose the method and explain what they find.
- Camera inspectionA camera through the cleanout shows roots, cracks, sags or a collapse, and a locator marks the spot and depth.
- Clearing the line firstA blocked line gets cleared so the camera can see the pipe.
Ask before they start
Ask the plumber which test they plan to use, what it shows, and how the result will be shared with you before any repair is quoted.
Sewer line help across the Valley
Pick your city to see local plumbing notes, or just fill in the form.
Sewer line questions
Quick answers before you get matched.
Is trenchless sewer repair always an option?
No. It depends on the pipe's condition, size and layout; a collapsed or badly sagging line needs digging. The camera inspection settles it, so ask to see the footage.
Roots were cleared from my line. Will they come back?
Yes, unless the crack is fixed. Clearing removes the roots, not the opening they came through. If they return, ask whether a spot repair or lining would close it for good.
I smell sewer gas, but nothing is backing up. What is it?
Common causes: a dry trap in a rarely used drain, a loose toilet seal, a vent problem or a cracked line. Run water in unused drains first. Smell still there? Get matched.
Is a broken sewer line covered by homeowner's insurance?
It depends on your policy; some exclude sewer-line damage or cover only part. Check your policy and any service-line warranty before work starts, and keep the camera footage.
Sewage backing up or smelling? Get matched.
Tell us which drains are backing up and we'll try to connect you with an independent plumber who can inspect the line. You decide whether to hire them.