Professional Sewer Line Inspection, Repair & Replacement in Montgomery, IL
The sewer line often goes unnoticed until it causes serious issues, and I've witnessed too many cases where slow drains were brushed off until a major backup filled a basement with sewage. That’s a costly problem that could have been avoided with early detection. Fortunately, most sewer troubles give off signs before a full failure, but many homeowners aren’t sure what to watch for.
When you reach out to us at 331-216-0396, our first step is always a video camera inspection. We refuse to guess about pipe conditions—what we see inside the pipes guides every decision. It could be that roots need cutting and the line hydro-jetted, or a collapsed clay tile section calls for replacement. Sometimes, the line looks solid, and we can tell you that confidently. We’ll show you the footage on-site so you know exactly what’s going on.
Our services cover a full range: drain cleaning, camera inspections, spot repairs, trenchless lining, pipe bursting, and full pipe digs and replacements. If sewage is backing up right now, we’re available 24/7 for emergencies. We give you a clear price before any work starts—no surprises.
Our Sewer Line Services
Sewer Camera Inspection
We insert a waterproof high-res camera into your sewer line via a cleanout or removed toilet to get a live look inside. This reveals root intrusion, cracks, separated joints, sags, grease clogs, collapsed pipe segments, or foreign objects. This diagnostic step is crucial—without it, you're just guessing.
We record the entire inspection and review it together on site. If there’s an issue, you see exactly where it is. Even if the pipe looks good, we’ll confirm that for you. If you’re buying an older home in Montgomery, we highly recommend this inspection since sewer laterals usually aren’t checked in a standard home inspection. Recurring clogs? We include camera work with our drain cleaning service as well.
Trenchless Sewer Repair (CIPP Pipe Lining)
Using cured-in-place pipe lining, we install a tough epoxy liner inside your existing sewer pipe without digging up your yard. The liner inflates to form a new, smooth pipe inside the old one and is cured with heat or UV light. This creates a corrosion-resistant, watertight pipe that lasts 50+ years and keeps roots out.
This method is ideal when your pipe has cracks or root intrusion but still holds its shape. It saves your landscaping, driveway, and sidewalks from disruption. For many Montgomery homes with clay or cast iron pipes, this is a less invasive and often more affordable option than full trenching.
Pipe Bursting (Trenchless Replacement)
If trenchless lining won’t work because the pipe is too damaged, pipe bursting offers a less invasive alternative to full digging. A bursting device breaks up the old pipe underground while pulling a brand-new HDPE pipe into place behind it. This is done through only two small access holes, no long trenches.
Pipe bursting suits typical Illinois soils well and handles most residential pipe lengths. Some extremely uneven or sagging pipes may still need traditional excavation, but when possible, pipe bursting cuts down on excavation time and yard disruption.
Conventional Sewer Line Excavation & Replacement
Occasionally, a pipe is too far gone—collapsed, severely sagging, or deteriorated beyond trenchless repair. In these cases, we dig down, remove the damaged section, and install new schedule 40 PVC with the proper grade and bedding. Afterward, we carefully backfill and compact, and restore the surface as close to original as possible. We handle permits and inspections for a stress-free process.
Before recommending excavation, we always evaluate if trenchless repair is feasible. It’s less invasive and faster but not always an option. When we do excavate, it’s a good chance to inspect your water service line as both run underground near each other.
Root Removal & Prevention
Tree roots cause more sewer issues than anything else around here. They sneak into joint openings and cracks in old clay tile, cast iron, or other pipes and grow into thick masses that block flow. We use mechanical cutting tools to chop roots and follow with hydro jetting to wash the line clean. But cutting roots isn’t a permanent fix unless we also seal entry points with lining or replace the pipe. If root damage has also affected your internal drain pipes, we coordinate those repairs as well.
Sewer Lines in Montgomery, IL — What Our Camera Finds
The sewer pipes in Montgomery often reflect the era of neighborhood development. Many homes built from the 1950s through early 1970s feature clay tile laterals with bell-and-spigot joints. These joints are prime spots for root intrusion, especially given Illinois’ clay soils that expand and contract with freeze-thaw cycles, causing gaps over time. If your home predates 1975, root intrusion or joint separation is a likely issue to watch for.
Homes from the 1970s and 80s often used cast iron pipes inside with clay or early PVC laterals underground. Cast iron tends to corrode from inside out and can accumulate buildup that slows drainage. If your 1980s split level or ranch house has drains that slowly clog across the home, corrosion could be the cause.
Trees like willow, oak, silver maple, and cottonwood, common here in Illinois suburbs, aggressively seek moisture. If one of these giants stands within 30 feet of your lateral line, especially in your yard, a camera inspection is smart before you run into backups.
Warning Signs of Sewer Line Issues
- Several drains clogging or slowing simultaneously
- Toilets making gurgling noises when water runs elsewhere
- Foul sewage smell in your basement or yard
- Bright green, unusually healthy grass patches along the sewer path
- Sunken or soggy spots in your lawn near the sewer line
- Water backing up out of basement floor drains
- Rodents gaining access through broken sewer pipes
- Recurring backups of the main sewer line even after cleaning
Sewer Pipe Types by Home Age
Pre-1970 homes in Montgomery: Clay tile (terracotta) — vulnerable to roots at joints, often over 60 years old
1950s–1970s: Orangeburg (tar paper pipe) — prone to compression and collapse; replacement is urgent if present
1970s–1980s: Cast iron inside with clay or early PVC laterals — watch cast iron for corrosion and buildup
Post-1985: Schedule 40 PVC — smooth, corrosion-resistant, and built to last the longest
Frequently Asked Questions About Sewer Lines
If you have multiple drains clogging at once, hear gurgling sounds from your toilets, notice sewage odors in your basement or yard, see unusually green patches of grass over the sewer line, or notice wet or sunken spots in your lawn, those are red flags. Also, if backups keep happening even after cleaning, it’s time to get a camera inspection.
Trenchless repair methods, like CIPP lining and pipe bursting, allow us to fix or replace your sewer pipe without digging long trenches. These are good options if the pipe’s shape is mostly intact and the soil conditions are stable. It’s faster, less disruptive, and often less costly than traditional excavation. We'll evaluate your situation and explain which repair fits best.
Costs vary a lot depending on the issue. Basic root cutting might be a few hundred dollars, while trenchless lining could run from $3,000 to $8,000. Full pipe replacement in difficult soil could exceed $10,000. We’ll inspect your pipe first and then provide you with a clear, upfront price.
Clay tile pipes usually last 50–60 years, which means many in Montgomery are already past due for attention. Cast iron pipes last 50–75 years. PVC pipes can last over 100 years. Orangeburg pipes, which were tar paper-based, usually fail after 30 to 50 years. Getting a camera inspection on homes over 30 years old is a smart move.
Definitely. Standard home inspections usually skip the sewer lateral. Hidden damage like root intrusions, collapses, or dips in the pipe can cause serious problems after you move in. Investing in a pre-purchase sewer camera inspection can save you from expensive surprises down the road.