Find the right sewer contractors

Costs vary widely by scope. Camera inspections typically run $150–$300. Drain cleaning is $150–$400. Spot repairs on a sewer line range from $1,500–$5,000. Full line replacement can cost $8,000–$25,000 depending on length, access, and method (trenchless vs. open-cut). Get multiple quotes — Bay Area labor rates are high and prices vary significantly between contractors.

Yes. In California, sewer and drain work beyond simple clearing requires a licensed contractor — either a C-36 Plumbing Contractor or a C-42 Sanitation System Contractor. Always verify the license on the CSLB website before hiring.

Camera inspection and drain cleaning: same day, usually 1–3 hours. Spot repairs: 1–2 days. Full line replacement: 2–5 days for open-cut excavation; trenchless methods (pipe bursting or lining) often complete in 1–2 days with far less disruption.

Drain cleaning clears blockages using a snake or hydro-jetting — it's maintenance, not repair. Sewer repair addresses physical damage to the pipe: cracks, root intrusion, offset joints, or collapsed sections. A camera inspection will show whether you need cleaning or actual repair.

Signs include: slow drains throughout the house (not just one fixture), sewage smell in the yard or basement, unusually green or wet patches in the lawn, and gurgling noises after flushing. If multiple drains are slow simultaneously, that points to the main sewer line rather than individual drain clogs.