Plumbing Services

Sewer Line Repair & Replacement in Rittman & Akron, OH

*In Home Only

A damaged or failing sewer line can cause sewage backups, foul odors, and serious property damage if it isn’t dealt with quickly. Schar Heating & Cooling provides in-home sewer line repair and replacement for homeowners in Rittman and Akron, OH. Whether you’re dealing with a cracked pipe, a collapsed section, or a line that’s deteriorated beyond repair, we’ll diagnose the problem, walk you through your options, and get your sewer system working the way it should.

⚠️ Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Attention

Sewer line problems often start below the surface—literally—so by the time you notice something wrong inside your home, the issue may have been developing for a while. Here are the most common warning signs that something is going on with your sewer line:

Multiple drains in your home are slow or backing up at the same time
Gurgling sounds coming from your toilets or drains
Sewage or wastewater backing up into a basement floor drain, tub, or shower
A persistent sewer smell inside or outside your home
Wet, soggy, or unusually green patches in your yard
Sinkholes or depressions forming in your lawn near the sewer line path
Frequent drain clogs that return shortly after being cleared
Foundation cracks or unexplained settling

When one drain clogs, it’s usually a localized issue. When multiple fixtures are affected at the same time—especially ones on the lowest level of your home—that’s a strong indicator the problem is in the main sewer line rather than an individual drain.

🧰 Our Sewer Line Repair Process

Sewer line problems can range from a cracked joint to a fully collapsed section of pipe, so the first step is always figuring out exactly what we’re dealing with. Our technicians use a sewer camera inspection to get a clear, real-time look inside your line. The camera shows us the condition of the pipe, the location and nature of the damage, and whether roots, debris, or structural failure are contributing to the problem.

Once we know what’s going on, we’ll recommend the most effective and least disruptive approach to fix it. For localized damage—like a cracked joint, a small offset, or a root intrusion in one section—a targeted repair can often solve the problem without replacing the entire line.

Depending on the situation, repair options may include:

Excavating and replacing the damaged section of pipe
Clearing root intrusion and sealing the entry point
Relining a damaged section to restore structural integrity
Repairing offset or separated joints

Every repair is followed by a final camera inspection to confirm the line is clear, flowing properly, and structurally sound before we consider the job complete.

🔄 When a Sewer Line Needs to Be Replaced

There are situations where patching or repairing a sewer line isn’t a realistic long-term fix. If the pipe has deteriorated extensively, collapsed in multiple spots, or is made of a material that’s nearing the end of its useful life, full replacement is the most reliable path forward.

Older homes in the Rittman and Akron area may have sewer lines made of clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg—a tar-paper-based pipe that was common through the mid-1970s. All of these materials break down over time. Clay cracks and separates at the joints, cast iron corrodes from the inside out, and Orangeburg collapses under soil pressure as it ages. If your home was built before the 1980s and you’ve never had the sewer line replaced, there’s a good chance the original pipe is near or past its expected lifespan.

Common reasons for sewer line replacement include:

Extensive cracking, bellying, or collapse along the line
Widespread root intrusion that can’t be controlled with clearing alone
Deteriorated clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg piping
Repeated backups or failures after multiple repairs
A line that’s no longer sloped correctly due to ground shifting

We handle everything from start to finish—removal of the compromised line, installation of new pipe at the proper grade, all connections, backfill, and a final camera inspection to verify the work.

🔍 Sewer Camera Inspection: Why It Matters

A camera inspection is one of the most valuable tools in sewer line diagnostics, and we include it as a standard part of our process. Rather than guessing at the problem or digging up your yard on a hunch, the camera lets us see exactly what’s happening inside the pipe before any work begins.

The inspection can reveal things that no amount of surface-level troubleshooting will uncover—cracks, root intrusion, bellied sections where water and waste pool, pipe separation, buildup, and full blockages. It also shows us the material and condition of the pipe throughout its length, which helps us determine whether a repair or replacement is the right call.

We also run a camera after every repair or replacement to verify the work. You’ll know the line is clear and in good shape before we wrap up.

If you’re buying an older home, a pre-purchase sewer camera inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make. It can uncover hidden problems that would otherwise show up as a costly surprise after closing.

🛠️ Protecting Your Sewer Line From Future Problems

Sewer lines are built to handle a lot, but they’re not invincible. A few proactive habits can help prevent the kinds of problems that lead to expensive repairs or full replacements down the road.

Be careful what goes down your drains. Grease, oil, and fat are the biggest offenders—they solidify inside the pipe and create blockages that build up over time. Wipes labeled “flushable” are another common culprit. Despite the name, they don’t break down the way toilet paper does and can contribute to clogs deep in the line.

Know where your sewer line runs. If you’re planning any digging, landscaping, or construction on your property, knowing the path of your sewer line helps you avoid accidentally damaging it. We can help you locate it during a service visit if you’re not sure.

Watch what you plant. Tree and shrub roots are naturally drawn to the moisture around sewer lines. Species with aggressive root systems—like willows, maples, and poplars—can crack into joints and grow inside the pipe, causing blockages and structural damage. If you’re planting near your sewer line, choose species with less invasive roots.

Address slow drains early. A single slow drain is usually a localized clog. But if multiple drains in your home are sluggish at the same time, that’s a sign the main line is partially blocked. Getting it cleared before it becomes a full backup can save you a much bigger headache.

Consider a maintenance inspection every few years. A routine sewer camera inspection can catch developing problems—like early root intrusion or a section of pipe that’s starting to sag—before they turn into emergencies. It’s a small cost compared to an unexpected replacement.

❓ Sewer Line Repair & Replacement FAQ

How do I know if the problem is my sewer line or just a clogged drain?

If only one fixture is slow or clogged, the issue is most likely in that individual drain line. If multiple fixtures are backing up at the same time—especially toilets, tubs, or basement drains—the problem is almost certainly in the main sewer line. A camera inspection is the fastest way to confirm.

How long does a sewer line repair or replacement take?

A targeted repair on a single section usually takes one day. A full sewer line replacement can take one to three days depending on the length of the line, how deep it’s buried, and whether the route runs under concrete, landscaping, or other obstacles.

Will you have to dig up my whole yard?

Not necessarily. If the damage is isolated to one section, we only need to excavate that area. For full replacements, we do need to trench along the line’s path, but we work carefully to keep the disruption as contained as possible and restore the area once the work is done.

What causes sewer lines to fail?

The most common causes are aging pipe materials, tree root intrusion, ground shifting, and buildup from grease or debris over time. Older materials like clay, cast iron, and Orangeburg have limited lifespans and break down in predictable ways. Even newer PVC lines can be affected by root intrusion or improper installation.

Do you work on the sewer line between my house and the street?

Our sewer line repair and replacement service covers the in-home portion of your sewer system—from your interior drains to where the line exits the home. For issues in the line between your home and the municipal connection, we can diagnose the problem and advise on next steps, but that work may require coordination with your local utility or a separate contractor.

My home is older—should I get my sewer line inspected even if I’m not having problems?

It’s a smart idea, especially if your home was built before the 1980s and the sewer line has never been replaced. A camera inspection can show you the current condition of the pipe and help you plan ahead rather than reacting to an emergency.

Is sewer line work covered by homeowners insurance?

It depends on your policy and the cause of the failure. Sudden, accidental damage is sometimes covered, but gradual deterioration, root intrusion, and wear from aging pipe are typically excluded. Some insurers offer optional sewer line coverage as an add-on—it’s worth checking with your provider to see what your policy includes.