Thorough Sewer Line Services in Matteson, IL
Your sewer line is one of the most vital, yet often overlooked, components of your home’s plumbing system. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been called out after a homeowner ignored slow drains or strange odors — only to find a major sewer backup causing costly damage. It's unfortunate because many sewer issues give off warning signs well before they turn into emergencies, but most people don’t recognize them.
When you reach out to us at 708-734-5822, we start by pushing a camera through your sewer line to see exactly what’s going on. No guessing here. This inspection is the foundation of every honest sewer repair we do. You’ll get to watch the footage with us in real time, so you know exactly what condition your pipes are in. Whether it’s roots invading a joint, a cracked or collapsed pipe section, or simply a clean bill of health, we’ll tell you straight.
Our team handles every type of sewer service you might need — from spot repairs and hydro jetting to trenchless pipe lining, pipe bursting, or full-bore excavation and replacement. If sewage is backing up into your home right now, call us for immediate help — our emergency plumbers are available 24/7. Every job starts with a firm, transparent estimate before we begin work.
Our Sewer Line Services
Sewer Camera Inspection
We insert a waterproof, high-resolution camera into your sewer system through a cleanout or removed toilet to get a live look inside your pipes. This allows us to spot root intrusion, cracks, sagging sections (bellies), grease buildup, broken pipe segments, and obstructions with precision. This video inspection is key to accurate diagnoses — without it, you’re flying blind.
We record the entire inspection and review it with you right there at your property. If we find issues, you’ll see them yourself, so you can make informed decisions. If your sewer looks good, we’ll tell you that, too. For those buying an older home in Matteson, a sewer inspection is a must since standard home inspections rarely cover the sewer lateral. We also include sewer video as part of our drain cleaning when clogs keep coming back.
Trenchless Sewer Repair (CIPP Pipe Lining)
With cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, we can rehabilitate your existing damaged sewer pipe by inserting a flexible liner coated with epoxy resin into the pipe. Once inflated and cured with heat or UV light, the liner forms a brand-new, pipe inside the old one. This method resists corrosion and root intrusion, and it’s rated to last 50 years or more.
This option works best for pipes that have cracks, root damage, or joint separation but still hold their shape. It protects your landscaping, driveway, and walkways from disruption, which is a big benefit in neighborhoods like Matteson where mature yards are common. CIPP lining often saves homeowners a lot of time, mess, and money compared to digging up the whole line.
Pipe Bursting (Trenchless Replacement)
If your sewer line is too damaged for lining but you want to avoid digging a trench along the entire pipe run, pipe bursting is a great solution. We pull a bursting head through the old pipe, breaking it apart while simultaneously pulling a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe into place. This requires only small excavation points at each end, saving your yard from a big mess.
This technique works well in Illinois soils and can replace typical residential lateral lengths. However, if your line has sharp bends or severe sagging, conventional digging might be necessary. When pipe bursting applies, it speeds up the job and cuts down on disruption.
Traditional Sewer Line Excavation & Replacement
Sometimes, the damage is so severe — like a fully collapsed pipe or a badly bellied section — that trenchless methods aren’t enough. In those cases, we excavate to reach the pipe, remove the damaged segment, and install new schedule 40 PVC pipe with the correct slope and proper bedding. We then backfill and compact the soil, restoring your yard as close as possible to its original condition. We handle all permits and inspections needed.
Before recommending excavation, we always explore trenchless options first since they’re usually quicker and less invasive. But when digging is necessary, it’s a good time to also check your water service line since both run underground nearby.
Root Removal & Prevention
Roots from trees are the most frequent cause of sewer line blockages in established neighborhoods like ours. They enter through pipe joints or cracks and grow inside the pipe, creating massive blockages that trap waste and paper. We cut roots back with mechanical cutters and flush the line thoroughly using hydro jetting. But cutting roots is only a temporary fix if the entry points aren’t sealed.
We’ll advise whether your sewer needs lining or replacement to keep roots from coming back. If roots have damaged your home's internal drain pipes, we can take care of those repairs at the same time.
Sewer Lines in Matteson — What We Typically Find on Camera
The mix of homes in Matteson, from older bungalows and ranches to newer builds, means a variety of sewer pipe materials underground. Many houses built between the 1950s and early 1970s have clay tile laterals. These pipes come in short sections connected by bell-and-spigot joints, which invite tree roots inside. Our region’s clay soil expands and contracts with the freeze-thaw cycles, causing these joints to loosen over time. If your home is from this era, there’s a strong chance roots or joint separation are affecting your lateral.
Homes constructed in the 1970s and 1980s often have cast iron inside the house with either clay tile or early PVC for the underground pipe. While cast iron is sturdy, it corrodes internally as it ages and can collect mineral buildup that slows drainage. If your drains have been getting sluggish across your Matteson home, corroded cast iron is often the issue.
Trees common around here — including willow, oak, silver maple, and cottonwood — aggressively seek water. If any of these are close to your sewer lateral, especially mature trees within 30 feet, it’s smart to get a camera inspection before you face a backup.
Signs Your Sewer Line May Be Failing
- Several drains slow or clog at the same time
- Toilets gurgle or bubble when other water runs
- Musty or sewage odors inside the basement or outside
- Bright green, lush grass patches along where the sewer runs
- Low, wet, or sunken areas in your yard near the sewer path
- Basement floor drains backup or overflow
- Rodent sightings around broken sewer lines
- Repeated backups despite professional drain cleaning
Typical Sewer Pipe Materials by Construction Era
Pre-1970 homes in Matteson: Clay tile — prone to root invasion at pipe joints; pipes may be 60+ years old
1950s–1970s: Orangeburg pipe (tar paper-based) — known to compress and collapse; an urgent replacement need if present
1970s–1980s: Cast iron inside combined with clay tile or early PVC outside — check for corrosion inside cast iron pipes
Post-1985: Schedule 40 PVC — smooth interior, corrosion-resistant, longest service life of all common materials
Sewer Line Frequently Asked Questions
If multiple drains slow down or back up simultaneously, you hear gurgling noises from toilets, or you smell sewage inside or outside, these are red flags. Also watch for unusual green patches in your yard or soggy spots along the sewer line. If these pop up, give us a call to check things out before it turns into a bigger issue.
Trenchless repair techniques like CIPP lining and pipe bursting fix or replace your sewer pipe through smaller access points instead of digging a trench. They’re suitable when your pipe structure is still intact enough and the soil conditions allow. This approach is typically quicker and less invasive than traditional digging. We’ll evaluate your situation and tell you if trenchless methods will work.
Costs depend heavily on what we find. Root removal could be a few hundred dollars, trenchless lining might be in the $3,000 to $8,000 range, and a full excavation and replacement job can exceed $10,000 depending on length and soil. We perform a camera inspection first, then provide a detailed estimate before any work starts.
Clay tile pipes last about 50 to 60 years, many of which in Matteson are reaching or past that mark. Cast iron pipes often last 50 to 75 years. PVC pipes can last over a century. Orangeburg pipes, less common now, tend to fail between 30 and 50 years. Regular inspections help catch problems early and extend pipe life.
Definitely. Standard home inspections don’t include sewer lines, which can hide serious issues like root intrusion, partial collapses, or sagging. Getting a sewer camera inspection before you buy could save you thousands by uncovering costly repairs before closing.