You wake up, flush the toilet, and instead of the usual whoosh, you get a gurgle—and maybe the smell of bad news. A broken sewer line doesn’t care if it’s a weekday or the weekend. And once it’s broken, you’ve got questions. At the top of that list, How long will this take?
At SouthSota Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we’ve seen people lose sleep over this kind of thing. So, let’s clear it up. Most broken sewer line repairs can take anywhere from one day to five days. Sometimes faster, sometimes a little longer. But we don’t like dragging our boots through your yard any longer than we have to. Let’s break it down.
What Determines Sewer Line Repair Time?
Several things affect how long it takes to fix a sewer line:
- Repair method – Traditional digging takes longer than trenchless repairs.
- Location of the pipe – Under a driveway? That adds time.
- Pipe depth and soil type – Rocky soil or deep pipes slow things down.
- Permit and inspection requirements – Cities don’t always move as fast as we do.
Our Process Step-by-step
We don’t guess. We inspect first, then act fast.
1. Inspection and Diagnosis
We start with a video camera inspection. It gives us a crystal-clear look at what’s going on down there. If it’s just a blockage, that’s great. If it’s a shattered pipe, we know exactly where and how bad.
2. Choosing the Method
We’ll pick the fastest and most reliable option depending on what we find.
- Trenchless Pipe Lining (CIPP) – Usually done in one day.
- Pipe Bursting – 1-2 days.
- Excavation and Replacement – 3 to 5 days, depending on depth and obstacles.
- Spot Repairs – If we only need to fix a section, we’re in and out quickly.
3. Permitting (if required)
Some jobs require city permits. We’ll pull them, but depending on where you live, this step can take a day or two.
4. Repair Work
Once we get the green light, we get to work. We keep the mess contained and your yard as untouched as possible.
5. Testing and Backfilling
We test the line, fill in the holes, and clean up like we were never there. You get your drains back without a trace of the chaos.
When Should You Call Us?
Don’t play the waiting game if you’ve got a broken sewer line. The longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) it gets. Look out for these signs:
- Water backs up into your tub or toilet
- A strong sewage odor around your property
- Gurgling noises from drains
- Soggy patches in the yard
- Slow drains across the house, not just one room
- Rodents or pests showing up uninvited
These aren’t flukes. They’re red flags waving right in front of your face.
Why Fast Action Matters
We’ve been called to homes where people waited too long. What started as a small crack turned into a full-on collapse. One customer told us their backyard felt like a sponge because the pipe had been leaking for weeks. Calling us early doesn’t just save time. It saves your landscaping, foundation, and your sanity.
FAQs
Can a sewer line really be repaired in one day?
Yes. If we use trenchless lining or pipe bursting, and no permits delay us, it can be done in a day.
Will I have to leave my house during the repair?
Usually, no. You might need to limit water use for a few hours, but most people stay home during the work.
How do I know if it’s a full replacement or just a repair?
We’ll know after we run the camera inspection. Some jobs only need a partial fix. We don’t do more than needed.
Do trenchless sewer line repairs last as long as traditional ones?
Yes. The lining materials can last 50 years or more, just like new pipes.
Is this covered by homeowner’s insurance?
It depends on your policy. Damage caused by the break often is. The pipe repair itself? Check with your provider.
Call the Right Crew
Broken sewer lines don’t fix themselves, and they don’t wait. The good news is—you don’t have to deal with it alone. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in tight spots, and we’re ready to jump in for you too.
At SouthSota Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we don’t overcomplicate things. We show up, get the job done, and leave you with peace of mind. Give us a call, and we’ll walk you through the next steps. No guesswork. No finger-crossing. Your home deserves dry floors, working toilets, and zero sewage smell. Let’s get you back to normal—fast.
