Sewer Line Repair
Excavation Experts — Not Plumbers Who Subcontract
Erie County's underground excavation experts for sewer line repair. We own our equipment, understand local soil conditions, and restore your yard properly — not plumbers who subcontract the digging.
24/7 Emergency Sewer Service
A sewer backup is a health emergency that can't wait until Monday. We're available around the clock for urgent sewer problems.
How much?
$2,500 - $8,000
How long?
Most sewer line repairs are completed in 1-2 days
Available now?
24/7 Emergency
Licensed?
Fully Licensed & Insured
Why Choose Millie Excavating?
Western New York's Excavation Specialists - Trusted by homeowners across Erie County, NY.
Is This An Emergency?
Check any items that apply. If you're experiencing an emergency, call immediately.
Do I Need Sewer Line Repair?
Check 2+ items to see if you need our services. Not sure? Call for a free consultation.
What Does Sewer Line Repair Cost?
Every sewer repair is different. These estimates reflect typical ranges for Erie County projects. We provide free video inspection and detailed written quotes — you'll know the exact cost before we start digging.
Spot repair (single break or root mass)
Shallow repairs near the house on the lower end
Section replacement (10-20 linear feet)
Most common repair scope for root damage or collapsed sections
Major repair (multiple sections or full yard)
When damage extends across most of the line
Full line replacement (house to street)
For severely deteriorated lines where repair isn't cost-effective
Video camera inspection
Often credited toward repair if you proceed with us
Want an accurate quote for your specific project?
Get Your Free EstimateSigns You Need Sewer Line Repair
Watch for these warning signs that indicate you need professional sewer line repair services.
Multiple drains throughout the house are slow or backing up simultaneously
Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains when water is running elsewhere
Sewage odor in your basement, yard, or near the foundation
Wet spots, unusually lush grass, or small sinkholes in your yard
Sewage backing up into basement floor drains or lowest fixtures
Water pooling around the sewer cleanout or septic tank area
Why Hire Excavation Experts for Sewer Repair?
Most plumbers don't own excavation equipment — they subcontract the digging to someone else, adding cost and coordination headaches. Here's why that matters when your sewer line fails:
We Own Our Excavation Equipment
When a plumber quotes sewer repair, they're typically adding markup for an excavation subcontractor they'll hire. We own excavators, backhoes, and dump trucks — no middleman means better pricing and faster scheduling for your emergency.
Underground Work Is Our Specialty
Plumbers are great at what happens inside your home. But underground excavation is a different skill set. We dig sewer trenches every day, in every soil condition Erie County offers. That experience translates to faster, cleaner, more precise work.
Superior Yard Restoration
Plumbers focus on the pipe — the yard is secondary. For us, site restoration IS part of the job. We properly compact backfill, grade for drainage, and prepare for seeding or sod. Your yard ends up better than patched.
One Crew, One Bill, Complete Accountability
No waiting for the plumber's excavation subcontractor to show up. No finger-pointing between contractors if something goes wrong. One crew handles your entire project from video inspection through final restoration.
Common Sewer Line Repair Problems We Solve
Real-world scenarios where our expertise makes the difference.
What This Work Looks Like
Real projects and real excavation — the kind of work we'll perform on your property.
Sewer Line Repair in Erie County, NY - sewer line repair and installation
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots are the leading cause of sewer line damage in Western New York. Roots seek moisture and nutrients, growing into sewer pipe joints and eventually filling the pipe completely. This causes chronic backups and slow drains. We excavate the affected section, remove the root-filled pipe, and install new PVC pipe with proper joints that resist root penetration. We can also recommend root barriers to prevent future issues.
Collapsed or Bellied Pipe
Ground settling, frost heaving, or poor initial installation can cause sewer pipes to sag (belly) or collapse entirely. Bellied sections trap waste and create chronic clogs, while collapsed pipes cause complete sewage backups. Our video inspection reveals these issues clearly. We excavate to the damaged area, remove the failed section, and install properly sloped new pipe on compacted bedding material to prevent recurrence.
Offset or Separated Joints
Older clay or cast iron sewer pipes have joints that can separate over time due to ground movement, temperature changes, or deterioration. These offsets allow soil to enter the pipe, causing blockages, and sewage to leak into the surrounding ground. We locate the offset joint with video inspection, excavate precisely to that spot, and replace the damaged section with modern PVC pipe that won't separate.
Cracked or Corroded Pipe
Cast iron sewer pipes common in older Erie County homes corrode from the inside out, eventually cracking and leaking. Clay pipes crack from ground pressure or freeze-thaw cycles. These cracks allow sewage to leak out and groundwater to leak in. We replace cracked sections with durable PVC pipe rated for underground sewer use, solving the problem permanently and adding decades of reliable service.
Why Choose Us for Sewer Line Repair?
Professional service backed by years of experience and the right equipment for the job.
HD Video Inspection
See your sewer line problem on screen before we dig a single hole
Trenchless When Possible
Minimal yard damage for qualifying repairs — we'll advise honestly
24/7 Emergency Response
Sewer backup? We prioritize urgent calls and respond fast
Complete Site Restoration
Your yard restored to better than we found it, not just patched
Sewer Line Challenges in Western New York
Erie County's older housing stock, harsh winters, and specific soil conditions create unique sewer line problems. Our local experience means we know what to expect before we dig.
Older Homes (Pre-1960)
Many Erie County homes have original clay, cast iron, or even Orangeburg (tar paper) sewer pipes. These materials deteriorate over decades, crack from ground movement, and are highly susceptible to root intrusion.
We're experienced with all legacy pipe materials. We can identify pipe type from video inspection and plan accordingly. Replacement with modern PVC adds 50+ years of reliable service.
Freeze-Thaw Damage
Western New York's harsh winters cause repeated freeze-thaw cycles that crack pipes and separate joints. Shallow sewer lines or lines under unheated areas are especially vulnerable.
We assess frost damage risk during inspection. Repairs include proper bedding and backfill to protect against future frost heaving. Deep repairs ensure lines stay below the frost line.
Tree Root Problems
Silver maples, willows, and other water-seeking trees are common in Erie County. Their aggressive roots find sewer pipe joints and grow inside, eventually blocking the entire line.
We not only remove root-damaged pipe but advise on preventing recurrence — root barriers, pipe material choices, and which trees to watch. Some species should not be planted near sewer lines.
High Water Table Areas
Properties near Lake Erie, creeks, or in low-lying areas often have high water tables. This saturated soil complicates excavation and can cause groundwater infiltration into damaged sewer lines.
We use pumps and proper shoring for wet excavations. Our experience with lakefront and flood-prone properties means we plan for water management before it becomes a problem.
Permits & Requirements for Sewer Repair
Most sewer repairs in Erie County don't require permits, but there are important requirements we handle for you.
- Dig Safely NY (811) utility marking is required before any excavation — we schedule this
- Repairs connecting to the municipal main may require coordination with your city or town DPW
- Some municipalities require notification or inspection for sewer work — we know local requirements
- Work in the street right-of-way requires permits and traffic control — we handle this for tap repairs
- Sewer line installation (new lines) requires building permits — repair of existing lines typically does not
- We provide documentation of completed repairs for your records and any future property transactions
How We Do It
Our proven 5-step process ensures quality results every time.
Sewer Line Repair in Erie County, NY - sewer line repair and installation
Video Inspection
Camera locates the blockage or damage
Diagnosis
Determine best repair method for your situation
Excavation
Careful digging to access the damaged section
Repair/Replace
Fix or replace the damaged pipe section
Testing & Restoration
Flow test and restore your property
Ready to get started?
Schedule Your ProjectWhat to Expect
Here's how the project typically goes.
Timeline
Most sewer line repairs are completed in 1-2 days. We start with video inspection to locate the problem, then excavate and repair the damaged section. After testing the repair, we backfill and restore the area. Emergency repairs may begin the same day you call. Complex repairs involving multiple damaged areas may require additional time.
Disruption
Expect a trench across your yard from your house to the point of damage, typically 2-4 feet wide and 3-8 feet deep. There will be piles of excavated soil, noise from equipment, and restricted access to the work area. If your sewer line runs under a driveway, we may need to cut and remove pavement. We minimize water usage disruption by working efficiently, but you'll need to limit water use during active repair work.
Your Prep
Locate your sewer cleanout (usually a white PVC pipe with a cap in your basement or yard) so we can access it for video inspection. Clear the path from your house to the street of any obstacles. Plan to minimize water usage during the repair - fill water containers for drinking, and consider alternative facilities if repairs will take more than a few hours. Have backup plans for toilets and showers during the work.
Communication
We start with a video inspection and review the findings with you, showing you exactly what's wrong and where. Before excavating, we explain what to expect and answer all questions. During the repair, we keep you updated on progress and any unexpected findings. We notify you when we need to shut off water usage and when it's safe to resume. After completion, we walk you through the repair and provide documentation of the work performed.
Professional Equipment for Sewer Repairs
Sewer line repair requires specialized equipment that most plumbers don't own. We have everything needed for video inspection, precision excavation, and proper site restoration.
HD Video Camera System
High-definition sewer camera with locating transmitter. We can show you exactly what's wrong and mark the precise location on your lawn before digging.
Diagnosing problems, locating damage, confirming successful repairs
Electronic Line Locator
Traces the camera's transmitter signal to mark the sewer line path on the surface. Ensures we dig in exactly the right spot.
Precision excavation, minimizing yard damage, avoiding other utilities
Mini Excavator
Compact powerhouse that fits through 36" gates. Digs precise trenches for sewer repair without destroying your entire yard.
Backyard access, tight spaces, precision trenching for sewer lines
Backhoe
Versatile machine for larger sewer excavations. Front loader handles spoil piles while rear excavator digs the trench.
Front yard repairs, deeper excavations, efficient material handling
Compaction Equipment
Plate compactors and jumping jacks ensure proper backfill compaction. Prevents settling that causes future problems.
Quality restoration, preventing sinkholes, proper yard grading
When to Call for Emergency Service
These situations require immediate attention — don't wait until Monday.
Our Emergency Response
Call our emergency line any time — nights, weekends, holidays. We prioritize true emergencies and can often begin work the same day. For backups, we can often provide temporary relief while diagnosing the underlying problem.
Sewer Line Repair FAQs
Why Sewer Line Repair Matters
A failing sewer line is more than an inconvenience - it's a health hazard and environmental problem. Sewage backing up into your home creates unsanitary conditions and can damage flooring, walls, and belongings. Sewage leaking into your yard contaminates soil and groundwater. Delaying sewer repair often makes the problem worse as cracks expand, roots grow larger, and more of the pipe deteriorates. Prompt professional repair protects your home, health, and property value while preventing more extensive and expensive damage.
Sewer Line Repair Throughout Erie County
We provide professional sewer line repair services to all Erie County communities.
Related Services
We also offer these complementary excavating services.
Need Sewer Line Repair?
Get a free estimate for your sewer line repair project. We'll provide honest, upfront pricing and expert advice.
(716) 253-9275