Years Of Experience
Years Of Experience | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | McDonald
With decades of hands-on experience, HEP has become the trusted name McDonald homeowners call first when mysterious gurgles, slow drains, or sudden backups hint at bigger main line issues. Our licensed plumbers pair old-school craftsmanship with today’s most advanced diagnostic tools, locating problems deep beneath your yard or slab without guesswork or unnecessary digging.
From hydro-jetting stubborn clogs to complete pipe replacements, we tailor solutions that safeguard your property, budget, and peace of mind. Count on prompt arrivals, transparent pricing, and a crew that treats your home like their own—because in McDonald, solving plumbing challenges isn’t just our job, it’s our legacy.
FAQs
What warning signs indicate I might have a main sewer line problem?
The most common red flags we see in McDonald homes are multiple fixtures backing up at once (for example, a gurgling toilet when you run the washer), slow drains throughout the house, sewage odors in the basement or yard, and water or waste coming up through a floor drain. If more than one drain is acting up, the issue is almost always in the main line rather than an individual branch line.
What typically causes main line clogs or damage in the McDonald area?
Tree-root intrusion tops the list—our town’s mature maples and oaks send roots into the clay or cast-iron pipes looking for moisture. Other frequent causes are grease buildup, excessive toilet paper or ‘flushable’ wipes, foreign objects, collapsed sections of older clay pipe, and ground shifting from freeze-thaw cycles. In newer developments, construction debris left in the line and poor pipe grading can also create chronic blockages.
How do your technicians diagnose a main line issue accurately?
With 20+ years of local plumbing experience, we start by asking about the home’s plumbing history, then run a high-powered auger to clear any standing blockage. Next we feed a color HD sewer camera the full length of the line to inspect for breaks, roots, or sags. The live video shows the exact cause and location, which we mark on the surface using a radio transmitter. This combination of mechanical cleaning, camera inspection, and electronic locating lets us recommend the right repair method and give an up-front quote.
Is trenchless repair or replacement an option for my property?
In many cases, yes. If the camera shows only isolated cracks or root intrusion, we can often use trenchless pipe lining (CIPP) to create a new, seamless pipe inside the old one without digging up your yard. For more severe damage or complete collapse, pipe bursting lets us pull a new HDPE line through the old path with minimal surface disturbance. We evaluate soil conditions, pipe depth, and nearby utilities to confirm whether trenchless is feasible and will explain all pros, cons, and costs before work begins.
What does main line repair or replacement usually cost?
Prices vary with pipe length, depth, material, and whether we perform spot repair, full replacement, or trenchless lining. In McDonald, small excavated repairs might start around $1,500–$2,500, while a full 60–80-foot replacement can range from $5,000 to $9,000. Trenchless lining is often mid-range—typically $90–$130 per foot. After we camera-scope the line, we provide a written estimate detailing labor, materials, permits, and restoration so there are no surprises.
How can I prevent future main line backups once the repair is done?
Have us perform a preventive hydro-jetting and camera inspection every two to three years—especially if you have large trees. Dispose of kitchen grease in a container, not down the sink, and avoid flushing wipes, sanitary products, or excessive paper. If your home uses a sump pump, keep its discharge line separate from the sewer to avoid overload. Finally, consider adding a backwater valve: it automatically closes during municipal surges, protecting your basement from sewage backups.