Sewer Line Repair & Camera Inspection in McLean, VA
Backups, gurgling drains or a sewer smell in the yard? We look inside the line with a camera, show you the problem and repair or replace the section that failed.
- Video camera inspection
- Roots, cracks & sags
- Open 24/7
The sewer lateral is out of sight and easy to ignore. Most problems build slowly: a hairline crack lets roots in, roots catch paper and grease, and one day the basement floor drain backs up. A camera inspection shows the cause so you do not pay to clean a line that really needs repair. If a single drain is slow, start with drain cleaning. If you are buying a home, read our guide to sewer camera inspection cost.
What our sewer service includes
- Video camera inspection through a cleanout or fixture.
- Locating the line and marking problem spots from the surface.
- Root cutting and hydro jetting.
- Spot repair of cracked, broken or offset sections.
- Full lateral replacement, open trench or trenchless where suitable.
- New cleanout installation for easier access.
- A copy of the camera findings for your records or a home sale.
Signs and causes of sewer line problems
| Sign | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Backups in a basement floor drain or lowest toilet | Main line blockage, roots or a break |
| Gurgling toilets or drains | Partial blockage or venting trouble |
| Slow drains everywhere | Buildup, roots or a sag in the lateral |
| Sewer smell in the yard or basement | Cracked pipe or a failed joint |
| Soggy, sunken or very green strip of lawn | Leak or break in the buried line |
| Repeat clogs after cleaning | Roots, offsets or a belly (sag) |
Cast iron pipe rusts and scales inside. Older clay pipe has many joints where roots enter. Trees, shifting soil and heavy loads over the line all add stress.
How we repair a sewer line
- Clear the line if blocked. We open the line so the house can drain and the camera can pass.
- Inspect with a camera. We record the run and note the distance to each problem.
- Locate from the surface. A locator tracks the camera head so we can mark the spot on the lawn.
- Explain the options. Cleaning and maintenance, spot repair, or replacement, with the pros and cons of each.
- Repair. We fix the section or replace the line, then run water and re-inspect.
Repair options compared
| Option | When it fits | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Root cutting and jetting | Roots or buildup, pipe otherwise sound | Roots grow back over time |
| Spot repair | One break or offset joint | Other old sections may fail later |
| Trenchless lining or bursting | Long damaged runs, little sag, access at both ends | Not suited to collapsed or badly sagged pipe |
| Open-trench replacement | Collapsed pipe, big sags, shallow lines | More digging and restoration |
What affects the cost
- Length and depth of the lateral.
- Where the damage is: under lawn, driveway, patio or trees.
- Cleaning only versus repair or replacement.
- Trenchless versus open trench.
- Whether a new cleanout is needed.
- Fairfax County permit requirements.
DIY vs calling a pro
If several drains back up, stop running water and do not use chemical cleaners. They do not clear main lines and make the job unsafe. You can check whether an outdoor cleanout cap is overflowing, which points to a blockage downstream. Clearing, camera work and repairs need professional equipment.
Permits and insurance in Virginia
Fairfax County requires a residential plumbing permit for new sewer connections, disconnections and plumbing repairs. We tell you when your job needs one. Virginia's Bureau of Insurance says insurers must offer coverage for water that backs up through sewers or drains, which may cost extra, so check your policy before you need it.
Sewer line warning signs by season
Problems often show up at predictable times. In spring and after long rains, groundwater can enter cracked joints and slow the line. In summer and fall, tree roots grow fastest and reach toward the moisture in sewer pipes. Around holidays, extra guests and cooking grease load the line. If backups follow a pattern like this, mention it when you call; it helps us decide whether cleaning is enough or whether the pipe itself needs repair.
Local note
Large, mature trees in Falls Church, North Arlington and older parts of Vienna often send roots into laterals. Many homes in Great Falls use septic systems instead of public sewer, which is a different system from the laterals covered here.
Sewer line questions
How do I know if my sewer line is broken?
Repeat backups in the lowest drains, gurgling toilets, slow drains throughout the house, sewage odors, soggy spots in the yard and very green patches over the line are common signs. A camera inspection confirms it.
Who owns the sewer line?
The private lateral that carries waste from your house to the public sewer main is generally the property owner's to maintain. The public main is the utility's. We can show you on camera where the problem sits.
What is a sewer camera inspection?
A waterproof camera on a flexible cable goes into the line through a cleanout. It shows roots, cracks, sags, offsets and blockages on a screen and tells us how far along the pipe each problem is.
Should I get a sewer scope before buying a home in McLean?
It is worth asking about, especially for older homes or lots with large trees. A standard home inspection usually does not look inside the sewer line. Our sewer camera inspection guide explains what to expect.
Can a sewer line be repaired without digging up the yard?
Sometimes. Trenchless methods such as lining or pipe bursting work through small access pits. Whether they fit depends on the pipe's condition, size, depth and how much it has sagged.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer backups?
Not always by default. Virginia's Bureau of Insurance says insurers must offer water and sewer backup coverage, which may cost extra. Check whether your policy includes it.
Sources
- Fairfax County Land Development Services — Residential Plumbing Permit
- Virginia State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance — Homeowners Insurance Consumer's Guide
Last reviewed 2026-11-07. This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Read how we research and check pages in our editorial policy.
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Helpful guides
Water & Sewer LinesSewer Camera Inspection Cost
What a sewer scope shows, what moves the price and when buyers should ask for one.
Seasonal & EmergenciesWater Through Basement Floor
Tell groundwater from a plumbing leak, and know whether you need a sump pump, a plumber or both.
Water & Sewer LinesWho Owns the Water Line?
What Fairfax Water owns, what the homeowner owns and who to call for a leak on each side.
Sewer backing up? Call for sewer line repair in McLean.
Call McLean Plumber Works any time, day or night. A plumber picks up and talks you through next steps.