When your sewer line fails, you need immediate, professional repair service from technicians you can trust. Des Moines Drain and Sewer provides comprehensive sewer line repair services throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area, offering both traditional and trenchless repair methods to address any type of sewer damage. Our experienced team specializes in diagnosing and repairing sewer line problems quickly and effectively, minimizing disruption to your property and restoring your plumbing system to proper working order.

Sewer Line Repair

With decades of combined experience servicing Des Moines’ unique plumbing infrastructure, our licensed professionals understand the challenges posed by Iowa’s aging sewer systems, clay soil conditions, and extreme seasonal temperature variations. Whether you’re dealing with a minor leak, complete pipe collapse, or anything in between, we have the expertise, equipment, and dedication to provide lasting sewer line repairs that protect your property and your peace of mind.

Our Sewer Line Repair Services in des moines, iA

At Des Moines Drain and Sewer, we offer a complete range of sewer line repair solutions to address every type of sewer problem. Our skilled technicians are equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology to diagnose and repair your sewer issues efficiently and effectively.

Traditional Sewer Line Repair

Our traditional excavation repair services include:

  • Complete sewer line replacement
  • Sectional pipe replacement
  • Sewer line reconnection
  • Broken pipe repair
  • Joint repair and sealing
  • Cleanout installation
  • Connection repair to city sewer

Trenchless Sewer Line Repair

Our innovative trenchless repair methods include:

  • Pipe lining (CIPP – cured-in-place pipe)
  • Pipe bursting technology
  • Slip lining solutions
  • Point repairs
  • Joint sealing
  • Pipe coating
  • Sectional lining

Root Intrusion Repair

Our comprehensive root removal and repair services include:

  • Mechanical root cutting
  • Hydro jetting root removal
  • Chemical root treatment
  • Anti-root barriers installation
  • Pipe section replacement
  • Trenchless repair of root-damaged pipes
  • Preventative maintenance programs

Our Emergency Sewer Line Repair Services

Our 24/7 emergency sewer repair services include:

  • Sewer backup resolution
  • Overflowing drain management
  • Collapsed pipe repair
  • Sewage cleanup coordination
  • Temporary bypass installation
  • Immediate damage control
  • Priority scheduling for critical repairs

When sewer emergencies strike, our rapid response team is available day and night to protect your property from damage and restore your sewer system as quickly as possible.

Our Residential & Commercial Sewer Line Repair Services

Residential Sewer Line Repair

We understand the stress and disruption that sewer problems cause homeowners. Our residential sewer repair services include:

  • Main house-to-street sewer line repair
  • Lateral line repair and replacement
  • Under-slab sewer repair
  • Basement sewer line repair
  • Yard line repairs
  • Connection repairs to municipal systems
  • Post-repair landscape restoration
residential Sewer Line Repair Services
commercial Sewer Line Repair Services

Commercial Sewer Line Repair

Our commercial clients benefit from our expertise in complex commercial sewer systems:

  • Large-diameter pipe repair
  • Commercial kitchen waste line repair
  • Multi-unit building sewer restoration
  • Parking lot and exterior sewer line repair
  • Industrial waste line rehabilitation
  • Municipal connection upgrades
  • Business-critical rapid repair services

Common Sewer Line Problems in Des Moines

Iowa property owners frequently encounter these sewer line issues:

  1. Root intrusion – Des Moines’ mature trees often infiltrate older clay and cast iron pipes
  2. Collapsed or crushed pipes – Heavy equipment, construction, or soil movement damages lines
  3. Corroded pipes – Aging metal pipes deteriorate, especially in Iowa’s acidic soil
  4. Offset joints – Ground freezing and thawing shifts pipe sections out of alignment
  5. Bellied pipes – Soil settlement creates low spots where waste accumulates
  6. Cracked pipes – Temperature fluctuations and age cause fractures in pipe material
  7. Scale buildup – Des Moines’ hard water creates mineral deposits that narrow pipes

Our repair techniques address both the immediate damage and the underlying causes to prevent recurring problems.

Local Plumbing Codes & Permits We Follow

All our sewer line repairs comply with relevant local regulations:

  • Iowa Plumbing Code: Sets requirements for materials, installation methods, and backflow prevention
  • Des Moines Municipal Code: Governs connection to city sewer systems and responsibility boundaries
  • Polk County Health Department: Regulates repairs that might affect public health or water systems
  • Iowa Department of Natural Resources: Provides guidelines for proper handling of sewage and waste

Our technicians secure all necessary permits before beginning repair work, ensuring your property remains compliant with local codes and regulations.

Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Repair

Sewer Line Repair Services
  1. Multiple drain backups – Several drains clogging simultaneously
  2. Sewage odors – Foul smells inside or outside your home
  3. Soggy spots in yard – Unexplained wet areas over your sewer line
  4. Unusually lush grass – Extremely green patches above your sewer pipe
  5. Foundation cracks – New structural issues possibly caused by leaking sewage
  6. Rodent or insect problems – Pest issues potentially linked to broken sewer lines
  7. Slow drains throughout home – Widespread drainage slowdown
  8. Gurgling toilets – Unusual sounds when flushing

How Much Does Sewer Line Repair Cost in Des Moines, IA?

We believe in fair, transparent pricing for our Des Moines customers. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Repair MethodMinor RepairStandard RepairMajor Repair/Replacement
Traditional Excavation$1,500–$3,000$3,000–$7,000$7,000–$15,000+
Trenchless Repair$2,000–$4,000$4,000–$8,000$8,000–$20,000+
Spot Repair$800–$1,500$1,500–$3,000N/A
Root Removal & Repair$500–$1,000$1,000–$2,500Varies

Factors that affect sewer line repair costs include:

  • Length and depth of the damaged section
  • Repair method selected (traditional vs. trenchless)
  • Pipe diameter and material
  • Access difficulties and obstacles
  • Permit requirements
  • Landscaping and hardscape restoration needs
  • Emergency vs. scheduled service

We always provide a detailed estimate before beginning work and offer financing options for major repairs to help manage costs.

Why Choose Des Moines Drain and Sewer for Sewer Line Repair

When you choose Des Moines Drain and Sewer for your sewer repair needs, you’re selecting a company committed to excellence:

  • Comprehensive diagnostic approach – We thoroughly assess your entire sewer system
  • Multiple repair options – We offer both traditional and trenchless solutions
  • Experienced specialists – Our technicians receive ongoing training in modern repair methods
  • Quality materials – We use industry-leading pipes and repair components
  • Proper permitting – We handle all required city and county permits
  • Warranty protection – Our repairs are backed by solid guarantees
  • Transparent communication – We explain your options in clear, understandable terms

Our goal is to provide the most appropriate, cost-effective sewer repair solution for your specific situation, never recommending more extensive work than necessary.

Traditional vs. Trenchless Sewer Repair Methods

Understanding your repair options helps you make informed decisions:

Traditional Excavation MethodTrenchless Repair Method
Full visibility of damaged pipesLimited visibility; relies on camera inspections
Can address multiple issues at once; ideal for full system replacementBest for isolated pipe damage or specific repair areas
Significant digging required; major impact on landscaping and hardscapingMinimal digging; preserves yards, driveways, and sidewalks
Typically takes longer due to excavation and restorationOften completed faster due to less digging
May be cheaper for extensive system damageHigher upfront cost, but may reduce restoration expenses
Often requires landscape or hardscape restoration afterwardMinimal restoration typically needed
May involve joints that are prone to future issuesCreates joint-free, seamless pipe linings
Requires full access along pipe routeNeeds specific access points (like clean-outs or small entry holes)
Ideal for collapsed or severely deteriorated pipesNot suitable for all types of damage or severely broken pipes

Areas We Serve for Sewer Line Repair Services

Des Moines Drain and Sewer proudly serves:

  • Des Moines – 50309, 50310, 50311, 50312, 50313, 50314, 50315, 50316, 50317, 50320, 50321
  • West Des Moines – 50265, 50266, 50325
  • Ankeny – 50021, 50023
  • Urbandale – 50322, 50323
  • Johnston – 50131
  • Clive – 50325
  • Waukee – 50263
  • Altoona – 50009
  • Norwalk – 50211
  • Indianola – 50125
  • Grimes – 50111
  • Pleasant Hill – 50327
  • Bondurant – 50035
  • Adel – 50003

Don’t Ignore Sewer Line Problems!

Contact Des Moines Drain and Sewer today for professional, reliable sewer line repair service from the area’s most trusted plumbing team.

Call now (515) 349-0902  or schedule your free estimate online.

  • Same-day service available
  • 24/7 emergency response

Frequently Asked Questions

Repair time varies by method and extent of damage. Trenchless repairs can often be completed in 1-2 days, while traditional excavation repairs typically take 2-5 days depending on complexity, depth, and restoration requirements.

Traditional repairs using new PVC pipe typically last 50-100 years. Trenchless repairs like CIPP lining generally carry 50-year warranties, while spot repairs may last 10-20 years depending on surrounding pipe conditions.

It depends on the repair method and extent of damage. In many cases, we can install a temporary bypass to maintain limited functionality. For major repairs, water usage may need to be restricted for 24-48 hours. We’ll provide clear guidance for your specific situation.

If your line has multiple issues, extensive damage, or is made of outdated materials like clay or Orangeburg, replacement is often the better long-term solution. For isolated problems in otherwise sound pipes, repair is usually sufficient. Our camera inspection can help determine the best approach.

In Des Moines, homeowners are typically responsible for the lateral line from their home to the connection at the city main, even if it extends under public property. However, damage caused by city-owned trees or municipal work may qualify for assistance. We can help you determine responsibility boundaries.

Yes, sewer repairs typically require permits from the City of Des Moines. Our team handles all permitting requirements, ensuring your repair is properly documented and inspected according to local regulations.