Noticing sewage backups, foul odors, or wet spots in your yard? Pacific Drain & Plumbing provides professional sewer repair throughout San Diego, backed by guarantees that protect your investment. Our local plumbers diagnose sewer problems accurately and fix them right the first time.
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At Pacific Drain & Plumbing, we see the same sewer repair challenges throughout San Diego neighborhoods every week. Many homes in the area were built between the 1940s and 1970s, which means their sewer lines are made from materials that were standard back then but cause problems today. Clay pipes, cast iron, and Orangeburg (a tar-impregnated fiber pipe that was popular post-World War II) all have limited lifespans, and many have now reached or exceeded their useful years.
San Diego’s coastal environment speeds up the deterioration of cast iron pipes. The salt air and moisture accelerate corrosion from both inside and outside the pipe. In older neighborhoods like Mission Hills and South Park, clay sewer lines are especially common, and these pipes are vulnerable to cracking, joint separation, and root intrusion as they age.
The region’s seismic activity adds another layer of stress. Even minor ground movement can shift pipes out of alignment or create cracks that worsen over time. Combined with San Diego’s dry climate, where tree roots aggressively seek out any available moisture source, sewer lines become prime targets for root infiltration. Once roots find their way in through small cracks or loose joints, they grow inside the pipe and catch everything that flows through.
If your home was built before 1972 and still has its original sewer line, there’s a good chance it’s made from Orangeburg. These pipes were designed to last about 50 years, but many start failing after just 30. The material absorbs moisture, warps under soil pressure, and eventually collapses. When that happens, you need more than a simple repair.
Sewer line damage rarely happens overnight. Most problems develop gradually, which is why catching them early makes such a difference. Here are the most common causes we find:
Sewer problems aren’t always visible from above ground, which is why proper diagnosis matters so much. Our plumbers take a systematic approach to find exactly what’s happening in your sewer line before recommending any repairs.
A properly repaired sewer line should serve your home reliably for decades. Modern materials like PVC can last 75 to 100 years when installed correctly. To protect your investment and avoid future problems, keep these recommendations in mind.
Be mindful of what goes down your drains. Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Keep wipes, feminine products, and other items out of your toilets. In the kitchen, dispose of grease and cooking oil in the trash rather than pouring them down the sink.
If you have large trees near your sewer line, consider having the line inspected with a camera every few years. Catching root intrusion early means a simple cleaning rather than extensive repairs. Some homeowners schedule annual hydro jetting to clear roots before they become a problem.
Know where your cleanout is located. In San Diego, property owners are responsible for their sewer lateral from the home all the way to where it connects with the city main, often located in the middle of the street. Quick access to your cleanout makes inspections and maintenance much easier.
Our sewer repair work is backed by our lifetime workmanship guarantee. If any issues arise related to our repairs, we’ll take care of it.
Sewer problems tend to get worse when ignored, and the damage can extend beyond your plumbing to your yard, foundation, and even the inside of your home. Watch for these warning signs:
When sewage backs up into your home or you notice persistent odors, don’t wait. These situations can pose health risks and cause significant property damage if left unaddressed.
Sewer repair is a significant investment, and you need a company that will be straight with you about what’s really going on underground. Our plumbers live and work in San Diego. They understand the clay pipes in older neighborhoods, the Orangeburg that’s failing in mid-century homes, and the cast iron that’s corroding in coastal areas. When they inspect your sewer line, they know what to look for.
We back every sewer repair with our lifetime workmanship guarantee and 100% satisfaction guarantee. No deposit is required to schedule your inspection, and we don’t surprise you with hidden costs. Every plumber on our team is licensed, bonded, insured, and background-checked.
As part of the Mauzy family of companies, we honor the quality standards and guarantees that San Diego homeowners have trusted for years. When your sewer line needs attention, we’re ready to help you understand your options and get the problem solved.
Pacific Drain & Plumbing is a Mauzy brand. The reviews below are from Mauzy customers in San Diego, served by the same team that handles Pacific Drain jobs.
Posted on Chris CamarataTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joel was very good. Talked with me, explained why to replace socket, and very respectful. He is a keeperPosted on Wendy LedfordTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Furnace maintainance was effortless and included in my yearly service agreementPosted on Jody WelpTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joe A. Did a great job troubleshooting and fixing the issue. Thank you!Posted on Kathryn WhistlerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Electrical inspection in service contract so part af a package. Technician Isaac was very helpful.Posted on Tom GarrisonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Darren was knowledgeable, friendly, considerate and efficient. All good.Posted on Charles NnajiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 4/9/24 Michael Mitman was the specialist that did my maintenance on my unit today, and was very thorough as well as provided recommendations and offered the discount rate for my next year visit as well as gave good information on changing out the filter sooner than 90 days due to pet and carpet. He is very knowledgeable and also found out he went to high school with my oldest son. Thanks again for an awesome service today. January 14, 2026 Joshua came and serviced my water heater as well as recommended items that need to be replaced and what functions and issues can arise if ignored. He is very knowledgeable and explained everything he was doing as well as showing the results of his assessments. He deserves a raise because it is rare to have someone so knowledgeable and confident in what they do which is a huge plus. I will definitely highly recommend him. Again thank you for a job well done Joshua and the Mauzy team. January 22, 2026, James Logsdon came and did our hvac systems maintenance. He was very professional, detailed and communicated his recommendations to keep the systems running for a while. I am glad this was done today. Thanks again for your services, will definitely recommend him for hvac systems maintenance.Posted on Ghiasi DesignsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike was absolutely amazing! He took the time to go over all the potential reasons the heater was not working, trouble shooter the thermostat and got the heat back on. He is extremely kind, professional and I highly recommend their company and ask for Michael!Posted on Asher A.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Michael Mitman came in today and fixed our non-working heating. He took his time in diagnosing the issue until he got it fixed. Very straightforward, friendly, and experienced. Thank you Michael! Mauzy is always trustworthy in issues like this!Posted on Linda PalmerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jonathan Sandoval was courteous, knowledgeable, efficient, and professional. I was pleased with the installation work they did on my new HVAC package. I would recommend them in the future.Posted on Roxanne BurroughsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mikel was very professional, well-mannered, informative and polite. Good experience.
From booking to completion, our streamlined process ensures hassle-free, efficient handyman services. Just follow the steps below, and we’ll handle the rest, delivering quality work you can count on.
The most common causes are aging pipe materials, tree root intrusion, and ground movement. Many San Diego homes built before 1980 have sewer lines made from clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg, all of which deteriorate over time. The dry climate pushes tree roots toward moisture sources like sewer lines, and seismic activity can shift pipes out of alignment or create cracks.
Our call support is available 24/7 for urgent sewer situations like backups or sewage odors. We work to schedule inspections as quickly as possible, and many repairs can be completed within a day or two depending on the scope of work needed. When you call, we'll give you an honest timeline based on your specific situation.
Yes. We assess your entire sewer system before recommending repairs and choose methods appropriate for your pipe material and condition. For homes with fragile older pipes, trenchless lining can restore the line without the stress of excavation. If replacement is necessary, we use techniques that minimize disruption to your property.
We start with a camera inspection to diagnose the problem accurately. Based on what we find, we explain your repair options and provide clear information so you can make an informed decision. The repair itself, verification that the line is working properly, and our lifetime workmanship guarantee are all included.
We have 24/7 call support for sewer emergencies. Sewage backing up into your home, persistent sewage odors, or visible sewage in your yard are situations that shouldn't wait. Call us any time and we'll work to get help to you as quickly as possible.
A camera inspection reveals the answer. If damage is limited to one area and the rest of the pipe is in good condition, a targeted repair often makes sense. If the pipe is deteriorated throughout, made from failing materials like Orangeburg, or has multiple problem areas, replacement is usually the better long-term investment. We'll explain what we find and help you understand your options.
Yes. Our sewer repairs come with a lifetime workmanship guarantee. If you experience any problems related to our work, we'll make it right. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee because we want you confident in choosing Pacific Drain & Plumbing for your sewer repair needs.