Note to readers: This post was updated on July 27, 2026 to add current warning signs, maintenance guidance, and links to our related sewer line guides. We refreshed the details below so the advice reflects how we approach this work today.
Sewer line clogs can be a pain. Not only can they cause your drains to smell but they can also cause slow drainage and sewage backups. For those using traditional sewer line repair methods, sewer line clogs can also mean digging up your yard and cutting open the walls or your flooring to access your pipelines. The good news is that Glendora homeowners no longer have to worry about going through this lengthy process to repair their sewer lines.
At Western Rooter and Plumbing, we provide trenchless sewer line repairs to Glendora and the surrounding areas. But what exactly is a trenchless sewer line repair and what makes it more convenient and efficient than traditional sewer line repair methods? Here, we’ll dive into the benefits you can expect to take advantage of by using a trenchless sewer line repair on your pipelines the next time you have a clog.
What Are Trenchless Sewer Line Repairs?
A trenchless sewer line repair is a type of repair method that allows plumbing technicians to access your pipes without having to dig a trench in your yard or remove large sections of your flooring or walls. Trenchless pipe repairs are conducted by digging two small access holes into either side of the sewer line. One of these holes is the entry point. The other hole is the exit point.
To determine how bad the clog is in your sewer line or what may be causing the clog, our team of plumbing technicians at Western Rooter and Plumbing will conduct a sewer camera video inspection. Using a camera, we can detect issues in the sewer line and identify the exact cause of the clog or problem — without any guesswork.
Sewer camera video inspections can also tell our plumbing technicians how to solve the sewer line problems you’re experiencing. For instance, if you have a clog further down your sewer line, we can use hydro jetting to clear the clog. However, sometimes in Glendora and the surrounding areas, earthquakes can cause cracks or burst pipes and the sewer line may need to be replaced entirely.
Trenchless sewer line repairs and replacements are both made by using cables. For a replacement, a cable is fed through the entry point of the existing pipe on which a new sewer line is attached. The new line is then fed through the pipe to replace the old one. What makes trenchless sewer pipe repairs ideal is that they can restore your existing sewer line internally rather than needing to disrupt the property to restore your plumbing system.
How Do I Know If I Need a Repair?
While you need a professional plumbing technician to officially diagnose the problem with your sewer line, there are some obvious warning signs that you may need a sewer line repair. These signs include:
- Sewage back-ups in more than one drain: Sometimes your toilet will back up if there’s a clog. However, if a plunger doesn’t seem to help and your shower or sink is also backing up, this is a warning sign that you most likely have a clog in your sewer line rather than one of the individual branch lines. Our guide on sewer back-ups, facts and myths covers this in more detail.
- Water drains slowly: Another common sign that you have a sewer line clog is that water is draining slowly not only in your sink but also in your shower. As we mentioned above, your toilet, sink, and shower all have their own individual branch line of plumbing that connects to your main sewer line. When multiple branches are exhibiting issues with drainage, this often means there’s an issue with the main sewer line. See our breakdown of how to tell if your drain is clogged or your sewer is damaged.
- Bad smells: When there’s a clog in your main sewer line, this can cause bacteria to build up in your plumbing system. The result is the smell of sewage and bacteria coming from your drains. While the smell of bacteria isn’t harmful to your health, it can definitely be unpleasant to experience.
- A visible dip or “belly” in the line: Over time, soil settling can cause a section of pipe to sag, creating a low spot where waste and debris collect. Learn more about sewer line belly signs, causes, and repair.
- Drainage problems after an earthquake: It’s not uncommon to experience earthquakes in Glendora and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, earthquakes can sometimes disrupt plumbing systems, causing damage and even sometimes burst pipes. If your plumbing system begins exhibiting drainage problems after there’s been an earthquake in your area, there’s a chance that the earthquake may have damaged your sewer line. Be sure to contact the experienced plumbing technicians at Western Rooter and Plumbing if you suspect an earthquake has damaged your home’s plumbing system in Glendora or the surrounding areas.
What Causes Sewer Line Clogs and Other Problems?
The number one most common cause of sewer line clogs is hair build-up. When you shower or bathe, loose hair naturally falls away and washes down the drain. Hair build-up can become a problem when it merges with other substances in your sewer line such as grease, oil, soap, and food particles. It’s important to make sure that you’re not pouring grease and other cooking oils down the drain. Foods like pasta and coffee grounds can also cause plumbing damage and shouldn’t be poured down the drain or into the garbage disposal. To prevent hair build-up in the sewer line, use items such as silicone hair catchers that will catch hair before it ends up in your plumbing.
Tree roots are another major culprit, especially in older Glendora neighborhoods with mature landscaping. Roots are drawn to the moisture inside sewer lines and can work their way into small cracks or joints, eventually growing large enough to block the pipe entirely. Regular sewer line maintenance and periodic camera inspections help catch root intrusion before it becomes a full blockage.
What Are the Advantages of a Trenchless Sewer Line Repair?
If our plumbing technicians determine you need more than just hydro jetting to repair your sewer line, it’s in your best interest to invest in a trenchless sewer line repair. Glendora homeowners often prefer this method of sewer line repair because it’s:
- Fast and efficient: Traditional sewer line repairs can sometimes take a week or more because they involve extensive digging. Once the sewer line has been repaired, your yard, flooring, and walls then need to be restored. This can be a lengthy process that can be frustrating for homeowners. Trenchless sewer line repair only takes approximately one to two days. Even better, you don’t need to restore your flooring, walls, or property once your sewer line has been successfully repaired.
- Affordable: Time is money and because trenchless sewer line repair doesn’t take as long as traditional sewer line repairs, you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank to restore your plumbing system to its former glory.
- Kind to your landscaping: Traditional sewer line repairs can damage the landscaping you have, disrupting flower beds and paths you may have built over your sewer lines in your yard. With trenchless sewer line repair, you don’t have to worry about disrupting your landscaping at all.
- Less disruptive: Not only is trenchless sewer line repair less disruptive to your landscaping and yardwork but it’s also less disruptive to your street and neighborhood because there’s no need to remove pavement or divert traffic while the repair is being made.
- Eco-friendly: With trenchless sewer line repair, you don’t need to worry about damaging the local environment or causing harm to your yard because trenchless sewer line technology is completely safe and doesn’t use any harsh chemicals.
How Often Should You Have Your Sewer Line Checked?
Even if you haven’t noticed any warning signs, it’s worth having your sewer line inspected periodically, especially if your home is more than 20 years old or has large trees nearby. For most Glendora homes, a camera inspection every couple of years is enough to catch small problems — like early root intrusion or minor pipe corrosion — before they turn into a full repair or replacement. Our guide on how often sewer lines should be cleaned has more specific guidance based on your home’s age and plumbing history.
Ready to Repair Your Sewer Line?
Whether you have a clog in your sewer line, corrosion problems, or your pipes have suffered earthquake-related damage, our professional plumbing technicians at Western Rooter and Plumbing have you covered. We’ll quickly and efficiently respond to your call and use trenchless sewer line repair to restore your plumbing system. For more information or to get an estimate on your next repair, contact Western Rooter and Plumbing today.
