Sewer & septic repair

Protect your home from costly sewer problems with expert inspection & repair

Slow drains? Gurgling toilets? Strange odors? Your sewer line may be warning you. Snohomish County has many issues.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN?

Tree roots, shifting soil and old infrastructure degrade or block our sewers. Back-ups result in expensive repairs and hazardous exposure. Not to mention: one of the most unforgettable messes of your lifetime.

WHAT YOU NEED

Get precision diagnoses with smart technology and decades of experience. Then repair it with modern materials engineered to outlast your original sewer line.

BTW: We love to inspect septic drain lines, but do not service septic tanks. Contact us for a great recommendation for a licensed septic tank company.

Help me diagnose my sewer line

Licensed.
Pre-screened.
Insured.

CASE STUDY

A hidden sewer disaster—caught just in time

One Everett homeowner called us with a common concern: gurgling toilets and slow drains.

Sewer problems run deep

They figured it was just a minor clog. But with sewer lines, what you can’t see can put your home—and your health—at serious risk.

Left unchecked, this would have caused sewage to back up into their basement during the next heavy rain—a nightmare scenario that can expose families to harmful bacteria and costly damage.

We began with a high-resolution camera inspection, and what we found was no small issue: a collapsed sewer pipe buried 12 feet underground, invaded by tree roots. Worse yet, their sewer line had an improper slope, meaning wastewater wasn’t draining as it should.

Saving the family’s basement (and their health)

We moved quickly with a multi-step repair:

  • We replaced the broken line with a larger pipe to correct the slope and ensure it met code and city standards.
  • We reinforced the surrounding soil to help prevent future settling and damage.
  • And, knowing the area’s tricky utility layout, we installed a backflow preventer—a one-way valve that stops sewage from ever reversing direction and re-entering the home.

Sewer lines are out of sight but shouldn’t be out of mind. If you notice strange gurgles, odors, or slow drains, trust your gut. Get it checked before small problems become costly health hazards.

What’s a backflow preventer? It lets waste water exit your home but stops contaminated water from flowing back in. In areas with unpredictable utility pressure or stormwater, it can protect your family’s health.

STARS & STRIPES
SAYS...

Trees are the best leak detectors out there—if there’s a break in your pipe, their roots will find it every time. Before you know it, they’re growing right in the line.

Common causes of sewer line failure in the Pacific Northwest

Older homes = older pipes

“It’s been working fine for 30 years!” Many Snohomish County homes have aging sewer lines made from clay, concrete, or Orangeburg fiber—materials that crack, collapse, or disintegrate over time.

Tree roots seeking moisture

Roots from your beautiful PNW trees are great at finding and crushing pipes, invading joints, and blocking flow.

Soil movement & settling

Washington’s heavy rainfall and even seismic activity can put large pressure on old infrastructure. Can break pipes underground without warning.

Flushing the wrong things

Despite what labels say, flushable wipes aren’t actually flushable. Neither are feminine products, grease, or household chemicals. ALL contribute to major sewer blockages.

Warning signs your sewer line needs attention

Toilets that bubble or gurgle when running water elsewhere in the house

Soggy or extra-green patches in the yard (a possible underground leak)

Slow drains in multiple fixtures—not just one sink or tub

Sewer gas smell inside or outside—never a good sign

Water backing up in unexpected places (e.g., flushing causes a bathtub backup)

Recurring sewer line clogs that keep coming back

Ignoring these signs can lead to sewage backups in your home—one of the most expensive and hazardous plumbing disasters.

Schedule your sewer or septic inspection

Why Snohomish County homeowners trust Stars & Stripes Plumbing for sewer repair

Advanced sewer technology & healthy repair solutions

Some companies rely on drain snakes or chemical treatments as a quick fix. Those mask symptoms. Before we touch a shovel, we inspect your sewer to help you with the healthiest repair options.

  • Sewer camera inspections to pinpoint issues before making recommendations or digging up your yard
  • Electronic pipe locators to track exactly where the problem is
  • Hydro-jetting to clear tough blockages when appropriate (doesn’t make the problem worse)
  • Trenchless repair options to minimize digging when possible

Integrity first. Local. Veteran-owned

Enjoy the job done right the first time. No sales gimmicks or unnecessary upsells.

  • Snohomish County’s trusted plumbing specialists—local, and not another do-everything franchise
  • Veteran-owned & operated. Built on honest, expert plumbing service backed by real results. With special discounts for active military, veterans & first responders.

STARS & STRIPES
SAYS...

Sewer repairs result in deep trenches—twice a plumber’s height. They can collapse without warning, causing serious injury or even death. Extra safety measures are essential every time.

Proudly serving Snohomish County

We provide drain inspections, cleaning, and repairs in:

What people are saying

Don’t wait until your sewer backs up—schedule an inspection today!

Schedule today

Ask about military & veteran discounts

Sewer & septic FAQs

How do I know if my sewer or septic line needs repair or full replacement?

A camera inspection is the best way to tell. Not all sewer problems require digging or full replacement—some can be repaired with targeted solutions.

Can you fix my sewer without digging up my yard?

Maybe—depending on where you live. Some cities don’t allow trenchless sewer repair. We always check first. Trenchless methods can fix the problem with little to no digging, which saves time and keeps your yard intact. If digging is the only choice, don’t worry: We do it carefully and treat your property with the same respect as our own.

How much does sewer repair cost?

Costs vary depending on the pipe material, damage, and repair method. Sewers and septic drains are among the more expensive repairs for your house—which is why early detection is important!

Got a question?