Sewer Repair in South Lake Tahoe, CA

Your Sewer Problem Solved Today

Fast, reliable sewer repair when your South Lake Tahoe property needs it most.

A plumber in El Dorado County, CA, wearing gloves and boots, uses a large hose to clean or empty a manhole on a paved surface, with the manhole cover set aside nearby.

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A plumber El Dorado County wearing blue gloves and work boots is cleaning or inspecting a drain or sewer opening on a paved surface using a black hose or cable, with the round metal drain cover open nearby.

Professional Sewer Line Services

Get Your Property Back to Normal

When your sewer line fails, you’re not just dealing with an inconvenience—you’re facing potential health hazards, property damage, and the stress of finding reliable help in South Lake Tahoe’s mountain environment. You need your problem solved quickly and correctly.

After we handle your sewer repair, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your system can handle Tahoe’s unique challenges. No more worrying about backups during your busy rental season or wondering if that slow drain will turn into a major problem. Your property will be protected, your tenants or family will be comfortable, and you’ll have a sewer system built to last in our mountain conditions.

Whether it’s tree roots from the surrounding forest, freeze damage from harsh winters, or just an aging system that’s finally given up, we’ll get your sewer line working properly again.

Local South Lake Tahoe Experts

We Know Tahoe Plumbing Challenges

Murray Plumbing understands what makes South Lake Tahoe different. We know how freezing temperatures affect older cabin plumbing, why tree roots are such a persistent problem in our forested area, and how vacation rental properties need reliable systems that won’t fail when you’re not around.

We’ve been solving sewer problems for South Lake Tahoe residents and property owners who need dependable service. Our team knows the local codes, understands the unique challenges of mountain plumbing, and has the equipment to handle everything from simple blockages to complete line replacements.

When other plumbers might struggle with Tahoe’s specific conditions, we’re ready with the right approach and local expertise to get your sewer system working properly.

A worker in blue coveralls and gloves, possibly a plumber El Dorado County, uses equipment to clean or inspect a sewer manhole on a CA street. He kneels beside the open manhole, holding a red cable connected to a machine.

Our Sewer Repair Process

Clear Steps, No Surprises

First, we’ll assess your situation with our advanced camera inspection equipment. This lets us see exactly what’s happening inside your sewer line—whether it’s tree roots, breaks, or blockages—without unnecessary digging or guesswork.

Next, we’ll explain what we found and give you upfront pricing for the repair options. You’ll know exactly what needs to be done and what it will cost before we start any work.

Then we’ll complete the repair using the most effective method for your specific situation. This might be hydro jetting for root removal, trenchless repair to minimize yard damage, or traditional excavation if that’s what’s needed. We’ll clean up thoroughly and test the system to make sure everything’s working properly before we consider the job complete.

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Complete Sewer Line Solutions

Everything Your System Needs

Our sewer services cover everything from emergency repairs to complete system replacements. We handle tree root removal, broken pipe repair, sewer line cleaning, and camera inspections to diagnose problems accurately.

In South Lake Tahoe, we see specific challenges that other areas don’t face. The combination of mature trees, seasonal ground movement, and older infrastructure means sewer problems often involve root infiltration and freeze damage. We’re equipped to handle these local issues with trenchless repair methods that minimize disruption to your property.

We also understand the importance of getting vacation rental properties back online quickly. Our efficient service means less downtime for your business and fewer headaches for you. Plus, we’re familiar with local permit requirements and can handle the paperwork when replacement work requires city approval.

A plumber in El Dorado County, CA, wearing white gloves, connects bright blue PVC pipes in a dirt-filled trench—likely working on an underground plumbing installation or repair.

How do I know if tree roots are blocking my sewer line?

Tree roots in sewer lines typically cause recurring slow drains, gurgling sounds from toilets or drains, and sewage backups that keep happening even after you’ve had the line cleaned. In South Lake Tahoe’s forested environment, this is extremely common. You might also notice unusually green or lush patches in your yard where roots are accessing leaked sewage as fertilizer. The most reliable way to confirm root infiltration is with a camera inspection, which shows us exactly what’s inside your pipes and where the problem areas are located. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they keep coming back after temporary fixes, roots are likely the culprit and need professional removal.
Sewer repair addresses specific problem areas—like removing tree roots, fixing a broken section, or clearing a blockage. This works well when the overall pipe system is in good condition but has localized issues. Sewer replacement involves installing a new sewer line, either because the existing one is too damaged to repair effectively or because it’s old enough that repairs would just be temporary fixes. In South Lake Tahoe, we often see older systems that have reached the end of their useful life, especially in cabins and older homes. We use camera inspection to determine which approach makes the most sense for your situation. Sometimes a repair will solve the problem for years to come, while other times replacement is the more cost-effective long-term solution.
In many cases, yes. We use trenchless repair methods whenever possible, which allow us to fix or replace sewer lines with minimal excavation. This is especially important in South Lake Tahoe where landscaping and mature trees are valuable parts of your property. Trenchless methods work well for many common problems, including root damage and pipe deterioration. However, the feasibility depends on factors like the condition of your existing pipe, the type of damage, and accessibility to your sewer line. We’ll always explore trenchless options first and explain whether they’re suitable for your specific situation. When traditional excavation is necessary, we minimize the disruption and restore your landscaping as much as possible.
We provide 24/7 emergency sewer service because we understand that sewer problems don’t wait for convenient times. In South Lake Tahoe, this is especially critical during peak rental seasons or harsh weather when you can’t afford delays. Our response time depends on your exact location and current weather conditions, but we prioritize emergency calls and will get to you as quickly as safely possible. We’ll also provide guidance over the phone about immediate steps you can take to minimize damage while we’re on our way. For true emergencies like sewage backups or complete line failures, we’ll work to stabilize the situation quickly and then develop a permanent repair plan. We understand the urgency of these situations and respond accordingly.
Permit requirements depend on the scope of work being done. Simple repairs and cleaning typically don’t require permits, but sewer line replacement usually does. South Lake Tahoe has specific requirements that we’re familiar with as local contractors. We handle permit applications when they’re needed and ensure all work meets local codes. This includes understanding setback requirements, proper materials for mountain conditions, and inspection schedules. You won’t need to navigate the permit process yourself. Our familiarity with local requirements means we can move through the permit process efficiently and avoid delays that might occur if you worked with contractors unfamiliar with South Lake Tahoe’s specific codes and procedures.
First, stop using water fixtures immediately to prevent making the backup worse. If sewage is coming up through drains, avoid the affected areas and ensure good ventilation. Contact us right away—sewer backups are health hazards that need immediate professional attention. In South Lake Tahoe’s winter conditions, sewer backups can be complicated by frozen ground and difficult access conditions. We’re equipped to handle these challenges and will respond as quickly as weather permits. We may be able to provide temporary solutions to get you through until conditions allow for permanent repairs. Don’t try to clear the backup yourself with chemical drain cleaners or excessive force—this can make the problem worse and potentially damage your pipes. Professional equipment and expertise are necessary to safely and effectively resolve sewer backups, especially in winter conditions.

Other Services we provide in South Lake Tahoe