When you’re dealing with plumbing problems and need drain repair quick, it can feel overwhelming. In cities like San Diego, older homes plumbing systems used cast iron drains. Cast iron has a life expectancy of 50-100 years depending on conditions and location. Corrosion usually beginning around 25 years old. Knowing your drain repair options ahead of time can save you a lot of stress, money, and potential property damage in the event of a broken drain. This drain repair guide will help you decide which pipe repair is right for you.
Let’s go over the most common drain problems found in San Diego and the different repair options available to homeowners nation-wide.
Common Drain Problems
San Diego’s beautiful weather comes with some unique challenges for your plumbing system. Some of the most common drain issues local homeowners face include:
-
Root Intrusion: Many older neighborhoods in San Diego (like South Park, North Park, and La Mesa) have mature trees with roots that love to find tiny cracks in aging pipes.
-
Pipe Corrosion: Homes built before the 1970s often have cast iron or galvanized steel pipes, which naturally corrode over time.
-
Shifting Soil: San Diego’s dry climate, occasional heavy rains, and earthquakes can cause the ground to shift, cracking or misaligning drain pipes.
-
Grease Build-up: Coastal lifestyles often mean a lot of cooking and entertaining — and sometimes that leads to a lot of grease going down the kitchen drain.
-
Clogs from Sand and Debris: Proximity to beaches means that sand and grit can get into drains and create stubborn blockages.
No matter the cause, slow drains, bad smells, gurgling sounds, or backed-up sinks and showers are all signs it’s time for professional attention.
💡 Pro Tip:
If you notice multiple drains clogging at the same time (like your shower and toilet), it usually means the problem is deeper in the main sewer line — not just a surface-level clog.
The Importance of Knowing Your Main Water Shut Off Valve
Before any major drain or sewer repair, it’s essential for homeowners to know where their main water shut-off valve is located. In case of a severe leak or backup, quickly turning off the water can prevent extensive water damage to your property.
How to find it:
-
Check along the perimeter of your house, usually near a hose bib or outdoor faucet.
-
Look near the water heater or where the main water line enters your home if you’re in an older property.
-
Some homes have shut-offs at the sidewalk (meter box) that require a special key.
Pro tip: Always make sure everyone in the household knows how to turn off the water in an emergency — it could save you thousands of dollars in repairs!
Sewer Camera Inspection: The First Step
Before jumping into any drain repair, professional plumbers typically recommend a camera sewer inspection.
What it is:
A specialized waterproof camera is fed into your drain system. It provides real-time footage of the inside of your pipes, allowing the plumber to accurately diagnose blockages, cracks, tree root intrusion, corrosion, and collapsed pipes.
Why it’s important:
-
Pinpoints the problem area without guesswork.
-
Saves money by recommending the most appropriate fix.
-
Documents pipe conditions for insurance claims or home sales.
Cost range:
-
Typically $200–$500 for a full inspection, often waived if repairs are booked through the same company.
💡 Pro Tip:
Ask for a copy of your sewer inspection video. It’s great documentation if you decide to sell your home later!
Drain Repair Options
Pipe Relining (Sectional Point Repair / Perma-Liner)
What it is:
Pipe relining is very similar to CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe) lining, but focuses on repairing only a specific section rather than the full length of the pipe. A resin-soaked liner is inserted into the damaged section and cured to form a strong, seamless “pipe within a pipe.”
Best for:
-
Isolated cracks, leaks, or root intrusion.
-
Situations where replacing the entire pipe isn’t necessary.
Average cost:
$500–$1,200 for sectional relining; $80–$150 per foot for longer relines.
Pros:
-
Minimal digging required.
-
Extends the life of the existing pipe.
-
Restores structural integrity quickly.
Cons:
-
Not suitable for severely collapsed pipes.
-
May not fix underlying slope or misalignment issues.
💡 Pro Tip:
Sectional relining is perfect for small root intrusions — but a full camera inspection will make sure you’re not missing other hidden damage farther down the line.
Trenchless Pipe Repair (CIPP Lining or Perma-Lining)
What it is:
A resin-saturated liner is inserted into the damaged pipe, then inflated and cured with hot water, steam, or UV light. Once hardened, it forms a new seamless pipe inside the old one without the need for digging.
Best for:
-
Cracks, corrosion, and minor offsets.
-
Homeowners who want to preserve landscaping or driveways.
Average cost:
$80–$250 per linear foot.
Pros:
-
Minimal disruption.
-
50+ year lifespan.
-
Eco-friendly, less waste.
Cons:
-
Not possible if the pipe has collapsed completely.
-
Requires precision and professional expertise.
💡 Pro Tip:
Installing a trenchless liner now can save thousands later by preventing future root intrusion and sewer backups.
Full Pipe Replacement (Excavation)
What it is:
Traditional open-trench replacement involves digging out the damaged pipe and installing new piping to current codes and standards.
Best for:
-
Severely damaged or collapsed pipes.
-
Major misalignments or bellies.
Average cost:
$5,000–$15,000+ depending on length and depth.
Pros:
-
Entirely new piping system.
-
Increases property value.
Cons:
-
Most expensive and disruptive.
-
Requires restoration of landscaping, concrete, etc.
Hydro Jetting
What it is:
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water jets to scour the inside walls of your pipes clean. It removes everything from grease and sludge to tree roots and hardened scale deposits.
Best for:
-
Stubborn, recurring clogs.
-
Heavy grease and soap build-up.
-
Clearing tree roots.
Average cost:
$400–$800.
Pros:
-
Leaves pipes almost as clean as new.
-
Helps prevent future blockages.
-
Environmentally friendly (just water, no chemicals).
Cons:
-
Not recommended for pipes with cracks or weak spots without prior camera inspection.
Pipe Bursting
What it is:
Pipe bursting is a trenchless method used to replace buried pipelines without traditional digging. A bursting head is pulled through the old pipe, breaking it apart while simultaneously pulling a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe into place.
Best for:
-
Severely damaged or collapsed pipes.
-
Pipes that are too broken for lining or relining.
Average cost:
$80–$200 per linear foot.
Pros:
-
No large-scale excavation needed.
-
New, seamless HDPE pipe has a 50+ year lifespan.
-
Great for replacing clay, Orangeburg, or heavily corroded cast iron pipes.
Cons:
-
Entry and exit pits are still required.
-
Higher upfront cost compared to spot repairs or lining.
-
Needs room around the pipe and clear access points.
Spot Repairs
What it is:
A localized repair where only the damaged section of pipe is excavated and replaced, rather than replacing the entire line.
Best for:
-
Isolated damage.
-
Small cracks or leaks.
Average cost:
$500–$1,500 depending on depth and location.
Pros:
-
Less invasive than full replacement.
-
Faster and cheaper for small areas.
Cons:
-
Patching multiple spots over time adds up.
-
Doesn’t address system-wide aging.
Drain Snaking (Drain Auger)
What it is:
A long, flexible steel cable with a corkscrew end is manually or mechanically rotated into the drain to dislodge and pull out soft clogs like hair, food, and grease. It’s a quick, effective method for clearing basic blockages in household drains.
Best for:
-
Shower, bathtub, and kitchen sink clogs.
-
Minor tree root problems caught early.
Average cost:
$150–$400 per drain.
Pros:
-
Fast and affordable.
-
Minimal disruption.
Cons:
-
Temporary fix for deeper or recurring problems.
-
May not remove full blockage or buildup.
Common Types of Drain Pipe Materials
Choosing the right material matters when replacing or repairing drains. Here’s a quick guide:
| Material | Pros | Cons | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | Lightweight, easy to install, corrosion-resistant | Can crack with age or impact | $3–$8 per foot |
| ABS | Stronger than PVC, resistant to cold temps | Not allowed in some local codes | $4–$9 per foot |
| Cast Iron | Very durable, excellent sound insulation | Corrodes over time, heavy, expensive | $10–$20 per foot |
| Clay | Natural and very durable | Brittle, susceptible to tree roots | Varies widely, rarely used in new installs |
| Orangeburg (fiber pipe) | Lightweight, cheap (historically) | Degrades rapidly, outdated | N/A (only in older homes) |
| HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) | Flexible, chemical-resistant, durable | Requires specialized welding equipment | $7–$15 per foot |
Note: In San Diego, most modern replacements use PVC or HDPE for residential sewer lines because they’re durable, affordable, and comply with local codes.
Drain Repair Guide At A Glance
| Option | Best For | Pros | Cons | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snaking | Small clogs | Fast, cheap | Temporary | $150–$400 |
| Hydro Jetting | Heavy buildup, roots | Deep cleaning | Needs inspection first | $400–$800 |
| Spot Repairs | Localized damage | Less invasive | May need future repairs | $500–$1,500 |
| Trenchless CIPP Lining | Cracks, minor damage | No digging, long lifespan | Costly upfront | $80–$250/ft |
| Pipe Bursting | Severe damage, collapsed pipes | New seamless pipe, minimal digging | Needs access pits | $80–$200/ft |
| Pipe Relining (Sectional) | Small cracks, leaks | Fast, cost-effective for small areas | Not for fully collapsed pipes | $500–$1,200 |
Drain problems are stressful, but homeowners today have more options than ever — from simple drain snaking to advanced trenchless technologies like pipe bursting and perma-lining. Starting with a sewer camera inspection ensures the right repair method is chosen, helping you protect your home’s plumbing system and avoid future headaches.
At Carini Home Services, our expert team specializes in drain repairs, full replacements, trenchless solutions like CIPP lining, pipe bursting, and sewer relining. We offer free sewer camera inspections with qualifying repairs and provide transparent pricing and honest recommendations.
Disclaimer: We put a lot of care into making this guide as helpful and accurate as possible, based on current plumbing industry practices. Every home and drain system is a little different, though! Pricing, repair methods, and timelines can vary depending on your property’s specific needs, pipe condition, and local regulations. For the best results, we always recommend scheduling a professional camera inspection and consultation. That way, you’ll get personalized advice and an exact estimate tailored just for you. We are a local San Diego plumbing company, so the information in this article may differ to the reader based on their location.