Digging Isn’t Always the Answer
Major sewer jobs come with major costs. Contractors, property managers, and restaurant developers have pulled quotes for full line replacements—sometimes with six‑figure price tags. But believe it or not, problems like improper venting or a small joint failure often cause the symptoms, not the age or condition of the entire sewer.
That’s why a second opinion matters. At The Pine Plumbing, we step in when other plumbers jump to digging. We run camera inspections and diagnostics first. Our clients have saved tens of thousands—and ended up with a fix that works for the long haul, without unnecessary disruption.
Here’s why you should think twice before you dig.
Case Study: $18,000 Sewer Quote in Van Nuys—Solved Without a Trench
A property manager handling over 30 rental units in Van Nuys was quoted $18,000 to replace the main sewer line on a duplex. According to the plumber, the line was full of root damage and no repair would hold. On top of that, they demanded an extra $500 just to show her the camera footage.
That raised suspicion. Instead of greenlighting a major job, she reached out to us.
We showed up the next day and offered to do the camera inspection for free if we performed the repair. (Otherwise, we charge a small fee.)
When we ran the camera, we found zero root intrusion, no damage, no sediment—nothing justifying replacement.
Instead, we uncovered the real problem—a newly built ADU lacked proper venting. Without vents, air couldn’t flow through drains. Water backed up, sinks hesitated to empty, and showers took forever. It looked like sewer trouble—but it wasn’t.
We added venting. We tested the system. It flowed perfectly. No digging. No big invoice. Just a clean system and major cost savings. That Van Nuys duplex became a long‑term client for maintenance across her whole portfolio.
Why Sewer Replacement Quotes Can Be Misleading
1. Quotes Often Come Before Inspection
Many companies deliver big estimates without verifying the cause. They quote to replace first, diagnose later. Customers end up paying for guesswork.
2. Scare Tactics Lead to Overspend
Terms like “structural failure,” “imminent collapse,” or “penetrating roots” are scary. Add urgency—“book before Friday or price doubles”—and many people react without asking for proof.
3. Camera Evidence Isn’t Standard
Some companies don’t offer camera inspections—or charge extra just to show you. That creates opacity. You pay without seeing the damage.
4. Venting and Traps Go Unchecked
Plumbers often inspect drains and pipes—but skip venting and trap reviews. Those missing details can be the actual root cause.
Case Study #2: Hollywood Property, $40K Quote—Fixed for a Few Hundred
A 4‑unit building in Hollywood had ongoing drainage issues for years. Every few months, a unit would clog. Previous plumbers blamed it on age and quoted repiping costs between $25,000 and $40,000. One even replaced a line and the issue persisted.
They blamed aging cast iron and poor slope. No real proof.
When the client contacted The Pine Plumbing, we conducted camera inspections through multiple entry points—laundry lines, crawlspace access, and cleanouts. We found:
- A cracked cast iron 90 connection in a laundry branch
- A rusted galvanized P‑trap underneath
- Slight slope inconsistencies under a driveway area
None of those required full replacement. We corrected slope, replaced the 90 and P‑trap with PVC, and re‑tested. The drains flowed at full capacity.
The whole fix cost only a few hundred dollars. And it eliminated the leaks and backups immediately. The “old building excuse” gave way to precise fixes.
Case Study #3: Restaurant Plumbing Issue—Quoted $22K to Dig
A commercial contractor overseeing a café renovation in North Hollywood got a quote: $22,000 to dig and replace about 30 feet of sewer under the sidewalk. The plumber insisted it was the only solution.
Concerned about cost and permitting hassles, the contractor called us.
We ran a camera from the kitchen cleanout. After about 15 feet, we saw heavy grease buildup—not a broken pipe. No damage beyond that point. We hydro‑jetted first, then reran the camera. The line was clear from there forward.
Nick, the restaurant owner, faced no excavation. No street closure. The total job cost under 10% of the original quote.
He now refers two other local businesses to us. No dig, no demolition—just a smart diagnosis and solution.
What Second Opinions Return in Value
✔ Factual Diagnosis
You see what’s going on—clear video evidence of the break, clog, or root section. No guessing.
✔ Targeted Repairs
Often it’s a joint, elbow, trap or vent issue—not the whole sewer.
✔ Budget Control
Thanks to diagnostics, you control cost. Only necessary work gets done.
✔ Faster Project Timelines
No trenching means no soil removal permits, less disruption to tenants or business operations.
Key Signs to Call for a Second Opinion
When you get a major sewer quote, stop and review:
- If they refuse to show you camera footage, or charge for it.
- If they quote a replacement before spending time inspecting.
- If there is pressure to sign quickly without explanation.
- If venting or trap connections were not checked.
- If slope, line alignment, or cleanout access was overlooked.
If any of these are present, pause. Bring in someone who looks beyond the surface.
We Handle Every Job—Small and Large
At The Pine Plumbing, we help general contractors, commercial developers, restaurant builders, property managers, and HOAs across the LA area. Each project gets the same care: diagnose first, fix second.
What we offer:
- Full sewer camera inspection at no cost if we do the repair
- Hydro jetting and targeted clearing
- Pipe repair or partial replacement
- Vent and P‑trap correction
- Trenchless repair techniques when suitable
- Commercial drain and sewer services for build-outs and maintenance
We don’t assume. We investigate. That’s how projects stay on budget—and on schedule.
Final Thought: Don’t Let Pressure Push You Into a Dig
Before you dig or sign off on a flood of dirt and disruption, call for a second look. Even the busiest general contractor or restaurant team benefits from clarity before excavation begins.
Real-world cases from Van Nuys and Hollywood show the difference between layers of guesswork and one smart inspection.
If someone tells you a major sewer replacement is needed, take a step back. Call The Pine Plumbing first. We’ll show up with cameras, a plan, and a clear path to fix what’s wrong—with minimal cost and maximum clarity.
Book a camera inspection today via thepineplumbing.com or give us a call. Let’s make sure you dig only when you truly must.
