If a sewer line problem isn’t fixed quickly, you risk much more than a minor inconvenience. Structural damage, property devaluation, contaminated groundwater, pest infestations, and serious health hazards can follow. The cost of repairing damage caused by delays often far exceeds the cost of doing the job right the first time.

At MK Contracting & Demolition, we handle sewer line excavation, backfill, removal, and site restoration for projects of all sizes. We work directly with homeowners, licensed plumbers, septic system installers, water main contractors, municipal public works departments, gas and hydro utility crews, concrete and paving companies, landscapers, builders, property managers, insurance restoration contractors, and real estate professionals. Our role is to make sure the job is done safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with all local standards.

Whether it’s a complete sewer line replacement, a localized repair, or emergency excavation for a blocked or collapsed line, our team delivers the professional expertise you need to get the problem solved quickly.

What is a Sewer Line?

A sewer line is the buried pipe that connects your home’s main drain to the municipal sewer system under the street. In Sarnia-Lambton, most modern homes have PVC lines, which are durable and resistant to corrosion. Older homes may have cast iron pipes, which can corrode, or clay tile pipes, which are brittle and prone to cracking.

Even the strongest materials eventually fail. Common causes include natural wear over decades, shifting soil, root intrusion from nearby trees, and damage from freezing and thawing during Southwestern Ontario winters.

Why Sewer Lines Fail in Sarnia-Lambton

Local conditions contribute to sewer line issues. Older neighbourhoods with mature trees, like those in central Sarnia, Corunna, and Petrolia, often have roots seeking water inside pipes. In areas like Wyoming and Forest, clay-heavy soils can shift, pushing pipes out of alignment. Cold winters followed by rapid spring thaws cause the ground to expand and contract, stressing joints and connections.

Many properties in the region still rely on infrastructure installed 30 to 50 years ago. Combined with heavy rains and flooding in low-lying areas near Lake Huron and the St. Clair River, the risk of a sewer line failure is high without regular inspection and maintenance.

Signs of a Broken or Clogged Sewer Line

Persistent blockages in multiple fixtures are one of the first signs of trouble. If you flush a toilet and wastewater rises in a basement floor drain or backs up into a tub, the main sewer line is likely affected.

A strong sewage smell inside your home or around your property often means there’s a leak. In a properly functioning system, the only openings are vent stacks on your roof.

Slow drains in more than one fixture, even after clearing attempts, point to a deeper problem. Unusually lush or green patches of grass above the pipe may signal a leak, as sewage water acts like fertilizer.

Sunken pavers, depressions in the lawn, or sinkholes can occur when soil erodes from a break. In more severe cases, leaking water can undermine foundations, causing cracks or settlement. Pooling water in the yard without a clear source is another warning sign.

Rodent or insect infestations can also trace back to sewer line issues. Small breaches in a pipe can provide a direct entry point for pests.

When to Call for Repairs or Replacement

If you notice any of these signs, contact a sewer professional immediately. Waiting can turn a small repair into a major excavation project. Delays can result in foundation damage, groundwater contamination, and significant interior damage from backups.

This is often when property managers, home inspectors, or insurance restoration contractors refer clients to us. We’re frequently called by plumbers when an issue can’t be solved from inside the pipe and requires excavation.

Repair vs. Replacement

Repair is the right choice when the damage is localized, such as a small crack, minor root intrusion, or an isolated joint failure. It is less costly and less disruptive, provided the rest of the line is structurally sound.

Replacement becomes necessary when the pipe has collapsed, is heavily corroded, or has multiple problem sections. In these cases, patching one area would be a short-term fix at best. Full replacement with PVC ensures decades of reliable service.

We often work alongside plumbers, municipal public works crews, and insurance restoration companies to determine the best approach.

Sewer Line Repair and Replacement Costs

In Southwestern Ontario, sewer line repairs generally cost between $3,000 and $8,000. Replacement projects typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the length and depth of the line and the complexity of the work.

Depth plays a major role in cost. Lines buried deeper require more excavation and shoring. The material of the existing pipe also matters; clay or cast iron often take more labour to remove than PVC.

Accessibility is another factor. Some projects can be done with machinery, while others require hand digging due to tight spaces or nearby utilities. Surface restoration is also part of the budget — driveways, sidewalks, or landscaped areas above the line may need concrete or paving crews and landscapers to restore the property.

Insurance Coverage

Most homeowner’s policies exclude coverage for damage caused by gradual deterioration, wear, or poor maintenance. They may, however, cover sudden and accidental damage, such as a break caused by ground movement or an impact from nearby construction.

We often work directly with insurance adjusters and restoration contractors to provide excavation, pipe replacement, and site restoration as part of a covered claim. When damage is sudden and unexpected, documentation from our work can help support your claim.

The Sewer Line Excavation Process

Every project starts with inspection and locates. We often coordinate with licensed plumbers who use camera equipment to pinpoint the problem. Ontario One Call is contacted to mark all buried utilities before digging begins.

Excavation is performed using heavy machinery where possible. In tight-access areas or near sensitive utilities, we hand-dig to avoid damage. We work closely with gas and hydro utility crews when excavation takes place near their lines.

Once the pipe is exposed, the damaged section is removed. If a replacement is needed, a new PVC pipe is installed with the correct slope and proper bedding material. After installation, the trench is backfilled in layers and compacted to prevent settling.

Finally, the site is restored. This might involve grading, sod replacement, or working with concrete and paving companies to reinstall driveways or walkways. Landscapers may be brought in for final touches.

Who Refers Sewer Work to Us

Many of our projects come through referrals from other trades, businesses, and agencies. Licensed plumbers bring us in when excavation is required. Septic installers call when tanks or drain fields need new connections.

Water main contractors often coordinate with us on projects where both water and sewer lines need work. Municipal public works departments hire us for infrastructure repairs or emergency response after collapses. Gas and hydro crews consult us for excavation near their lines.

Concrete and paving companies bring us in when a sewer issue is discovered during site work. Landscapers work with us when grading or restoration requires underground repairs first.

Property managers call when rental properties have sewer problems. Insurance restoration contractors contact us for backup and flood-related excavations. Even real estate agents and home inspectors refer homeowners to us when they discover sewer issues during sales.

Service Area

We serve the entire Sarnia-Lambton region, including Sarnia, Bright’s Grove, Point Edward, Corunna, Wyoming, Petrolia, Oil Springs, Watford, Forest, Grand Bend, Thedford, and Camlachie.

Our service also extends within 100 kilometres to communities across Southwestern Ontario, including Chatham-Kent, Strathroy, London, Wallaceburg, and surrounding areas.

Why Choose MK Contracting & Demolition

We are trusted by plumbers for reliable excavation and restoration. Municipal crews rely on us for urgent repairs. Property managers and builders value our ability to coordinate with multiple trades.

We have experience with tight-access digs, precision excavation near utilities, and full site restoration. Our operators are skilled, our equipment is well-maintained, and our safety standards are uncompromising.

From small repairs to major replacements, we deliver the same level of care and attention to every project.

Get a Free Quote

Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with a backup, a plumber needing an excavation partner, a municipality responding to an emergency, or a contractor managing a larger project, MK Contracting & Demolition is ready to help.

Contact us today to schedule an assessment and get your sewer problem solved quickly, safely, and professionally.