In Sacramento, May kicks off the dry season, which also means it’s the perfect time to check in on your plumbing system before the summer heat and usage surge. More laundry, more showers, more water use overall… and if your sewer line has any hidden issues, that increase in demand could turn a small problem into a messy, expensive emergency.
Our team helps local homeowners identify sewer line issues early, before they lead to clogs, backups, or even property damage. Here’s what to watch for, why May is the best time to act, and how our team can help you avoid a costly repair down the line.
Why Sewer Line Issues Start Showing Up in May
Sacramento’s spring brings warmer days, dry soil, and fast-growing tree roots. Combined with heavier water usage, it’s a critical time for your sewer line. If you live in areas like East Sacramento, Curtis Park, or Land Park, where many homes were built before the 1980s, your pipes may be made of clay or cast iron, materials especially vulnerable to damage and root intrusion.
This mix of environmental stress and aging infrastructure means hidden sewer problems often start showing signs in late spring, just as HVAC season begins to fill up plumbing schedules across the region.
3 Signs You May Need a Sewer Line Inspection
- Gurgling or bubbling noises from your toilet or drains
- Persistent sewer odors in your yard or inside your home
- Multiple slow drains or frequent toilet backups
These symptoms can all point to a blockage, root intrusion, or damaged pipe somewhere in your main sewer line, and they tend to get worse fast when the weather heats up.
How Tree Roots Damage Sacramento Sewer Lines
Tree roots are drawn to moisture. If there’s a tiny crack in your sewer pipe, they’ll find it and grow into it. Once inside, roots continue expanding and create a web that traps waste and debris. This is one of the leading causes of sewer backups in Sacramento’s older neighborhoods.
We frequently see root-related issues in areas with mature landscaping and older plumbing systems, especially where clay or cast iron pipes are still in use. In many cases, homeowners call us after noticing a slow drain or soft spots in the yard, only to find significant root intrusion during a camera inspection. When caught early, these problems can often be resolved with non-invasive solutions like hydro jetting or trenchless repair. But when left too long, they may require excavation and full pipe replacement.
Why Sewer Camera Inspections Are Worth It
Our high-resolution sewer cameras allow us to inspect your main line from the inside, without digging up your yard or guessing where the problem might be. It’s fast, non-invasive, and gives you real answers in real time.
What to expect: A typical inspection takes less than an hour. We’ll access your main cleanout, feed in a small waterproof camera, and walk you through what we see. You’ll know right away whether your line is clear, partially blocked, or in need of repair.
Preventive Cleaning: Clear the Way Before It Clogs
If buildup or root intrusion is caught early, we often recommend hydro jetting, a high-pressure water treatment that clears the line completely. It’s ideal for removing grease, debris, and roots before they create a full blockage.
Scheduling this kind of preventive service in May ensures your line is ready for summer. Plus, you’ll avoid emergency fees or long wait times when plumbers are booked out in the hotter months.
Why Choose Huft Home Services?
We’ve served the greater Sacramento area for years and understand the unique plumbing challenges our region faces. Whether it’s a tree root problem in Land Park or a misaligned clay pipe in Midtown, our licensed plumbers have seen and fixed it all.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Local expertise and fast response times
- Upfront pricing with no surprises
- Trenchless sewer line repair options
- Detailed inspections with real-time camera footage
We believe in clear communication, quality service, and solutions that actually last.
Thinking Ahead? Pair with a Whole-Home Plumbing or HVAC Check
May is also a great time to get your full plumbing system inspected — or even pair it with your HVAC tune-up before the Sacramento summer hits hard. We can handle both in a single visit, saving you time and making sure your entire home is summer-ready.
Already seeing signs of plumbing issues? We offer comprehensive leak detection and drain cleaning as part of our plumbing services.
Book Your Sewer Line Inspection Today
Don’t wait for sewage to back up into your home on a 100-degree weekend in July. A quick plumbing inspection now can save you thousands in emergency repairs and give you peace of mind for the season ahead.
Call Huft Home Services today or schedule online to book your sewer camera inspection. Let’s get ahead of the problem, before summer heat and high usage push your plumbing system to its limit.
