How we decide what needs repair
A cleaned line that clogs again, a bad smell in the yard or a sinkhole-like dip over the pipe all point to damage. We run a camera from the cleanout to the main and note the location of each defect by distance from the entry.
That video answers three questions. Is the pipe cracked, offset or collapsed? Are roots at the joints, or has the pipe sagged and holds water? And how much of the run is bad? Short problems get spot repairs. Long problems may call for lining or replacement.
Repair options side by side
Each option has a place. The camera and the site decide.
| Option | Best for | Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Spot repair | One short defect, one broken joint | Needs a dig at the defect |
| Trenchless lining | Cracks and root entry along a longer run | Needs a pipe that is not collapsed or badly offset |
| Pipe bursting | Replacing a failed line with fewer holes | Needs entry and exit pits and enough room |
| Open-trench replacement | Collapsed, bellied or badly offset pipe | More digging and surface restoration |
Any option involves 811 locates before digging. Gopher State One Call asks for at least 48 hours' notice.
Raw sewage in the house: what to do first
Treat any sewage backup as a health hazard, not a cleanup task.
- Stop using sinks, tubs, toilets and the washer.
- Keep children, pets and anyone with a weak immune system out of the room.
- Avoid touching the water. Wear boots and gloves if you must enter.
- Call the 24/7 line. We book same-day appointments when available and after-hours dispatch for active backups.
Who owns which part of the sewer in South St. Paul
The City of South St. Paul maintains the sewer main in the street, and the private line from the building to the main is the property owner's job. If a camera shows the break in the public main, we stop and point you to the city Utilities Division.
The city also runs a Time of Sale program, and you can call 651-554-3220 to ask what applies when you list a home. If you are buying an older house, our sewer camera inspection shows what you would own.
Frost, soil and older lines
Minnesota's frost depth rule for Dakota County is 3.5 feet, and buried water piping has to sit at least 12 inches below local frost depth. Sewer lines sit deeper than that in most cases, but the freeze and thaw cycle still stresses older clay and cast iron joints.
In South St. Paul, much of the older housing stock above the bluff dates from before 1970, and many lines in that age range show joint wear or root intrusion. Often a hydro jetting visit buys time, and lining ends the cycle.
What drives sewer line repair pricing
These are the real factors we weigh in a quote.
Insurance seldom pays for the pipe itself, because wear and roots are excluded. Water damage from a backup may be covered if you have a sewer backup endorsement.
Sources for this page
Frost depth comes from Minnesota Rules 1303.1600, and buried piping rules come from Minnesota Rules chapter 4714, built on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Ownership and Time of Sale details come from the City of South St. Paul. The locate notice period comes from Gopher State One Call.
Questions people ask
Yes. The 24/7 line is staffed every night and weekend. We book same-day appointments when available for active backups and start with a camera.
Sometimes. Lining and pipe bursting reduce digging, but they need a pipe in the right condition. The camera tells us.
If neighbors are also backing up, or the camera shows the break past your property line, it is the city's. Public Works answers at 651-554-3225 on weekdays and 911 after hours.
Plumbing work in the city is permitted through the Building Permits and Inspections office. We tell you what your repair needs.
Roots enter through joints and cracks. We cut and jet them out, then recommend lining or joint repair so the roots stop returning.
Yes. We request locates through Gopher State One Call before we dig, which asks for at least 48 hours' notice.