Where does all of the waste and water that you send down your drains end up? If you live in a suburban or urban area, it most likely flows into a public sewer system. But before it gets there, everything must first pass through one critical pipe in your home: the main sewer line.
Your main sewer line connects your household plumbing to the city’s sewer system. If something goes wrong with it, every drain in your home—from sinks to toilets—can be affected. That’s why every homeowner should understand the basics of this important system.
At Baethke Plumbing, trusted plumbers in Chicago, we’ve handled countless sewer line repairs over the years. Here are five essential facts you should know about your main sewer line.
Understanding the 5 Key Facts About Main Sewer Lines
Here are five essential facts you should know about your main sewer line.
Your Sewer Line Is Your Responsibility
A common misconception among homeowners is that the city or municipality maintains the pipe that connects your home to the sewer system. In reality, the section of the line that runs from your home to the public sewer is your responsibility.
Public ownership only begins where your private sewer line connects to the larger municipal system. That means if your main line gets clogged, cracked, or collapsed, you’ll be responsible for the cost of sewer line repair or replacement. Scheduling regular sewer line services can help you avoid major, unexpected expenses.
Sewer Lines Are Made From Clay, Cast Iron, or PVC
The material of your main sewer line often depends on when your home was built:
- Clay Pipes – Long-lasting and resistant to chemical breakdown, but prone to cracking and root invasion.
- Cast Iron Pipes – Durable and able to withstand pressure, but susceptible to rust and corrosion over time.
- PVC Pipes – Smooth-surfaced and resistant to clogs, but they can collapse if not properly supported underground.
Knowing what material your sewer line is made from can help you prepare for the type of maintenance or sewer line repairs in Chicago you may need in the future.
Sewer Lines Are About Four Inches in Diameter
Many homeowners envision sewer pipes as being very large, but in reality, most main sewer lines are only about four inches in diameter. Building codes typically require them to be at least three inches across. While wider than your home’s smaller drain pipes, they are still narrow enough to become clogged by debris, grease, wipes, or other non-flushable items. This explains why sewer line clogs can occur more easily than you might think.
Tree Roots cause Most Clogs
Tree roots are the number one enemy of main sewer lines. They naturally grow toward moisture, and small cracks in your pipes provide an easy entry point. Once roots get inside, they expand, trap toilet paper and waste, and eventually create a full blockage.
Clay pipes are especially vulnerable, but even old cast iron or weakened PVC pipes can fall victim to root intrusion. To prevent this, avoid planting trees or large shrubs near your sewer line and only flush toilet paper down your drains.
If you already have slow drains, sewage odors, or gurgling noises, it may be time to call Baethke Plumbing for professional sewer line services in Chicago.
Replacing a Sewer Line Does Not Always Require Excavation
Many homeowners worry that repairing or replacing a main sewer line will mean tearing up their yard, driveway, or sidewalk. While that used to be the case, modern plumbing techniques now allow for trenchless sewer line repair. This method uses advanced technology to repair or replace pipes with minimal digging, which saves time, protects your landscaping, and often lowers overall costs. It’s one of the most effective solutions we offer at Baethke Plumbing, and it has become the preferred option for sewer line repairs in Chicago.
Trust Baethke Plumbing – Expert Plumbers in Chicago
Your main sewer line is one of the most important parts of your plumbing system, and taking care of it should always be a priority. Whether you need a camera inspection, preventive maintenance, or emergency sewer line repair in Chicago, Baethke Plumbing is here to help. With decades of experience, advanced technology, and a customer-first approach, our team delivers reliable, cost-effective sewer line services that keep your home safe and functional. Don’t wait until a small clog becomes a major disaster—contact Baethke Plumbing, expert plumbers in Chicago, for trusted sewer solutions today.