Sewer Leak Detection in Houston, TX
Sewer odors, soggy spots in the yard, or drains that keep backing up? Heaton Plumbing finds cracked, broken, and leaking sewer lines under your home and yard, then repairs them.
Think you have a sewer leak? Call now: (281) 842-7473 | 24/7 emergency plumbing available
Find Sewer Line Leaks Before They Cause Bigger Problems
Your sewer line carries every drop of wastewater away from your home. When it cracks, separates at a joint, or gets invaded by tree roots, wastewater can leak into the soil under your yard or slab. The result can be odors, slow drains, backups, and damage to your landscaping or foundation.
Heaton Plumbing locates sewer leaks with camera inspection and line locating equipment, so we can show you exactly what is wrong and where. It is part of our full range of leak detection services, and we can handle the repair once the problem is found.
Done Right or It Is Free
Our guarantee on every job.
10-Year Line Warranty
Parts and labor on sewer line replacements. 2 years on repairs.
24/7 Emergency Service
Sewage backups do not wait.
BBB A+ Accredited
Family-owned. Read our reviews.
Signs of a Leaking Sewer Line
Sewer Odors
A sewage smell inside your home or around the yard often means a line is cracked or a joint has separated.
Soggy or Sunken Yard Spots
Wastewater leaking underground can leave wet areas or depressions above the sewer line.
Unusually Green Grass
Patches of lush, fast-growing grass can be fed by a leaking sewer line below.
Slow Drains & Gurgling
Breaks, bellies, and root intrusion disrupt flow and cause drains to slow or gurgle.
Repeated Backups
If clogs keep coming back after drain cleaning, the sewer line itself may be damaged.
Floor or Foundation Cracks
A leaking drain line under the slab can affect the soil and lead to cracks over time.
Common Causes of Sewer Leaks
Knowing the cause helps us recommend a repair that lasts.
| Cause | What Happens | Typical Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Tree root intrusion | Roots enter joints and small cracks seeking water, then grow and break the pipe | Root clearing, then section repair or replacement |
| Aging or corroded pipe | Older cast iron and clay lines crack, scale, and deteriorate over time | Sewer line replacement |
| Shifting soil | Houston’s clay soils expand and contract, stressing and separating pipe joints | Section repair or replacement |
| Bellied or sagging line | Low spots collect waste and water, leading to blockages and leaks | Regrading or replacing the affected section |
| Grease and debris buildup | Blockages increase pressure and backups inside the line | Hydro jetting |
What to Do If You Suspect a Sewer Leak
- Limit water use, especially laundry, showers, and dishwashers
- Avoid pouring chemicals down drains to clear slow lines
- Keep children and pets away from wet areas in the yard
- Note where odors or wet spots appear to help us locate the problem
- Call a plumber before backups spread into your home
Sewage Backing Up Indoors?
- Stop using all water in the home
- Keep everyone away from the affected area
- Call us right away
Sewage backups are a health hazard. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing for situations that cannot wait.
Need Sewer Leak Detection in Houston?
Call Heaton Plumbing to find the problem and get your sewer line flowing again.
Our Sewer Leak Detection Process
Evaluate
We review your symptoms and check drains, cleanouts, and problem areas.
Inspect
A camera inspection shows the inside of the line and the exact damage.
Locate
We mark the problem area from above ground so repairs can be targeted.
Recommend
We explain your repair options and can complete the work.
Sewer Leak Detection Across Greater Houston
We locate and repair sewer line leaks throughout Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Galveston counties, including:
Katy
Sugar Land
Cypress
Spring
Jersey Village
Cinco Ranch
Missouri City
Humble
Pearland
Pasadena
La Porte
Not sure if we cover your neighborhood? See all areas we serve.
Sewer Leak Detection FAQs
What are the signs of a sewer line leak?
Watch for sewer odors inside or outside the home, soggy or sunken spots in the yard, patches of grass that grow greener than the rest, slow drains or gurgling sounds, repeated backups, and new cracks in floors or walls. Insects or rodents showing up indoors can also point to a broken sewer line.
How do you find a leak in a sewer line?
We run a camera through the line to see its condition from the inside and locate cracks, separated joints, root intrusion, and breaks. We then locate the problem area from above ground so repairs can be targeted. Learn more about our sewer line camera inspection.
Can a sewer line leak under my slab?
Yes. Drain lines run beneath most Houston-area slab homes, and older lines can crack, corrode, or separate over time. Under-slab sewer leaks often show up as odors, slow drains, or flooring and foundation problems rather than visible water.
What is the difference between a water leak and a sewer leak?
A water leak comes from a pressurized supply line and usually raises your water bill. A sewer leak comes from a drain or sewer line that carries waste away from your home, so it is more likely to cause odors, slow drains, and soggy ground. If your symptoms point to a supply line, see our slab leak detection service.
Who is responsible for repairing a broken sewer line?
In most Houston-area cities, the property owner is responsible for the sewer line on their property, from the home to the connection with the city’s main. If you are unsure where your responsibility ends, we can help you locate the line and the problem area.
Can you repair the sewer line once the leak is found?
Yes. Depending on the damage, we may recommend a section repair or a full sewer line repair or replacement. Sewer line replacements are backed by our 10-year parts and labor warranty.
Related Sewer & Drain Services
Schedule Sewer Leak Detection Today
Find the break before it becomes a backup. Done right or it is free.