Sewer Line Repair in Chamblee, GA

What happens when you call

Your call is routed to an independent plumber who serves Chamblee. A quick description helps: which drains are backing up, how often it happens and roughly when the house was built. On the visit, the plumber will usually clear the line first, then send a camera through the lateral to see whether the problem is roots, a crack, a sag or corrosion, and how deep the pipe lies.

If the footage suggests the problem is in the county's sewer instead, DeKalb Watershed's 24-hour emergency repair line is 770-270-6243.

Factors that affect cost

• Pipe depth and the length of the damaged section
• Obstacles above it: a driveway, walkway, trees or a fence line
• Spot repair, trenchless lining or full replacement
• Whether a cleanout needs to be added for access
• Permits from Chamblee's Planning and Development Department, with fees paid through the iWorQ portal

Local conditions in Chamblee

Chamblee grew around an early-1900s railroad downtown and is now known for the Buford Highway international corridor, MARTA and the PDK airport. Its housing skews older than many suburbs: the median home dates to about 1984, and roughly 47% predate 1980. Houses from the 1950s through the 1970s often have cast iron building drains and clay laterals, and both deteriorate in predictable ways. Clay joints move and let roots in, and cast iron scales up and eventually cracks.

The city doesn't run water or sewer; DeKalb County's Department of Watershed Management does. Chamblee does handle permits, though. The city requires a permit to install, alter or replace plumbing systems, and applications are accepted online or in person.

A short checklist before the plumber arrives

• Stop running water in the house
• Find the cleanout, usually a capped pipe outside near the foundation
• Move stored items away from basement or lower-level drains
• Note when the problem started and which fixture showed it first
• Have any previous camera footage or receipts on hand

Chamblee's older lots often have mature oaks and pines close to the house. If a big tree sits between the foundation and the street, mention it, since that's where roots tend to find the lateral first.