5 Signs You Need a Sewer Line Replacement in South Florida

When it comes to hidden home problems, few are more disruptive (or disgusting) than a failed sewer line. In South Florida, aging infrastructure, invasive tree roots, and storm-related ground shifts make sewer line issues more common than you think. If you’re experiencing frequent clogs or unexplained odors, or you live in a home built before the 1980s, it might be time to stop calling for quick fixes and start considering a full replacement. Here are five signs your sewer line might be on its last leg and you need a sewer line replacement.

1. You’ve Had More Than One Backup This Year

Frequent sewer backups, especially if they affect more than one fixture, are a major red flag. If you’ve already tried snaking or hydro jetting with no lasting results, the issue may be deeper: a sagging, cracked, or collapsed sewer line. Don’t keep pouring money down the drain. A video camera inspection can show you what’s really going on.

2. Your Home Still Has Cast Iron or Orangeburg Pipes

If your house was built before 1980 and the pipes haven’t been replaced, you’re likely dealing with outdated materials. Cast iron corrodes, and Orangeburg (a tar-paper pipe used in the mid-20th century) basically disintegrates over time. South Florida’s humidity and sandy soil only speed up the damage. A replacement isn’t just smart—it’s inevitable.

3. You’ve Noticed Soft Spots or Sinkholes in the Yard

Unusual dips, soggy grass, or lush patches near your drain line could signal a slow sewer leak underground. As wastewater seeps out, it can erode the soil and eventually create dangerous sinkholes. This isn’t just a plumbing problem, it’s a structural hazard.

4. The Smell Outside Is… Not Great

Sewer gas has a distinct, foul odor. If you smell it around your property (or worse, in your home), it could mean a cracked pipe is venting gases or waste into the soil or air. These odors often worsen after rain or when your septic system is under strain.

5. You Keep Paying for Short-Term Fixes

Have you lost count of how many times your drains have been cleared or patched? If your plumber is on speed dial, it may be time to invest in a permanent solution. A full sewer line replacement might sound big, but it can be more cost-effective than years of spot repairs and emergency calls.

What Sewer Line Replacement Looks Like with Raider Rooter

We’ve been replacing sewer lines across South Florida since 1978. Our process starts with a high-resolution camera inspection to assess the condition and pinpoint issues. From there, we’ll recommend the best replacement method for your property:

• Trenchless replacement (pipe bursting or slip lining)
• Traditional excavation and replacement
• Permit handling and city compliance
• Durable materials that last for decades

We handle everything start to finish, with minimal disruption to your home and yard.

Don’t wait for a yard full of sewage—or a $10,000 emergency repair. Call Raider Rooter today to schedule your video inspection. We’ll show you what’s happening underground and help you decide if a replacement is the right move.

📞 Contact us today or call 561-737-8818