Sewer Line Replacement in Upland, CA

Signs your line has worn out

• A main drain that needs clearing again within weeks or months
• Several fixtures backing up together, starting at the lowest one
• Gurgling toilets or sinks when the washer drains
• Sewage smell near the outdoor cleanout
• Patches of yard that stay wet or sink
• Camera footage of cracks, roots or separated joints in several places

Upland's local picture

The City of Upland's Public Works department provides water service and handles City-side water leaks and meters. Its water services page also references sewer charges and a procedure for sewer backups, but the sources we reviewed don't spell out which agency operates sewer service for every address, so check your utility bill and follow the procedure listed there if you suspect the public line. Public Works takes service requests at (909) 291-2930.

Upland has homes from many decades. The city's own water service line inventory focused on homes built before 1987, which gives a sense of how much older housing is in town. Older houses are more likely to have clay or cast iron sewer laterals that crack and let roots in at the joints, while newer homes tend to have plastic lines that fail from settling or bedding problems instead.

What affects the price

• Length and depth of the line to the public connection
• Whether trenchless replacement is possible or the line must be excavated
• Trees, driveways, walkways and hardscape over the route
• Pipe under the slab inside the house, if it's damaged too
• Permit and inspection through the City of Upland Building and Safety Division

After you call

You'll be connected with an independent local plumber who serves Upland. Expect a camera inspection before any firm number, so the plumber can see exactly where the damage begins and ends. If replacement is the call, ask how the permit will be handled: the City of Upland Building and Safety Division at 460 N. Euclid Avenue accepts building permit requests online only, through its Citizen Self Service portal. Also ask what the price covers for restoring the yard or concrete once the line is in, and how long the house will be without drains.