Sewer problems are stressful, especially when you’re worried about backups inside your home. At this South Hill home in Spokane, our Mainstream drain install team was called in to replace a failing exterior sewer line. By excavating the old line, installing a new, code-compliant drain system, and adding a cleanout for easier access, we helped this homeowner get reliable drainage again and peace of mind for the future.
Job Overview
- Location – South Hill, Spokane, WA
- Client Type – Single-family homeowner
- Scope – Exterior drain and sewer line replacement with excavation and permit
- Equipment Installed – New exterior sewer/drain line and outdoor cleanout in a protective box
- Additional Work – Floor drain cleared and inspected inside the home
- Why It Mattered – The existing line was restricting flow and at risk of backing up into the house, which could cause water damage, mess, and future repair costs
What We Found
When our team arrived, the homeowner was worried about slow drainage and the risk of sewage backing up into the home. During our diagnostics, we found that the exterior sewer line was in poor condition and not draining the way it should.
Our inspection showed:
- Sections of the exterior line had poor slope, causing waste and water to sit in the pipe instead of flowing away.
- The existing piping and fittings were aging and no longer reliable for long-term use.
- Inside the home, the floor drain line had a small “belly” (low spot) that can slightly restrict flow when a large amount of water is run at once.
While the interior floor drain was still usable after clearing, the exterior line needed a full replacement to protect the home from future backups and to meet current code requirements under the City of Spokane sewer permit.
The Solution
For this project, our team fully replaced the failing exterior sewer line with a new, long-lasting system designed to drain smoothly and protect the home. We carefully excavated the yard to expose the old pipe, removed the damaged sections, and installed a new, code-compliant sewer line with the correct slope so waste and water flow away from the house like they should.
We also added an outdoor cleanout in a small garden-style box, which makes any future maintenance much easier and keeps most work outside instead of inside the home. Inside, our drain technician cleared the floor drain to restore flow and explained the small low spot in that line so the homeowner knows what to watch for and what their options are down the road.
Once the new line was in place, we tested everything, coordinated inspection with the City of Spokane, and then carefully backfilled and cleaned up the yard. The homeowner was left with a stronger, more reliable sewer system and a clear understanding of the work that was done.
Photo Highlights
- The safety precautions taken around the excavation site in the customer’s yard
- Digging deep required additional bracing to ensure the safety of our plumbers and the pipes
The Results
With the new exterior sewer line in place, this Spokane home now has smoother, more reliable drainage. The line is properly sloped, supported, and tied into the existing system to help prevent future clogs and messy backups.
The added outdoor cleanout makes any future maintenance faster and less invasive. Inside, the floor drain is flowing again, and the homeowner understands the condition of that line and the options if they ever want to upgrade it. Overall, the home is better protected against surprise sewer issues and expensive water damage.
Trusted Local Experts Closing Paragraph
If you live in Spokane or the surrounding area and are worried about your drains, sewer line, or floor drains, the team at Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is here to help. Our Spokane drain repair specialists handle everything from diagnostics and permits to excavation, installation, and cleanup. Schedule a quote today, and let us help you protect your home from sewer backups and plumbing headaches.
