Sewer Line Repair in Dunn, NC

Symptoms of a failing sewer line

• Toilets that need two flushes and sinks that empty slowly, all at once
• Wastewater coming up in a tub or shower after laundry
• A gurgling sound from drains when nothing is running
• Backups that return a few weeks after the line was cleaned
• Sewer smell or a damp spot in the yard along the pipe's route

Dunn's sewer system and housing stock

The City of Dunn runs its own sewer system and treats wastewater at the Black River Wastewater Treatment Facility, permitted for 3.75 MGD with a 7.5 MGD peak. The City maintains about 88 miles of sewer lines and aims to clean at least 10% of the system each year. City crews also make sewer taps for new homes and repair sewer services and mains, so a problem at the City's side of the connection may be theirs to fix.

The housing here is old by Triangle standards. The median Dunn home was built in 1973, about two-thirds predate 1980, and only about 9% have been built since 2000. Lines that old are often clay or cast iron, with joints that roots can work into and walls that crack or corrode with time. Before paying for a repair close to the street, call Dunn Public Utilities and ask whether the failure is on the City's side or yours.

Cost factors

• Pipe depth and what's above it, such as a driveway, sidewalk or large tree
• Pipe material, since old clay or cast iron may need adapters to join new pipe
• Whether one section can be repaired or the full run is failing
• Digging versus a trenchless method such as lining
• City of Dunn Planning and Inspections requirements, which start with a development application

What to expect on the phone and on site

The call connects you with an independent local plumber who works in Dunn. Describe the symptoms, how long they've gone on and whether the line has been cleaned recently. Keep water use low in the meantime. On site, the plumber will usually clear the line, run a camera to find the defect and its depth, and walk you through repair options before starting.