More than half of Princeton's homes were built before 1980, so a sewer line that backs up here is often older pipe with roots, cracks or a settled section. A camera inspection shows exactly what's going on. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Princeton.
Princeton's sewer and housing
The Town of Princeton runs its own wastewater treatment plant, which discharges to the Little River. According to the Town, the current plant treats 275,000 gallons per day, the Town has USDA grant and loan funding for an expansion, and the state has lifted the sewer moratorium that had been in place. For homeowners, the expansion is about the Town's capacity, not the pipe on your lot. The line from your house to the Town's main is your responsibility to keep working, and it's where most backups start.
The median Princeton home was built in 1977, and about 57% predate 1980. Sewer pipe from that era is often clay or cast iron, with joints that roots can get into and walls that crack or corrode. Homes along US 70 and the older streets in town are typical of this. If you think a problem is near the street, ask the Town whether it's on the public side.
Repair options for older lines
| Option | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Root cutting and cleaning | Restoring flow quickly | Roots usually return |
| Section replacement | One cracked or broken area | Requires digging at that spot |
| Pipe lining | Cracked pipe still in shape | Not for collapsed or sagging pipe |
| Full-length replacement | Old line failing in several spots | Bigger job, longest service life |
Signs of trouble
- Several drains slow down together
- Gurgling from a toilet when water runs elsewhere
- Wastewater coming up in a tub or floor drain
- Repeat clogs after cleaning
- Odor or damp soil along the pipe's path
Timing
Old lines with roots often get worse in late spring and summer as roots grow. Heavy rain can also expose a cracked pipe. If wastewater is backing up now, stop using water and call. The fact sheets don't confirm which office issues plumbing permits for Princeton; the plumber doing the work, or the Town, can tell you.
If you're putting money into an older house anyway, for a remodel, a new bathroom or a sale, it's a sensible time to have the sewer line scoped. Finding a cracked section on your own schedule is much easier to plan for than a backup on a weekend, and the camera footage gives you a clear picture of how much life the pipe has left.
Sewer Line Repair questions in Princeton
What are sewer pipes under older houses usually made of?
How do roots get into a sewer pipe, and will they come back after it's cleared?
Wastewater is coming up through a tub or floor drain. What should I do first?
What does a sewage smell in the yard or under the house usually mean?
More plumbing services in Princeton
Sewer Line Repair nearby
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