Seattle's Sewer Lining Specialists · Since 2005

Sewer Repair - Beacon Hill, Seattle

Beacon Hill is full of solid older houses, many from the early 1900s and plenty more from the middle of the last century. A lot of them still rely on the side sewer they were built with. Seattle Select Sewers repairs and replaces those lines. We only do sewer work, and we start every job by finding out what is actually wrong.

On Beacon Hill that often means working around slopes, retaining walls, steps and gardens that took years to grow. Trenchless repair can save most of that. With CIPP lining (a new pipe lining cured inside the old pipe) or a targeted pipe patch, we can often repair the line through small access points instead of a long trench. Learn how our trenchless sewer repair works. When the pipe is crushed, badly offset or full of sags, lining is not the right fix, and we will recommend a sewer replacement instead.

Signs of sewer trouble in a Beacon Hill home

Drains that slow down across the house, not just at one sink.
Gurgling from a toilet when the washing machine empties.
Sewage or dirty water showing up at a basement floor drain.
A sewer smell near the cleanout, the basement or the lower yard.
Wet ground or a new dip in the lawn along the path of the line.
Clogs that return even after the line has been cleared.

These signs often get worse once the wet season sets in, roughly October to April. Steady rain soaks the ground, and heavy storms can overload older sewers and cause backups. A line that coped all summer can start giving trouble by November.

Our process on Beacon Hill

Camera inspection. We send a camera down your side sewer to record the pipe material, its condition and where any damage sits along the run. See our sewer inspection and locating service.
A straight answer. You see the footage and hear plainly what it shows. If a simple cleaning will do, we say so.
Repair options. We explain which fixes fit your pipe, from a root removal or patch to a full lining or replacement, and why.
Permit. Side sewer permits in Seattle go through Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). If your job needs one, we explain what it involves.
Warranty. Every project is backed by our 20-year warranty.

What makes Beacon Hill sewer work different

Hills and long runs. Beacon Hill is hilly, and many lots sit above or below the street. On a sloped lot the side sewer can run a long way, change direction or drop steeply on its way to the main. A camera inspection maps that run before anyone picks up a shovel, so repairs go where the problem is.

Two generations of pipe. Early 1900s houses here often have clay or concrete side sewers. Clay joints separate and let roots in, and concrete can erode over the years. Mid-century houses sometimes have Orangeburg pipe, a fibre pipe that tends to flatten with age, and some homes have cast iron. Each material fails in its own way, which is why we look before we recommend anything.

Yards worth protecting. Many homes here have terraced yards, retaining walls and landscaping built around the views. Digging through those is costly to restore. If lining or patching fits your pipe, it can leave most of the yard alone.

You own the line. In Seattle the homeowner owns and maintains the side sewer from the house to the city main, often including the section under the street. On a steep street that can be a big job, so it pays to know your options early.

Why Homeowners Choose Us

Why Beacon Hill homeowners choose Seattle Select Sewers

Buying or selling on Beacon Hill? We also do sewer inspections for real estate agents. For the rest of the city, see our Seattle sewer repair page.

Sewer work only

We focus only on sewer work. No general plumbing, just side sewers and water lines.

Local since 2005

Local sewer experts since 2005.

Licensed and bonded

Licensed and bonded, Washington State L&I license #SEATTSS874JJ.

Trenchless when it fits

Trenchless first when it fits, full replacement when the pipe needs it.

20-year warranty

A 20-year warranty on our projects.

Free estimates

A free sewer estimate to start.

FAQ

Beacon Hill sewer repair FAQs

Does a steep lot mean my sewer has to be dug up?

Not always. Slope on its own does not rule out trenchless repair. What matters is the condition of the pipe. If it is still in one piece and holding its shape, lining or a patch may work.

My house is from the 1950s. What kind of pipe might I have?

It could be clay, concrete, cast iron or Orangeburg. The only way to know for sure is a camera inspection, which also shows the condition of the pipe.

Who pays to fix the side sewer under the street?

In Seattle the homeowner owns and maintains the side sewer to the city main, and in many cases that includes the part under the street.

Why do my drains back up more in winter?

Saturated soil and heavy storms put more water through the system. A cracked, sagging or root-filled line has less room to cope, so problems show up more in the wet season.

Do you need to get a permit?

Some side sewer work needs a permit, and in Seattle those come from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). We will tell you whether yours does once we know the scope.

Proudly Serving the Puget Sound

Local Sewer Repair You Can Count On

We service the Greater-Seattle area covering the communities where older sewers need the most attention. Want to discuss your sewer issues? Feel free to give us a call and we're happy to help!