Sewer Repair Near McKinney, TX | Who to Call & What to Do
Why Your Sewer Problem Can’t Wait (McKinney, TX Homeowners Start Here)
You’re a busy homeowner. Work, kids, pets, a lawn that never stops growing. Then one morning the shower won’t drain, the toilet gurgles, and there’s a smell you can’t ignore. You wonder: Is this a small clog… or something bigger? You’re worried about mess, cost, and how fast you can get help.
We get it. At Total Septic here in Aubrey, Texas, we help Collin County homeowners catch problems early, fix what’s urgent, and protect the home you’ve worked hard to build. This guide gives you clear steps and straight answers-no scare tactics, no jargon-so you know exactly who to call, what to do, and what happens next.
Quick Checklist: Is This a Sewer Emergency or a Routine Repair?
Use this simple test:
Emergency (call now):
Sewage backing up into tubs, showers, or floor drains
Multiple fixtures backing up at once
Strong sewer odor inside the home
A gurgling toilet after you run the sink or shower
Standing wastewater in your yard near the sewer/septic line
Likely routine (call soon):
One slow drain (and others work fine)
Occasional minor odor outside near a cleanout
Small patch of soggy soil that dries up in a day
If you’re unsure, treat it like an emergency. Quick action prevents damage to floors, walls, and landscaping.
Common Sewer Problems in McKinney and Collin County Homes
North Texas has soil that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. That movement can stress older lines and joints. The most common issues we see:
Root intrusion (especially near mature trees)
Bellied lines (a dip where waste and water collect)
Offset or broken joints from soil movement
Grease buildup and non-flushables
Aging materials (old clay, cast iron, or thin-wall PVC)
Red Flags You’ll See, Smell, or Hear Before a Sewer Fails
Slow drains in multiple rooms
Gurgling or bubbling in toilets or sinks
Sewer gas smell indoors or around the yard
Patches of extra-green grass (nutrient-rich leakage)
Soft or sunken spots in the lawn
Frequent “clogs” that come right back
One sign is easy to ignore. Three signs mean it’s time to call.
What To Do First When a Sewer Backs Up (Step-by-Step)
Stop using water. Pause the dishwasher, laundry, and showers.
Shut off power to floor-level appliances in a flooded area (if safe).
Find and open the outside cleanout (white or black cap-often near the house or property line). If water flows out here, you’ve relieved pressure.
Call a local sewer/septic pro (that’s us). We’ll triage by phone and get you scheduled fast.
Keep kids and pets away from affected areas. Sewage is a health risk.
Who To Call for Sewer Repairs Near McKinney, Texas
If you live in McKinney or nearby Collin County communities, you’ll usually choose from these options:
Sewer/Septic Contractor (Total Septic)
Best for main-line blockages, sewer line repairs, septic system issues, and trenchless or traditional replacements.Licensed Plumber
Great for fixture-level clogs and indoor plumbing repairs. For main-line diagnostics and outdoor line work, most plumbers call a sewer/septic specialist.City of McKinney
If the blockage is in the public main (usually from the property line to the street), the city handles it. If the problem is on your private line, it’s your responsibility.
Not sure which one fits? Call us. We’ll help you figure out if it’s a private line issue we handle or a public main issue for the city.
Plumber vs. Sewer/Septic Contractor vs. The City: Who Handles What?
Inside the house: Plumbers.
From the house to the property line: Sewer/septic contractors (like us).
From the property line to the street main: City responsibility.
We coordinate with plumbers and the city every week, so if your case crosses lines, we’ll point you the right way and share notes to speed things up.
When It’s a Sewer Line Problem vs. a Septic System Problem
In parts of Collin, Grayson, Denton, Rockwall, Dallas, Fannin, and Hunt Counties, you’ll find both public sewer connections and private septic systems.
Public Sewer Clues: You pay a city sewer bill, live in a denser neighborhood, and have a cleanout near the house.
Septic Clues: You have a septic tank lid or riser in the yard, you’re on a larger lot, and you don’t pay a city sewer bill.
Good news: Whether you’re on sewer or septic, Total Septic handles both. We’ll confirm your setup fast and start with the right diagnostic steps.
Trenchless vs. Traditional Digging: Which Fix Makes Sense in North Texas Clay?
Trenchless (pipe bursting or lining)
Pros: Minimal digging, protects landscaping and driveways, quick turnaround.
Cons: Not ideal if the line has severe sagging (“belly”) or large offsets.
Traditional (open trench)
Pros: Full visibility of the line, best for major sags, collapses, or grade corrections.
Cons: More surface disruption and restoration.
We’ll scope the line with a camera, measure the slope, and show you video evidence so you can choose with confidence.
Sewer Repair Costs Near McKinney: What Affects the Price
We don’t post one-size-fits-all numbers because every property is different, but here’s what drives cost:
Length and depth of the repair zone
Soil conditions (clay movement, rock, groundwater)
Access (landscaping, patios, pool decks, fences)
Repair method (trenchless vs. open trench)
Permits and inspections
Restoration (sod, concrete, hardscape)
We’ll walk your site, show camera footage, explain your choices, and give a written scope so there are no surprises.
How Camera Inspections Save You Time, Money, and Guesswork
A video camera inspection is the most important step. With it, we can:
Spot the exact cause (roots, break, belly, grease)
Mark the location and depth so we don’t dig blind
Record evidence to support insurance discussions
Prove the repair worked with a “before-and-after” video
No guessing. No “maybe.” You see what we see.
Root Intrusion, Clay Soil, and Aging Pipe Materials: Why Lines Fail Here
Roots love nutrients and moisture from tiny pipe cracks and joints. Once inside, they grow and block flow.
North Texas clay moves when wet or dry, stressing joints and causing offsets.
Older materials like clay or cast iron reach their lifespan and fail at weak spots.
The fix could be as simple as root removal and spot repair-or as complete as replacing a section with modern PVC and better slope.
How We Customize Sewer Solutions for Your Home and Soil Conditions
We don’t sell “packages.” We solve your problem:
Listen & Triage: What symptoms do you see? When do they happen?
Camera + Locate: Document the line, depth, material, and slope.
Options on the Table: Show trenchless vs. open-trench pros and cons for your yard, not a generic yard.
Permits & Coordination: We handle paperwork and inspections.
Repair Done Right: Clean work site, daily updates, and respectful crews.
Proof & Prevention: Post-repair camera footage plus simple maintenance tips.
Timeline: How Long Sewer Repairs Usually Take in Collin County
Same-day relief for active backups (open the line, stop the overflow).
Inspection & plan: Often within 24–48 hours after the first visit.
Repairs: Small spot fixes can be one day; larger trenchless or open-trench projects are often 1–3 days, plus restoration.
City inspections: Scheduling can add time, but we handle that for you.
How To Prevent the Next Backup (Simple, Practical Maintenance Tips)
No wipes. Even “flushable” wipes aren’t friend-friendly to your line.
Catch the grease. Let cooking oils cool and toss them-don’t pour them down.
Mind the trees. Keep thirsty roots away from lines or install root barriers.
Annual camera check if your line is older or you’ve had repeat issues.
Know your cleanout and keep it accessible.
A few small habits make a big difference.
Service Areas We Cover
Total Septic is based in Aubrey, Texas, proudly serving:
Collin County (including McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Plano, Prosper)
Grayson County
Dallas County
Denton County
Rockwall County
Fannin County
Hunt County
If you’re near the county line, call us-we often work just beyond these boundaries when it makes sense.
Why Homeowners Choose Total Septic for Sewer Repairs Near McKinney
Local pros who know North Texas soil and how it moves
Camera-first approach so you get facts, not guesses
Clear options (trenchless and traditional) with honest pros and cons
Respect for your home-tidy job sites and careful restoration planning
Custom solutions based on your line, your yard, and your budget
Straight talk from people who fix these problems every day
We treat your home like our own-and we prove the repair with video.
Straight Answers to McKinney Homeowners’ Sewer Repair FAQs
Q: How do I know if it’s my private line or the city’s problem?
A: If the blockage is between your house and the property line, it’s usually your responsibility. From the property line to the street main is typically the city’s. We’ll help you confirm quickly.
Q: Do I need a camera inspection every time?
A: If you’ve had more than one backup, yes. The camera tells us what caused it and how to prevent a repeat. It also helps you see the issue for yourself.
Q: Can trenchless work fix a sagging (bellied) pipe?
A: Not reliably. Bellies often require open-trench correction to restore proper slope. We’ll show you exactly what’s going on before you decide.
Q: Will you have to tear up my yard?
A: We try not to. Trenchless methods reduce surface damage. If open trench is necessary, we plan access points carefully and discuss restoration up front.
Q: What about permits and inspections?
A: We handle the paperwork, schedule inspections, and meet the inspector so you don’t have to juggle it.
Q: How fast can you get here for an active backup?
A: We prioritize emergencies and will triage your situation by phone right away to get immediate relief started.
Ready for a Clean Fix?
If you’re seeing slow drains, gurgling toilets, foul odors, or soggy spots in the yard-don’t wait for it to get worse. Total Septic will:
Inspect with a camera (so you see what we see)
Explain every option in plain language
Provide a clear scope with timing and next steps
Fix it the right way for North Texas soil and your home
Call Total Septic in Aubrey, TX for sewer repairs near McKinney and across Collin, Grayson, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall, Fannin, and Hunt Counties. We’ll help you protect your home-and your peace of mind.
