OUR SERVICES

Sewer Line Locating Services in Iowa, Michigan & Missouri

Pinpoint the exact route and depth of your sewer lateral before any digging begins. Electronic sewer line locating for homeowners, contractors, and excavators across Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri.

OVERVIEW

Fast, Reliable Sewer Line Locating
Across Iowa, Michigan & Missouri

Excavating without knowing where a sewer line runs can turn a planned project into a costly repair. Striking a buried lateral risks damage, sewage exposure, and delays that could have been avoided with proper locating.

Clog Busters provides precise sewer line locating across Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri using professional electronic equipment. Led by owner Jarod Smith, the team works with homeowners, builders, landscapers, and excavation crews to identify sewer line paths, depths, and access points before any ground is broken. This service ensures work starts with accurate information, not assumptions.

All work is performed to the plumbing codes adopted in each state and community we serve.

Clog Busters technician locating sewer line

WHEN YOU NEED LOCATING

When Property Owners Need Sewer Line Locating

Across Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri, these are the most common signs of buildup or an obstruction in your sewer line.

Before digging near a sewer line

Landscaping, fence installation, driveways, irrigation, or foundation work all require knowing where the lateral runs first.

Before sewer repair or replacement

Accurate location and depth reduce unnecessary excavation and allow crews to target the problem area directly.

Before additions or remodeling projects

Expanding plumbing requires confirming the existing line’s route and capacity before tying in.

During real estate due diligence

Buyers may want to understand sewer layout, depth, and access before completing a purchase.

After a camera inspection identifies an issue

Locating translates internal findings into an exact point above ground for repair.

For permit applications

Some projects require documentation of the sewer lateral’s position before approvals are issued.

WHAT LOCATING TELLS YOU

What Professional Sewer Line Locating Tells You

Protect your home from major plumbing disasters and keep everything running efficiently.

  1. 01

    The Exact Route of the Sewer Lateral

    The sewer lateral connects the home to the municipal system, but its path is rarely perfectly straight. It may shift around foundations, additions, or landscape features over time. Locating traces the true route and marks it clearly on the surface.

  2. 02

    Depth Along the Entire Line

    Residential sewer lines are commonly buried between 2 and 6 feet deep, though this varies depending on terrain and installation conditions. Locating equipment provides depth readings at multiple points, which directly impacts excavation planning and cost.

  3. 03

    Cleanout and Access Point Locations

    Access points are often hidden beneath soil, concrete, or landscaping. Locating identifies where these cleanouts exist - or confirms when they do not - so crews know how to access the system before starting work.

  4. 04

    Where the Line Connects to the Municipal Sewer

    Understanding the tie-in point to the city sewer main is critical for repairs, replacements, and permitting. Locating establishes this connection point and provides clarity for any project involving the sewer system.

WHY CLOG BUSTERS

Why Homeowners and Contractors Choose Clog Busters

  • Focused Expertise Drain, sewer, and plumbing specialists. This is all we do.
  • Licensed & Insured Fully licensed and insured plumbing professionals.
  • Locally Owned & Operated Owned and operated by Jarod Smith, with local branches in Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri.
  • 4.9★ · 3,000+ Reviews A proven local reputation across Google reviews.
  • HomeAdvisor Approved Screened & Approved for your peace of mind.
  • Pro-Grade Equipment Professional drain cleaning and camera inspection tools.

How Clog Busters Locates a Sewer Line

A clear, proven process, from the first inspection to a verified fix.

  1. Signal Introduction

    A transmitter is inserted into the sewer system through an accessible entry point such as a cleanout or inspection line. This device emits a traceable signal.

  2. Surface Tracking

    A receiver is used above ground to follow that signal as it moves through the pipe. This reveals both the horizontal path and depth of the line in real time.

  3. Marking the Line

    The route is clearly marked on the surface using paint or flags. Changes in direction, access points, and key depths are identified separately.

  4. Documenting the Results

    The final step is a clear record of findings, including the line’s path, depth measurements, and access locations, provided to the homeowner or contractor.

REVIEWS

Hear From Some Of Our Customers

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

See All Reviews
4.9 4.9-star Google rating

“Max was very pleasant even though we called and he came out 45 minutes from Des Moines! Max was quick and efficient with diagnosing our leak and even though he had to drive back to Des Moines and back to our house to replace our toilet at 8 pm, he did not make us feel like we were inconveniencing him. Our updated toilet is running as it should. Thank you Max and Clog Busters!”

“I had Matt from Clog Busters out to do a sewer inspection on a house I am in contract to buy and he did a great job! Overall, a great experience and I would recommended Clog Busters to my family and friends in the future.”

“I needed a main line cleared and another company charged me and still didn't fix the problem (3 Mountains Plumbing). Clog Busters came to the rescue and was very fair and honest with us. I really appreciate a company like Clog Busters and they will be my first call next time anything backs up.”

“Great service-showed up on time, nice, professional, quickly figured out the problem, worked quickly, reasonable price. My only reservation is that he could have cleaned up better after the work was done. Not a big deal, just not perfect. I have used this company multiple times and have always found them to be great.”

FAQ

Sewer Line Locating FAQs

Still stuck? Call the local crew at (888) 231-7553.

Professional locating delivers highly reliable depth and position readings in most conditions. Factors like nearby utilities or soil composition can influence results, but accuracy is typically sufficient for excavation planning.

Serving Iowa, Michigan & Missouri.

We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout the entire Des Moines, Iowa, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, metro area, providing reliable and dedicated service tailored to meet the unique needs of our community.

Call Now (888) 231-7553