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Sewer Replacement Services in Des Moines, IA

Professional sewer replacement services across the Des Moines metro. Iowa-licensed plumbing professionals specialize in upgrading underground lateral systems and replacing damaged or collapsed sewer lines with advanced materials suited for Central Iowa soil and conditions.

OVERVIEW

Fast, Reliable Sewer Line Replacement
Across the Des Moines Metro

Sewer replacement is required when an underground system can no longer maintain structural integrity or hydraulic flow due to collapse, severe deterioration, or repeated failure.

Clog Busters Drain Cleaning and Repair has years of experience serving the Des Moines Metro with sewer replacement. Every project is handled with precision diagnostics, planning, and execution. Owner Jarod Smith leads a team that uses advanced locating equipment, depth-mapping tools, and advanced replacement methods to address failures at the source.

Every replacement is approached with attention to slope, quality material selection, and municipal connection requirements, in compliance with Iowa Plumbing Standards and local regulations. The goal is simple: replace failing laterals with solutions built to last in local conditions, not just on paper.

All work is performed in compliance with Iowa Plumbing Code requirements and applicable municipal construction standards.

Clog Busters hydro jetter trailer cleaning a residential sewer line

COMMON CAUSES

Common Causes of Sewer Line Failure in Des Moines

Sewer replacement is typically the result of long-term structural degradation or environmental stress on underground piping systems.

Aging Clay and Cast-Iron Piping Systems

Many older Des Moines properties still rely on legacy materials that degrade over time, leading to cracking, offset joints, or complete collapse.

Advanced Root Intrusion

Tree roots can penetrate weakened joints and expand within the pipe, leading to structural separation and complete obstruction.

Soil Movement from Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Iowa’s seasonal temperature shifts repeatedly stress buried piping, contributing to misalignment and fractures.

Hydraulic Overload and Infiltration

Excess groundwater entering through compromised joints can indicate systemic failure rather than isolated damage.

Improper Slope or Original Installation Defects

Some sewer systems were installed outside modern grading and flow standards, resulting in chronic performance issues.

SIZING & METHODS

Sewer Line Sizing and Replacement Methods

Proper sewer line sizing is determined by the home’s plumbing demand, number of fixtures, and connection requirements to the municipal system. Replacement methods vary based on site conditions, depth, and surrounding infrastructure.

  1. 01

    Open-cut replacement

    The existing sewer line is exposed and removed, allowing direct installation of new piping with precise slope control and bedding preparation.

  2. 02

    Segmented replacement

    Only the failed sections are excavated and replaced when portions of the line remain structurally sound and properly graded.

  3. 03

    Deep-line excavation techniques

    Used when sewer lines run at greater depths or beneath driveways, structures, or developed areas, requiring controlled excavation and staged access.

  4. 04

    Code-aligned reconnection methods

    The final connection to the municipal sewer system is completed after local inspection and compliance with Iowa plumbing standards.

WHY CLOG BUSTERS

Why Homeowners Choose Clog Busters

  • Complete Sewer System Evaluation Complete sewer system evaluation and code-based replacement planning.
  • Iowa-Licensed and Fully Insured Iowa-licensed and fully insured plumbing professionals.
  • Locally Owned by Jarod Smith Locally owned by Jarod Smith, serving the Des Moines metro.
  • 4.9 Stars Across 3,000+ Google Reviews 4.9 stars across 3,000+ Google reviews.
  • HomeAdvisor Screened & Approved HomeAdvisor Screened & Approved.
  • Tailored Sewer Line Installation Tailored new sewer line installation using professional-grade equipment.
  • Easy and Flexible Financing Options Easy and flexible financing options for affordable plumbing upgrades.

How Clog Busters Handles Sewer Replacement in the Des Moines Metro

Sewer replacement requires systematic evaluation, precise mapping, and compliance with regulatory standards before any excavation or removal begins.

  1. System Evaluation and Structural Assessment

    We assess flow failure patterns, recurring backups, and physical line conditions to determine whether the system qualifies for full replacement under code-based failure criteria.

  2. Sewer Line Locating and Utility Mapping

    The existing sewer alignment is traced using professional locating equipment to identify depth, slope, and connection points. This step is critical in older Des Moines infrastructure, where records may be incomplete or inaccurate.

  3. Code Compliance and Permit Coordination

    Replacement work is planned and executed following local regulations. Municipal permits and inspections are coordinated before work begins.

  4. Controlled Excavation and System Access

    Targeted excavation is used to expose the full extent of the failed sewer line while minimizing disruption to surrounding structures and landscaping.

  5. Full Sewer Line Replacement

    The failed piping is removed and replaced with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) SDR-35 or Schedule 40 piping, providing a smooth interior wall for improved flow and strong resistance to corrosion, root intrusion, and soil exposure.

  6. Hydraulic Testing and Verification

    Once installed, the system is tested to confirm proper gravity flow, joint integrity, and full discharge to the municipal connection point.

  7. Backfill and Site Restoration

    After verification, the trench is backfilled and compacted, and the site is restored as closely as possible to its pre-work condition.

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

“Noah and his crew were very helpful, professional, and polite! They took time to diagnose the issue, explain it, and provide solutions. After discovering an issue with our connection to the main, they took care of contacting the city to ensure they would handle the issue during an upcoming road construction project.”

“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

FAQs

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

Replacement is required when the system has collapsed, lost structural integrity, or repeatedly fails due to widespread damage.

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