How We Solved a Major Sewer Backup in Downtown San Jose (Case Study)

When it comes to emergency plumbing calls, few issues are as urgent—or messy—as a sewer backup. In this case study, we’ll walk you through a recent project where our team resolved a severe sewer line clog affecting a multi-unit building in Downtown San Jose. You’ll learn what caused the problem, how we diagnosed it, and the step-by-step process we used to fix it quickly and safely.

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or property manager, understanding how sewer backups happen and how they’re resolved can help you act fast and avoid costly damage.

The Emergency Call: What Happened?

We received a call on a Tuesday morning from a property manager of a 4-unit apartment building on South First Street, San Jose. Tenants had reported:

• Toilets not flushing

• Foul odors coming from drains

• Water backing up in showers and tubs

These are all classic signs of a main sewer line backup. The situation was urgent—the property manager needed a fast and effective solution to prevent damage and keep tenants safe.

Step 1: On-Site Inspection and Diagnosis

Our licensed plumbers arrived within the hour to conduct an on-site inspection. We started by:

• Asking tenants about when the problem started

• Checking each unit for water levels, flushing issues, and slow drains

• Inspecting the cleanouts near the front sidewalk

  
  

Tools We Used:

• Video sewer camera

• Electronic pipe locator

• Hydrostatic pressure tester

Using our video camera inspection, we identified a large root intrusion combined with years of grease and debris buildup in the 4-inch clay sewer main running toward the city lateral.

The Root of the Problem: Tree Roots + Neglect

Older San Jose homes and buildings often have clay sewer lines, which are prone to cracking. In this case, roots from a tree in the courtyard had broken into the line at several joints, allowing debris to accumulate over time.

The line hadn’t been serviced in years, and the buildup caused complete blockage—leading to sewage backing up into the lowest fixtures of the building.

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Step 2: Clearing the Sewer Line Safely

We explained the situation to the property manager and proposed a 2-step solution:

1. Hydro jetting the line to break up grease, roots, and sludge

2. Performing a second camera inspection to evaluate the pipe’s condition

   
   

Why Hydro Jetting?

• More effective than snaking for large root masses

• Cleans pipe walls thoroughly

• Environmentally safe (no chemicals used)

Results: After two passes with the jetter, the water began flowing normally. We reinserted the camera and confirmed the line was clear—though root damage remained at the joints.

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Step 3: Sewer Line Repair and Long-Term Fix

Since the clay pipe showed signs of structural failure, we recommended a trenchless sewer repair using pipe bursting technology:

• No digging through concrete or landscaping

• New HDPE pipe rated for 100+ years

• Lifetime warranty

The client approved the repair, and we scheduled the trenchless replacement for the next day. The entire job—including permits and inspection—was completed in less than 48 hours from the first call.

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Project Summary

Problem	Sewer backup in multi-unit building (Downtown San Jose)
Cause	Root intrusion + grease buildup in old clay pipe
Solution	Hydro jetting + trenchless sewer line replacement
Timeframe	2 days (diagnosis to completed repair)
Outcome	Restored sewer flow, upgraded pipe, no property damage
Client	Property manager for 4-unit rental

What Homeowners and Property Managers Can Learn

1. Know the Warning Signs

Don’t ignore:

• Gurgling drains

• Water backing up in sinks/tubs

• Bad smells from floor drains

These are early indicators of a backup in your main line.

2. Regular Sewer Maintenance Saves Money

Annual inspections and cleanings can prevent blockages and catch root intrusion before it becomes severe.

3. Don’t Delay Repairs

Waiting can lead to:

• Property damage

• Mold growth

• Structural issues

• Health hazards from raw sewage exposure

4. Work With a Licensed San Jose Sewer Specialist

Make sure the plumber you hire:

• Is fully licensed and insured

• Offers video camera inspections

• Can perform trenchless repairs if needed

• Pulls permits and meets city code

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Why San Jose Trusts Us With Sewer Repairs

We’ve served hundreds of homes and multi-family buildings in Downtown San Jose, Willow Glen, Berryessa, and beyond. Here’s what sets us apart:

• 24/7 Emergency Response

• Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

• Trenchless Sewer Replacement Experts

• Transparent Pricing and Warranties

• Local Knowledge of San Jose’s Sewer Systems

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📞 Schedule a Sewer Inspection in San Jose Today

If you suspect a sewer issue—or just want peace of mind—don’t wait for an emergency. Call us now for a video camera inspection or sewer line evaluation. We’ll walk you through your options with clear pricing and honest recommendations.

Call (408) 868-8759 to schedule your service or request a free estimate.