Sewer Problem? Get Answers Today — Free.
We start with a free camera inspection to show you exactly what’s wrong — then give you a written estimate before any work begins.
Same-day inspections available — call before noon.
Otter Guys Plumbing was great to work with. Communication was clear from the start, letting us know specific arrival times and direct communication from the plumbers themselves. When Ty and Don arrived, they were kind and easy to interact with. They took the time to communicate clearly through every step: diagnosing the problem, explaining what was going on, what the potential issues were, and what needed to happen moving forward. They educated us about the situation instead of just telling us what to do. Pricing was communicated clearly the whole way through — everything felt transparent and straightforward, and we didn’t feel pressured to do more than was necessary. Overall, it was an honest, professional experience, and I would absolutely recommend them.
Why Charlottesville homeowners choose The Otter Guys
65+ years of sewer expertise in Charlottesville
Since 1960, we’ve repaired thousands of sewer lines across Central Virginia — clay, cast iron, PVC, you name it. Whatever your line is made of and whatever’s gone wrong, we’ve fixed it before.
Trenchless options — your yard stays intact
Traditional sewer repair means digging a trench across your property. Trenchless repair works through small access points — often done in a single day with your landscaping intact. We offer both and recommend whichever makes sense for your situation.
Upfront pricing — know the cost before we start
We provide a detailed, written estimate after the camera inspection — before any repair work begins. No surprises, no hidden fees, no pressure.
10-Year Warranty
On all sewer line repairs & replacements
Licensed & Insured
VA License #2705181379
BBB A+ Rated
Accredited business
Charlottesville’s Finest
Gold Award 2023–2025
Signs you may have a sewer line problem
Sewage Backup
Sewage or wastewater backing up into basement drains, toilets, or bathtubs — especially in the lowest level of your home.
Foul Sewer Smell
Persistent sewage odor in your yard, basement, or near floor drains. If your sewer line is intact, you shouldn’t smell anything.
Multiple Slow Drains
When several drains are slow at the same time, the problem is likely in the main sewer line — not individual drains.
Wet Spots in Yard
Unexplained soggy or unusually green patches in your yard, especially along the path between your house and the street.
Gurgling Toilets
Bubbling or gurgling sounds when you flush, run water, or use the washing machine — a sign of a blocked or failing sewer line.
Foundation Cracks
New cracks in your foundation, walls, or floors can indicate a leaking sewer line eroding the soil beneath your home.
Trusted by 6,000+ Charlottesville homeowners
“The Otter Guys were recommended to me by a trusted contractor for a major water leak that turned out to be an outflow problem. The Otter Guys found the problem and brought necessary equipment the following day, clearing the system and restoring normal function. Dylan Harris was especially helpful, explaining the problem and cost options clearly and in terms I could understand. He answered all my questions with knowledge and expertise.”Vivian D. Google Review
“Really really great service. I felt seen and like they were going to make sure I was fully taken care of. I had been told they were a great experience, and now have my own story to back it up.”Christy S. Google Review
“Scott was very pleasant, efficient and showed concern for our safety. He not only made sure we had running water throughout the house but that we were able to get my care out of the driveway before he left. Scott treated us more like family rather than just a paying customer.”Sharon O. Google Review
Here’s exactly what happens when you call
Camera inspection
We send a camera through your sewer line to find the exact problem and its location. You’ll see the footage yourself — no guessing.
Your options and pricing
Your technician walks you through what we found, what your options are, and what each one costs. You get a detailed written estimate. No pressure — it’s your decision.
The repair
Once you approve, we schedule the repair. Most sewer repairs are completed in 1–2 days. We test the line with another camera run to confirm the fix, then restore your property.
Worried about your sewer line? Get answers for free.
Sewer problems don’t fix themselves — a small crack becomes a collapsed line. A camera inspection takes 30 minutes and costs you nothing. We show you what we find and give you your options. No obligation.
Why free? Because we’d rather earn your trust with a camera in the ground than a sales pitch on the phone. And if nothing’s wrong, we’ll tell you that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sewer repairs in Charlottesville typically range from $3,000 for a straightforward spot repair to $15,000+ for a full line replacement. The biggest factors are the extent of damage, pipe material, and repair method — trenchless options often cost less because they require less excavation and restoration. A camera inspection is the only way to know where your situation falls. That’s why we offer it free.
In many cases, no. Trenchless sewer repair and pipe lining allow us to fix or replace the line through small access points rather than a full trench. We’ll let you know after the camera inspection whether trenchless is an option for your situation.
Standard policies typically don’t cover sewer line repairs, but some do if the damage was caused by a sudden event. Some homeowners also have sewer/water line riders. We can provide documentation to help you file a claim if your policy covers it.
Yes. We offer 5–15 year financing plans with competitive interest rates. Most homeowners get approved in about 2 minutes. Your technician can walk you through payment options during your inspection, so you can get your sewer line fixed without paying the full amount upfront.
Most spot repairs are completed in one day. Full line replacements typically take 1–2 days. Trenchless repairs are usually the fastest. We’ll give you a timeline with your estimate so you can plan accordingly.
Repair fixes a specific damaged section — often where roots have broken through or a joint has separated. Replacement means installing a new line, either trenchless or through a new trench. We recommend repair when the rest of the line is in good shape, and replacement when camera inspection shows widespread deterioration.
Whatever’s going on with your sewer line, we’ve seen it before. Over 65 years, we’ve helped thousands of Central Virginia homeowners get answers and get their homes back to normal. You don’t have to figure this out alone.