Question 1

How do I know if my main sewer line needs cleaning?

Accepted Answer

The clearest signs are multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time, water backing up into the tub or floor drain when you flush the toilet, gurgling sounds from drains when other fixtures are used, and sewage odor from floor drains or the basement. A single slow drain is usually a branch clog — but when two or more fixtures are affected simultaneously, the main sewer line is almost always involved.

Question 2

What is the difference between main sewer line cleaning and branch drain cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Branch drain cleaning addresses a single fixture drain line — the pipe running from one sink, tub, or toilet to the main sewer lateral. Main sewer line cleaning addresses the primary trunk pipe running from your home's foundation to the municipal connection in the street. A problem in the main line affects all fixtures simultaneously, while a branch drain problem affects only one.

Question 3

What does main sewer line cleaning involve?

Accepted Answer

Bison's main sewer line cleaning starts with a Picote Solutions HD camera inspection from the cleanout access point — confirming blockage type, location, and whether the pipe has structural damage requiring repair rather than just cleaning. Based on footage, the method is selected: mechanical rooter service for soft blockages, or hydro jetting at 1,500–4,000 PSI for grease buildup, scale, and root debris. A post-clearing camera run confirms complete clearance before the job is closed.

Question 4

How much does main sewer line cleaning cost in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Residential main sewer line rooter service with Bison Plumbing is $99, plus a service charge. If hydro jetting is needed for grease buildup or root debris, residential hydro jetting is $1,150. All pricing is upfront after the camera inspection confirms which method is needed.

Question 5

How often should I have my main sewer line cleaned?

Accepted Answer

For homes built before 1980 with clay or cast-iron sewer laterals — which describes the majority of housing stock in Warren, Ferndale, Royal Oak, and the surrounding area — annual or biennial main line cleaning is a sound preventive maintenance cadence. Homes with documented root intrusion benefit from more frequent cleaning. A Picote camera inspection every 3–5 years provides the clearest picture of the lateral's current condition.