Negative Slope Underground Drain Repair

we got emergency call for main drain line from a residence of downtown Toronto.

we respond and attend the job site on same day as emergency service.

A clogged main drain can cause serious plumbing issues, from slow drainage to sewage backups.

At Everest Drain & Plumbing, we started thorough inspections and expert repairs to restore proper flow. Here’s how we handled a recent main drain clog.

Diagnosis & Inspection

Our expert Toronto plumber team first used a Rigid K60 to drain snake from the laundry room floor drain to the city sewer line. However, we identified underlying issues:

Negative slope in the underground main drain near the front wall impacting drain flow.
Tree roots infiltrating the pipe, read Root causing your main drain line blockage
The drain was clear beyond this section until it reached the city line

To confirm the issue, we performed a video camera inspection from the laundry room floor drain to 25 feet out, verifying that the main problem was the negative slope and root

Excavation & Pipe Replacement

To permanently fix the issue, we excavated and replaced the damaged section of the main drain:
🔹 Trenching & Concrete Removal – Excavated a 5ft x 3ft x 3ft section inside the house near the front wall.
🔹 Old Clay Pipe Removal – Removed and disposed of 5 feet of underground clay pipe, along with the existing hidden cleanout.
🔹 New PVC Pipe Installation – Supplied and installed 5 feet of 4″ PVC pipe and fittings, including an inline cleanout for easy future maintenance.

Testing & Site Restoration

Once the new drain was in place, we:

Pressure-tested all joints to ensure no leaks
Backfilled the trench with gravel for stability
Used plastic tarps, drop cloths, and other protective materials to keep the site clean

Final Results

With the negative slope corrected and tree root intrusion eliminated by replacing section of underground clay drain line, the drain now flows properly. The addition of an inline cleanout ensures easier maintenance, preventing future clogs.
🚿 Experiencing a clogged main drain? Everest Drain & Plumbing provides expert diagnostics, repairs, and long-term solutions. Contact us today!