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Sewer Installation

Expert Sewer Installation in Richmond, VA

Reliable Sewer Line Replacement and Installation Services

Dealing with a failing sewer line is more than a simple inconvenience; it can disrupt your entire household. When you face persistent backups, foul odors, or water pooling in your yard, you need a reliable solution from a team you can trust. A new sewer installation is a significant update to your home's plumbing, and it’s crucial that the job is done right to ensure your system works perfectly for decades.

At R.J. Tilley Plumbing & Remodeling, we specialize in providing professional sewer line replacement and installation services for homeowners across the Richmond area. We are a family-owned and operated business, and since 1976, our focus has been on honesty, quality workmanship, and customer satisfaction. We provide clear, upfront pricing and our licensed, insured team has the expertise to handle your sewer installation correctly and efficiently.

Don't wait for a sewer emergency. Call (804) 979-2525 to speak with our sewer experts or send us a message online.

Why Homeowners Trust Our Approach for Sewer Installation in Richmond

Sewer line installation or replacement is a major investment. When you choose a team that values both quality and peace of mind, you gain a partner from initial planning to final walkthrough. Our decades of plumbing experience and customer-focused process help homeowners feel supported and informed, whether you’re building a new home or updating an older property.

Many Richmond neighborhoods feature mature trees, aging clay lines, or historic site requirements. We address these challenges with specific, easy-to-understand recommendations, so you know which options fit your household, soil type, and long-term needs. Our in-house design showroom makes it easier to select the right plumbing fixtures and finishes—saving time while letting you see solutions up close before you decide.

  • Family values and local knowledge guide our process from consultation to installation.
  • Our design showroom streamlines selections and helps you see your options in person.
  • We invest in training to keep up-to-date with local regulations, protecting your investment and peace of mind.

We work to remove confusion and offer clear communication, so you always know what to expect at every step of your sewer installation project.

Key Signs Your Richmond Home Needs a Sewer Line Replacement

A failing sewer line rarely happens overnight. It usually provides several warning signs that homeowners may mistake for minor plumbing issues. Ignoring these signs can lead to more significant problems, including property damage and health hazards. If you notice any of the following, it is time to call our team for an inspection.

  • Persistent Drain Backups: One of the most obvious signs. If you have clogs in multiple drains (like a toilet, shower, and sink backing up at the same time), the problem is almost certainly in your main sewer line.
  • Foul Odors: You should never smell sewer gas. If you notice an unpleasant odor in your home, in your basement, or even just in your yard, it often indicates a crack or break in the sewer line.
  • Gurgling Sounds: When you flush a toilet or drain a sink, do you hear a strange gurgling sound from other drains? This is often a sign that your system is struggling to find air, which can be caused by a clog or partial collapse in the main line.
  • Soggy or Extra-Green Patches in the Yard: A broken sewer line will leak water and waste into the surrounding soil. This can create damp, mushy spots in your yard or a patch of grass that is suddenly much greener and lusher than the rest.
  • Check for Foundation or Pest Issues: In severe cases, a long-term sewer leak can saturate the soil around your foundation, leading to cracks or settling. The moisture and waste can also attract rodents and other pests.

Homeowners across the Richmond area choose us for our trusted reputation in residential sewer installation, decades of dedication to quality, and attention to detail. We provide 24-hour emergency plumbing service, have an in-house design team, and operate a 3,500 sq. ft. showroom where you can see materials and choices firsthand. Our A+ BBB rating and history of Best Of awards in plumbing and remodeling reflect our consistent record of service and results. From the first call to final walkthrough, our in-house team stays connected and supportive.

Trust 40+ years of experience. Call R.J. Tilley Plumbing & Remodeling today at (804) 979-2525 or fill out our online form to get started.

Sewer Installation Process & What to Expect in Richmond 

Sewer installation involves a series of carefully coordinated steps to ensure your new system will last and align with all municipal requirements. We consistently use current methods and stay up to date with city and county codes, so your project flows smoothly and safely at every phase.

Before work begins, we locate all existing underground utilities to avoid disruption and prevent safety issues. Because many Richmond neighborhoods have older pipes and infrastructure, a thoughtful approach to mapping, trenching, and connections helps protect your investment. Our team considers everything from the slope and drainage patterns on your site to optimal pipe routing for long-term reliability. By handling these complex steps up front, we minimize surprises and keep your project on track.

  • Site assessment and planning – Our team visits your property to evaluate conditions and discuss your needs. We check for existing lines, potential blockages, and plan the installation route carefully.
  • Permitting and code compliance – City and county regulations require proper permitting for sewer line work. We apply local knowledge to help ensure your installation meets all code requirements.
  • Trenching and pipe installation – Our crew brings the right tools and takes measures to protect landscaping wherever possible. We install high-quality pipes, carefully secured and tested for leaks and durability.
  • Connection to municipal systems or septic – In Richmond, most homes connect to the city’s public sewer. In areas served by private septic, we take additional steps to verify system function and compatibility.
  • Inspection and cleanup – We arrange necessary inspections to confirm code compliance and leave your property as neat and tidy as possible once the project is complete.

Throughout each stage, our dedicated team stays in close contact so you always know what is happening next and understand each step. Our staff addresses questions promptly and helps you keep your home’s routine running as smoothly as possible.

The local permitting process may require working with the city’s Department of Public Utilities and following their inspection guidelines before connections can be finalized. Our familiarity with regional rules and timelines allows us to coordinate details efficiently, helping limit delays and ensuring everything is done right the first time.

Comprehensive Sewer Line Replacement and New Installation Services

As a full-service plumbing and sewer contractor, we handle all aspects of sewer system installation. Our services are designed to address two primary needs: replacing an old, failing line and installing a brand-new line for a new property. We understand that each residential sewer installation in Richmond has unique challenges, and our experienced team is equipped for all of them.

🔷 Sewer Line Replacement: This is our most common service for established homes in the area. Many older properties still have their original sewer lines made of materials like cast iron or clay. These materials are susceptible to cracking, root invasion, and disintegration over time. A sewer line replacement in Richmond involves replacing your old, damaged pipe with a modern, durable line that will last for generations.

🔷New Sewer Line Installation: If you are building a new home or an addition, we provide new sewer line installation services. We work with you or your builder to design and install a complete sewer system, from the new home’s foundation to the municipal connection at the street. We ensure your new system is compliant with all local codes and built to provide decades of reliable, trouble-free service.

For an honest assessment and upfront pricing on your sewer installation, call (804) 979-2525 or contact us online today.

  • Excellent Experience
    “I will definitely call R.J. Tilley again! Each person I talked with in the office was very nice.”
    - Bonnie T.
  • Above and Beyond!
    “Prompt, professional, and got the job done right.”
    - Lindsey D.
  • Highly Recommend!
    “First time using RJ Tilley and it was super! Best I've ever experienced with a plumbing company.”
    - Mickey P.
  • 5+ Stars
    “I would highly recommend them and will be using them again for any future issues!”
    - Ryan P.
  • Amazing Service!
    “Trustworthy and fair pricing for an after-hours call. RJ Tilley will be our go-to plumbing service for our home.”
    - Emily W.
  • Perfect Service Again!
    “Very professional, courteous, and efficient at everything.”
    - Geoffrey P.

Frequently Asked Questions


How long does a sewer installation typically take in Richmond?

The physical, on-site work for most residential sewer installations in Richmond is completed within one to three days. However, this timeline is highly dependent on the method used and other factors. A "trenchless" installation (like pipe bursting) is often faster than traditional excavation, which requires extensive digging. The total project timeline can also be influenced by the initial diagnostic camera inspection, the complexity of your property's layout, the depth of the sewer line, and significant weather events like heavy rain or frozen ground, which can pause excavation work.

What pipe materials are commonly used in new sewer systems?

The modern standards for new sewer systems are PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene). These materials have replaced older options like clay and cast iron because they are far superior. Both PVC and HDPE are immune to rust and corrosion and have a typical lifespan of 50 to 100+ years. Their joints are watertight, making them highly resistant to root intrusion, which is a common failure point for older pipes. Specifically for Richmond’s climate, their durability is a key advantage. HDPE is particularly flexible, allowing it to withstand ground shifting from freeze-thaw cycles without cracking.

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