A second opinion could save you $1,000s on your sewer problem

Are you a Baltimore homeowner dealing with a backed-up sewer main drain? If so, you're likely facing some big questions:

Is hiring a big-name plumbing company your best option, or just the priciest? Do you really need to replace the entire sewer line? Does your basement really have to be dug up? Aren't there more affordable options?

That’s where we come in. C.A. Taciak & Sons specializes in finding cost-effective alternatives to invasive and expensive sewer replacements. Big plumbing companies can be pushy and overpriced. We go in a different direction. Our small, local, family-owned and operated company helps homeowners like you save thousands and protect their homes with minimally disruptive, affordable sewer solutions. Whether it's a replacement, repair, or cost-effective maintenance, we are here to help.

Call today to speak with Sam Taciak, our local master plumber, and discover how we can help with your sewer issue.

Talk sewer problems with Sam

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A better option for your home's plumbing

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We take a different approach to fixing sewer problems. Plumbing is durable and often doesn’t require a full replacement. You wouldn't buy a new car every time you needed new brakes and your sewer line is no different. We begin with a thorough inspection to identify exactly what needs attention. Then, we present a range of options tailored to your home and budget, ensuring we only recommend a complete replacement if it’s truly necessary.

C.A. Taciak and Sons Customer Experience:

Free, no-obligation phone consultation - Talk with a master plumber for expert advice without all the pressure.
Camera inspections and drain cleaning starting at $375 - Get an accurate diagnosis at an affordable price.
Diagnostic fees are credited toward larger repairs - You don’t pay twice if more work is needed.
Excavated repairs starting at $6,500 - We offer clear pricing with no surprises.
We prioritize cost-effective solutions first - We try to save you money where it makes sense
Trenchless and minimally invasive options available - Reduce disruption to your home and yard.

The "Big Name" Plumbers Sales Funnel:

Emergency drain cleaning that costs $600 or more - Emergency service calls have high upfront fees that hurt your wallet.
Pushy Sales Experience - Our largest competitors are paid on commission. They don't have any incentives to save customers money.
Condemn your entire sewer line - You may be told that your entire sewer line, including the cast iron pipe under your basement, needs replacement, leading to unnecessary expenses.
Replacement costs range from $12,000 to $20,000+ - Unnecessary full sewer line replacement places a heavy financial burden on homeowners.
Long-term monthly payments - Choosing expensive sewer replacement often means years of monthly payments, limiting your financial flexibility.

Talk with our master plumber

Our service-minded approach to sewer issues

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Many Baltimore homeowners find themselves in a tough situation when facing plumbing emergencies. A sewer problem needs fixing as soon as possible, but you don't want to spend any more money than you have to. Unfortunately, emergency plumbers charge expensive emergency pricing for their services. Often, these plumbers recommend full replacements of sewer lines. The costs range from $10,000s to much more for "trenchless options." These come with long-term financing plans that will keep you on the hook for years. Just because you started with one of these plumbers doesn't mean you need to keep using them. There is another way! Get an educated second opinion.

We've fixed thousands of sewer problems around Baltimore since 1940. Here's how we do it:

Step 1: Easy phone consultation with our master plumber Sam Taciak.

Step 2: Schedule a thorough sewer line inspection and diagnosis.

Step 3: We investigate your sewer line to see exactly what's going on and pinpoint any major issues.

Step 4: We discuss your needs and budget and present a range of options to fit.

Step 5: We fix the problem using an educated option, not a panic purchase.

Hydro-jetting and descaling to maintain your sewer line.
Small, targeted excavated sewer repair
Full sewer line replacement
Pipe-bursting / pipe-lining trenchless options

Talk to sam about your sewer

Here is what other customers around Baltimore are saying...

I'll be a customer for life. They were so honest and knowledgeable, took the time to explain everything and all my options without being pushy. I had called them for a second opinion after a big name company said I need a complete sewer line replacement for over $13,000... Their recommendation happened to be the least intrusive and saved me so much money.

- Ryan G. in Baltimore, MD

Frank and Sam have the expertise and specialized equipment to do this. They assessed and diagnosed my outdoor underground drain situation, and provided me with several options. They are extremely competent, reasonable, and detail-oriented.

I wouldn't use anyone else for outdoor drain issues.

- Scott C. in Reisterstown, MD

Frank and Sam were very professional (and particularly clean/careful with the space - maybe one of the best experiences I've had with a contractor in my house). The job was priced fairly. I highly recommend C.A. Taciak & Sons.

- Sayer N. in Federal Hill, MD

I can't tell you how impressed I was with Frank and Sam's work ethic, problem solving skills, honesty, ability to explain things in layman's terms, and willingness to collaborate with another plumbing company.

They were clearly focused less on making a profit and more on solving the problem and doing what was right for the customer.

- Katie S. in Essex, MD

I have had such a good experience with C.A. Taciak and Sons. I tried different solutions for a problem of many years with my sewer line, and I finally found Frank and Sam Taciak who were a pleasure to work with. They are kind, friendly, extremely knowledgeable and professional, and take their commitment to customer service very seriously. We implemented a multi-step approach with more than fair pricing.

- Vicki H. in Hampden, MD

A great plumbing family - very professional. Sam did an amazing job. He was very efficient and quick but also was sensitive to the needs of my older plumbing/pipes. The drain has never worked better. He even left the bathroom cleaner than he found it. I will definitely be using them again.

- Thomas S. in Parkville, MD

FAQS

The oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore, such as Federal Hill and Mt. Vernon, still use the "modern sewers" that were installed in the late 1800s, meaning some of these sewer lines are over 140 years old. Unfortunately, most sewer lines don’t last that long; the average maintenance-free lifespan is typically around 60 to 70 years. Homes built before the 1960s may soon require sewer repairs or upgrades. Compared to other components of your home, such as roofs, windows, or siding, sewer lines are still among the longest-lasting features.

INTERIOR SIGNS OF A BROKEN MAIN SEWER LINE

Sewer backups typically manifest in the lowest drains of your home, such as basement toilets, floor drains, or laundry sinks. These fixtures are the most vulnerable because they are the lowest open drains in the system. If you don’t have a basement with plumbing fixtures, you might notice backup issues on the first floor instead. In every case, a sewer line backup occurs at the lowest and closest open drains in your home.

It's important to note that a drainage issue may just affect a specific bathroom and not indicate a larger sewer problem. For example, if an upstairs toilet, sink, or shower stops draining but lower bathrooms are unaffected, it’s likely not a sewer issue.

Not every sewer backup has immediately obvious symptoms like a flooded basement. Other warning signs can indicate an impending backup. For instance, if you notice a foul smell in your basement or yard, it could signify a problem, as sewer systems should be both airtight and watertight. Additionally, an unusual odor from a sump pump pit might also point to sewer issues. Symptoms like these suggest that your sewer line could be experiencing a backup, clog, crack, or root intrusion.

SINKHOLES

Sinkholes are a serious sewer-related issue that can develop in your yard. They occur when a hole in the sewer pipe allows dirt to be sucked in and subsequently flushed away, creating a void underground. These sinkholes do not resolve on their own and require prompt repairs to prevent further expansion.

GREEN SECTIONS OF LAWN

Does one patch of your lawn resemble a lush green golf course? While it could be the result of effective fertilizer application, it may also indicate a sewage leak. Although both scenarios create a similar visual effect, one poses a significant problem for your home. Waste leaking from a shallow sewer line can attract serious root intrusion, leading to more extensive damage. So, while your neighbor's grass may seem greener, it might be a sign of underlying sewer issues.

RAPID TREE OR BUSH GROWTH

Unusual foliage growth can indicate a problem similar to the greener grass issue mentioned earlier. Sewage acts like anabolic steroids for plants, providing an unnatural boost that encourages excessive growth. During Maryland's spring and fall seasons, tree and bush roots often seek out the nutrients found in sewer lines, infiltrating them in search of nourishment. Once inside, these roots can grow rapidly, obstructing your sewer line and leading to serious drainage issues. If left unaddressed, this can result in backups into your home.

SEWAGE SEEPING OUT OF HILLSIDES

Sometimes, sewer water can seep out from a hillside instead of backing up into your home. Broken pipes allow wastewater to flow out and down the slope, potentially flooding anything or anyone below. This runoff poses risks not only to you but also to your downhill neighbors. If you find yourself in this situation, you will need an excavated repair to address the issue effectively.

In most cases, the answer is no. Nearly all older sewer lines located beneath basement floors are made of cast iron. When properly installed, cast iron pipes are highly durable and can last for many years. If your plumber recommends replacing the pipe under your basement floor, it's wise to seek a second opinion. Your existing drain pipes likely have plenty of life left. We provide hydro-jetting and descaling services to revitalize buried cast iron pipes, extending their functionality.

"Trenchless" sewer repair typically means "trench-LESS," not "trench-FREE." While some excavation of your yard and basement will be necessary for equipment access, it will be significantly less than what a traditional repair would require. We offer both pipe-bursting and pipe-lining options, each suited to specific situations. If you're interested in trenchless solutions, we can discuss which method would work best for your project.

However, please keep in mind that trenchless repair technology can be quite expensive and is generally reserved for projects with limited alternatives. As a result, trenchless sewer repair is considered a premium option and comes with premium pricing.

Both Baltimore City and Baltimore County require a plumbing permit for sewer work. Only a fully licensed Maryland master plumber can apply for these permits, which means that a plumbing company handles all sewer line repairs and replacements.

However, having the right plumbing license isn't enough. Sewer work also requires lots of specialty tools and excavating equipment. Other plumbing companies don't have this equipment because they don't specialize in underground plumbing. At C.A. Taciak & Sons, we have our own excavation equipment, shoring, and all other necessary tools. Most other plumbing companies have to rent or fully subcontract this kind of work.

Finally, our installations are done by skilled plumbers, not apprentices or techs. Our master plumber is on-site and directly oversees all pipe installations, so your project is in capable, experienced hands.

Most sewer repairs and replacements take one to two days. Typically, we reconnect all the piping by the end of the first day, so you won’t need to worry about finding a hotel just to use your plumbing. In most cases, we have your new sewer line fully operational by 2 or 3 p.m. on the first day, allowing you to resume normal use of your plumbing. If a project does extend into a second day, that time is dedicated to cleanup and regrading your yard.

The answer to this question depends a lot on the warranty. It also depends on your finances. Sewer line warranties are often inexpensive and offer some protection against backups. They provide drain cleaning crews. They also send "water restoration specialists" for sewer backups. However, many warranties do not cover full sewer line replacement or even repairs. They will clean up the mess but nothing else. This means that you will continue dealing with sewer line backups until you fix the cause of the problem.

Your homeowners' insurance may cover sewer line repair and replacement. Check with your insurance provider about the specifics of what your policy covers. Not all policies include sewer line coverage automatically. In fact, some insurance companies don't even offer it. However, it is definitely worth it to find out and add it if possible. If you think you may need insurance help to cover the expense of a sewer replacement, the best time to look into this coverage is before you start having sewer issues.

Charles A. Taciak founded C.A. Taciak & Sons in 1940 as a general construction company. Over the next few decades, Charles started focusing on excavation and utility installation - specifically, underground plumbing installation.

Charles's son, Frank, began working with C.A. Taciak & Sons in the late 1970s. During these early years, he focused on gaining experience and learning the trade. When his son, Sam, was born in 1989, Frank took over the family business. Under his leadership, C.A. Taciak & Sons grew with a focus on exceptional value and customer service.

Today, Sam and Frank Taciak run the business together. They specialize in solving Baltimore area residents' trickiest underground plumbing problems. They service both Baltimore City and Baltimore County and work out of Towson.

Let's make a plan to get your plumbing back up and running

Wow, you made it to the end! You’re really diving deep into sewer research before deciding on your next steps, and we get it. Sewer problems are costly and smelly issues that you’d rather not have to deal with. But since you have to, you definitely want to get it right the first time. If you still have questions and want to chat with a real person, give our local master plumber a call. Sam Taciak is happy to do a quick phone consultation.

Call 443-823-9679

E-mail Sam