From Drain Backups to Sewer Replacement

The problem behind the call

For one Saint John homeowner, a drainage problem first appeared as a washing machine that would not drain and water backing up into the bathtub. The toilet bowl was also empty. The service history eventually showed that the problem extended beyond a single blocked fixture.

This case follows the January 2025 drain-clearing visit, a repeat blockage in September 2026, and the sewer-replacement work completed later that month. The photographs show the later replacement job and have been AI-enhanced for framing and lighting.

What the first drain-clearing visit found

The first attempt to clear the bathtub drain with a 25-foot hand snake through the waste and overflow did not resolve the blockage. During the crawl-space inspection, the crew also found a leaking toilet flange. Pulling the toilet to replace the wax seal revealed a sewer line obstructed with roots.

Matrix Mechanical located a cleanout near where the sewer left the building. Working through that access, the crew ran a snake into the line and extracted approximately six feet of roots.

Melanson's was brought in to flush the line and carry out a video inspection. Tight bends limited access for the root-cutting equipment. The completion record stated that the drain was functioning after the visit, while warning that further problems could occur.

Why the next visit led to replacement

In September 2026, the toilet was backing up into the tub again. After pulling the toilet, the technician found the three-inch drain line holding water. A 50-foot snake met resistance around 20 feet into the run and brought back another large amount of roots.

The customer reported that the problem was ongoing. Melanson's returned to jet the line, but the root cutter would not fit and jetting could not get through the pipe. The technician recorded that the pipe needed excavation and replacement, and the customer requested an estimate.

The repeated obstruction and the limits of the clearing equipment shaped the next step: a replacement scope for the affected sewer and crawl-space drainage.

Replacing the affected sewer and water service

The replacement job was completed on September 29, 2026. It covered a new four-inch exterior sewer to the property line and replacement of approximately 20 feet of three-inch drainage in the crawl space with new plastic piping.

The open trench also provided an opportunity to replace the water service in the same excavation and connect it with a new main shut-off. The water-service replacement was included because the trench was already being opened for the sewer work.

Coordinating the electrical work

The existing electrical grounding connection had used the old copper water service. When that service changed to plastic piping, the plumbing crew called in an electrician to address the grounding connection.

The electrician's job note records installation of an exterior grounding plate and connection of the existing grounding wire to the new grounding system. The plumbing and electrical work were coordinated within the same job.

What we did for the customer

• Investigated the backed-up fixtures and removed roots during the initial drain-clearing work.
• Coordinated specialist flushing and video inspection, and documented the limitations encountered.
• Assessed the repeat blockage and prepared a sewer-replacement scope.
• Coordinated exterior excavation and replaced the affected sewer and crawl-space drainage.
• Replaced the water service in the shared trench and connected a new main shut-off.
• Completed the associated electrical grounding work and backfilled the exterior work area.

Result for the customer

The initial clearing restored drainage at that visit, but the later recurrence showed that more work was needed. The completed September project replaced the affected drainage and included a new water service, main shut-off, and the accompanying grounding work.

The customer moved from repeated root-clearing visits to replacement of the affected sewer and crawl-space piping. The exterior excavation was backfilled. The sewer-replacement scope extended to the property line; work beyond that point was outside this project.

Need help with a similar problem?

Explore Drain Cleaning, Sewer Camera Inspection, or Plumbing. For urgent service, call 506.696.7000 any time, 24/7. For routine work, book service online; for planned replacement work, request an estimate.