Saint John Sewer Repair

Why the customer needed help

A Saint John homeowner needed the main sewer investigated. The initial camera inspection found rocks and stones in the drain, with signs that a section had collapsed or separated. The findings led to a repair scope that could be checked more closely once the pipe was exposed.

What the inspection found

When the line was opened at the front foundation wall, the crew found partially collapsed cast-iron pipe. Matrix Mechanical replaced the damaged section and flushed the drain to remove the rocks.

The crew then used a camera to inspect the remaining main drain serving the bathrooms and the branch from the kitchen stack. The kitchen branch had severe deterioration along its underside, including missing sections of pipe. That finding identified additional interior work beyond the initial exterior repair.

How the work developed

The exterior and interior repairs were handled in stages. The first stage addressed the exposed sewer defect and the stones in the line. The follow-up inspection established that the affected kitchen drainage also needed replacement, rather than treating the obstruction alone.

The crew returned between October 13 and 15, 2026, for the interior work. Working with the restoration contractor, they established a dust-containment area and used air scrubbers. Waterlines serving the downstairs kitchen sink were cut and capped as part of the work.

Approximately 25 feet of concrete was opened to expose the affected main drain and kitchen branch. The crew removed the old cast iron, installed new plastic drain pipe (ABS) and fittings, and connected the interior drainage to the exterior sewer.

What we did for the customer

• Investigated the sewer with a camera and confirmed the damaged pipe when the line was exposed.
• Replaced the affected exterior sewer section and flushed out the rocks.
• Identified the deteriorated kitchen branch during the follow-up camera inspection.
• Coordinated dust containment with the restoration contractor during interior access work.
• Replaced the affected interior cast-iron drainage and connected it to the exterior sewer.
• Tested the connections and backfilled the floor opening with gravel and rough-finished concrete.

Result for the customer

The work addressed both the obstruction and the damaged exterior and interior piping identified during the investigation. The technician's completion record states that all connections were tested with no leaks.

The customer received replacement drainage through the affected sections, connected to the exterior sewer, and a floor opening backfilled with gravel and rough-finished concrete. Finished-floor and kitchen restoration were outside the plumbing scope.

Need help with a similar issue?

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