Preserving San Diego’s Historic Plumbing: Jamie Hunley on the Clay Pipe Crisis

San Diego is known for its historic neighborhoods—Point Loma, Mission Hills, Kensington, North Park, South Park, Clairemont, and La Mesa—many of which were built between the 1940s and 1970s. While the charm of these homes is obvious, much of the original plumbing infrastructure beneath them is now reaching the end of its useful life.

As San Diego’s historic neighborhoods age, so does the infrastructure buried beneath them. 

Point Loma Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air has recently expanded its sewer line inspection and repair services to address a growing issue: aging clay and cast iron sewer pipes that are failing at a predictable and accelerating rate. We spoke with Jamie Hunley, Owner and CEO, about what homeowners need to know, how modern camera inspections reduce risk, and what proactive steps can prevent costly sewer emergencies.

With these materials reaching the end of their 60-to-75-year lifespan, homeowners are facing increased risks of backups and failures. We connected with Jamie Hunley to discuss the hidden dangers of tree root intrusion, the benefits of “no-dig” camera inspections, and how to protect your property from costly water damage.

Q: You’ve recently expanded your sewer line services to specifically target older San Diego homes with clay piping. What is happening with these mid-20th-century systems right now that prompted this urgent focus?

Jamie Hunley:

What we’re seeing across San Diego is not random failure—it’s age-related, systemic failure. Clay sewer pipes installed in the 1940s through the 1960s were never designed to last indefinitely. Most had an expected lifespan of 60 to 75 years, and many of those systems are now well beyond that range.

As the pipe joints deteriorate, the clay becomes brittle. Even minor ground movement, soil settling, or nearby construction can cause cracking or separation. Once that happens, roots are naturally drawn to the moisture inside the pipe. From there, blockages, collapses, and sewage backups become far more likely.

What makes this urgent is that many homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until sewage backs up into the home or yard—by then, the damage and cost are significantly higher. Our goal is to help homeowners identify problems early, before they turn into emergencies.

Q: Clay pipes are known to be durable, but they aren’t invincible. What are the specific “red flags”—such as gurgling sounds or saturated patches in the yard—that should warn a homeowner their sewer line is compromising?

Jamie Hunley:

There are several early red flags that homeowners frequently overlook or dismiss as minor plumbing issues. The most common include:

• Gurgling sounds from toilets, tubs, or sinks
• Slow drains throughout the home (not just one fixture)
• Recurring drain clogs that keep coming back
• Sewer odors inside or outside the home
• Unusually green or soggy patches of grass in the yard
• Toilets that bubble when other fixtures are used
  

In older San Diego homes, these symptoms are often not isolated drain problems—they’re indicators of a compromised main sewer line. If multiple fixtures are affected, that’s a strong signal the issue is underground and should be evaluated with a camera inspection.

Q: One of the biggest fears for homeowners is having their yard dug up to find a leak. How does your use of advanced sewer cameras allow you to diagnose blockages or cracks without the need for invasive excavation?

Jamie Hunley:

Modern sewer camera inspections have completely changed how we diagnose sewer problems. Instead of excavating blindly, we insert a high-resolution waterproof camera directly into the sewer line through an existing access point.

This allows us to see the exact condition of the pipe in real time—cracks, root intrusion, bellies, separations, or collapses—without digging up landscaping, driveways, or hardscape. We can also measure the depth and location of the issue with precision.

For homeowners, this means fewer surprises, clearer options, and informed decision-making. In many cases, a camera inspection helps confirm whether a repair is needed now or if the system can be safely monitored.

Q: Tree root intrusion is listed as a primary cause of failure for these aging pipes. If your team discovers roots in the line, does that automatically mean the entire system needs to be replaced, or are there other solutions?

Jamie Hunley:

Not necessarily. Root intrusion is extremely common in clay pipes, but the correct solution depends on how advanced the damage is.

If the pipe structure is still intact, roots can sometimes be mechanically cleared and treated to slow regrowth. In other cases, trenchless repair options—such as pipe lining—may reinforce the existing pipe without full excavation.

However, if the clay pipe has collapsed, separated significantly, or lost structural integrity, replacement is often the safest long-term solution. The key is accurate diagnosis. A camera inspection allows us to explain all viable options so homeowners can choose the solution that best fits their home, budget, and long-term plans.

Q: For those living in historic properties with original plumbing, what is the best proactive step they can take to avoid the health risks and mold growth associated with a sudden sewer backup?

Jamie Hunley:

The most effective proactive step is a preventive sewer camera inspection, especially if the home is more than 40 years old and has never been evaluated.

Many homeowners invest in cosmetic upgrades—kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping—without realizing the most expensive system in the home is buried underground. A camera inspection provides clarity and peace of mind. Even if no immediate repairs are needed, it establishes a baseline and helps homeowners plan instead of react.

Preventive inspections reduce the risk of sewage exposure, water damage, mold growth, and emergency repairs. In older San Diego neighborhoods, they’re one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make.

To learn more about sewer inspections and plumbing maintenance, visit https://pointlomahomepros.com/plumbing/sewer-repairs/.

FAQ’s about clay pipes:

Why do clay sewer pipes fail so often in San Diego?

Clay sewer pipes are highly susceptible to tree root intrusion, soil shifting, and joint separation. San Diego’s dry summers followed by seasonal rains cause soil expansion and contraction, which stresses brittle clay joints. Once roots detect moisture, they infiltrate the pipe and accelerate cracking and collapse.

How long do clay sewer pipes last?

Most clay sewer lines have an expected lifespan of 60–75 years. Many San Diego homes are now operating well beyond that range, meaning failures often occur without warning.

What are early warning signs of a failing sewer line?

• Repeated drain clogs affecting multiple fixtures
• Gurgling sounds from toilets or showers
• Sewage odors inside or outside the home
• Slow drainage throughout the house
• Unexpected lush patches of grass near the sewer path

Can a sewer line collapse without warning?

Yes. Clay pipes often fail suddenly once structural integrity is compromised. Many homeowners experience their first indication as a full sewage backup.

Are sewer camera inspections really necessary if drains are working?

Yes. Drains can appear functional while the pipe is actively deteriorating. Camera inspections allow homeowners to identify problems before they become emergencies.

Will homeowners insurance cover clay sewer pipe replacement?

Coverage varies widely. Many policies exclude aging or deteriorated pipes, which is why proactive inspections are critical—especially before filing claims or selling a home.

Is trenchless sewer repair an option for clay pipes?

In many cases, yes. Trenchless lining or pipe bursting may be viable depending on pipe condition, alignment, and collapse severity. A camera inspection determines eligibility.

Are sewer issues more common in certain San Diego neighborhoods?

Yes. Neighborhoods with mature trees and pre‑1975 construction—such as Point Loma, Mission Hills, Clairmont, La Jolla, North Park, and University Heights—experience disproportionately higher failure rates.