A sewer stoppage is one of the most disruptive plumbing emergencies a household can face. Bienvenu Brothers clears them fast, any time of day or night. Serving Metairie since 1937, our BBB A+ Rated, 4th generation family-owned team provides main sewer stoppage clearing, toilet backup clearing, drain stoppage removal, sewer blockage diagnosis, emergency service, sewer line snaking, cleanout service, and clogged sewer repair. Fully licensed (LMP#7214WSPS) and 100% recommended on Facebook, we are Loved Locally on Nextdoor and an Angi Super Service Award winner. Flexible same-day and 24/7 emergency availability means we’re always ready. Clear a sewer stoppage now. Contact Bienvenu Brothers or call (504) 835-7783.

Sewer Stoppages in Metairie and New Orleans LA

In regards to your home or business’s plumbing, you can have clogged sewer issues. When sewer stoppage occurs, call in our team: Bienvenu Brothers of Metairie. For sewers, we’re the experts.

I highly recommend Bienvenu for ALL your plumbing needs

Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star
“We were in a pinch when our kitchen sink stopped up on a Saturday evening of a HOLIDAY WEEKEND with several out of town guests staying with us. We needed to get the kitchen sink unclogged as soon as possible so I called Bienvenu Brothers Plumbing and they went above and beyond what I expected. They arrived on time, were professional and courteous, answered all of our questions, and most importantly got our sink working again! I highly recommend Bienvenu for ALL your plumbing needs!”
- Rozane Keppner
BBB Logo
Read More Reviews Request Service

Mainline Sewer Stoppage

Sewer Stoppages Metairie, LA

Should you experience mainline sewer stoppage, the first thing you need to do is stop using your plumbing immediately. You really don’t want to make the problem worse. After you and your family have stopped using the plumbing, call Bienvenu Brothers.  We come to your commercial or residential property to address the problem head-on. We offer many new technologies for customers like video camera line inspection, as well as proven methods like drain cleaners and hydro-jetting.

Whatever method used, you know you’re in safe hands with Bienvenu Brothers. We are proud to be well-respected plumbers for Metairie sewers and sewage systems. We get the job done right the first time.

Expert Tips
- Vint Bienvenu Jr.
As an expert in sewer stoppages, I advise you to be mindful of what you flush down your drains. Avoid disposing of grease, oil, or large food particles as they can cause blockages. Additionally, regular maintenance is crucial to prevent sewer backups. Consider scheduling professional inspections and cleanings to keep your sewer lines clear and functioning optimally. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in avoiding costly and inconvenient sewer issues. Trust our services in Metairie, LA, to keep your sewer system flowing smoothly.
- Vint Bienvenu Jr.

Common Sewer Cleaning Techniques

Some of the common methods and/or techniques we use for sewer cleaning include drain cleaners. We use Bio-Clean drain treatments, often through any drain necessary, to get water flowing through your sewer system and waste out of your home again. No one wants to live with a clogged sewer line, and we don’t want that for you either.

Warning Signs of a Sewer Line Stoppage

A blocked sewer line usually doesn’t happen out of nowhere, it builds up over time. Knowing what to watch for can help you act fast before it turns into a messy, costly problem. One of the first signs is water backing up into sinks, tubs, or floor drains, especially when it occurs after flushing the toilet or running the washing machine. You might also hear bubbling sounds coming from your drains or notice a foul sewage odor inside or around your home. Slow drains throughout the house are another red flag that your main sewer line may be clogged. If you live in an older home or have trees in your yard, the chances of root intrusion increase. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t wait, call Bienvenu Brothers. We’ll identify the cause quickly and get your system back to normal before it gets worse.

Tree Roots and Sewer Line Damage

Tree roots might look beautiful above ground, but underground, they can become a serious threat to your plumbing. In Metairie and New Orleans, where many homes are surrounded by older trees, roots are a leading cause of sewer stoppages. Roots naturally grow toward sources of moisture, so if your sewer line has even a tiny crack, roots will find it. Once inside, they expand and block the pipe, sometimes even breaking it completely. You may not notice the damage right away, but slow drainage, frequent clogs, and gurgling sounds can signal root intrusion. At Bienvenu Brothers, we use non-invasive camera inspections to find the root of the problem, literally, and offer proven solutions like hydro jetting or trenchless pipe repair to clear and protect your line. If you suspect roots are damaging your sewer system, we’re here to help with quick, clean, and effective service.

Why Regular Sewer Maintenance Saves You Money

Most people don’t think about their sewer line until something goes wrong, but regular maintenance can prevent major issues and save thousands in repair costs. Sewer stoppages often build up slowly, and grease, hair, soap, and waste all collect in your pipes over time. Without routine cleanings, these clogs become full blockages that can lead to backups or pipe damage. At Bienvenu Brothers, we recommend periodic sewer inspections, especially for older homes or properties with lots of plumbing activity. Our team can perform thorough cleanings and video inspections to catch small problems early, before they become emergencies. Scheduled maintenance also gives you peace of mind, knowing your sewer line is clear and functioning properly. It’s a small investment that helps you avoid costly repairs, water damage, and disruptive backups. Call us today to learn more about our preventative sewer services.

For service that addresses your sewer line – be it a stoppage or cleaning needed – Contact Bienvenu Brothers for help. Make your plumbing problems a distant memory rather than a constant reality. (504) 835-7783

Frequently Asked Questions

A sewer stoppage is a complete or near-complete blockage in the drain or sewer system that prevents wastewater from flowing out of the home. Unlike a slow drain, a stoppage causes water to back up into fixtures, tubs, or the lowest drain in the house. It requires immediate professional attention.
Signs include multiple drains backing up at the same time, sewage coming up through a bathtub or floor drain when a toilet is flushed, gurgling sounds from drains when water is used elsewhere, the toilet bubbling when the sink is draining, and foul sewage odors inside the home.
Yes. A sewer stoppage is a plumbing emergency. Bienvenu Brothers provides 24/7 emergency sewer stoppage service throughout Metairie and the greater New Orleans area. Call [phone] immediately. Sewage backup into your home is a health hazard that worsens with every hour.
Common causes include grease accumulation in the main line, tree root intrusion, flushed wipes or paper products not rated for sewer disposal, accumulated toilet paper or hygiene products, a foreign object lodged in the line, a collapsed or offset pipe section, or a sewer line that is simply too full of buildup from years of use.
Bienvenu Brothers first assesses the stoppage location and severity using a sewer snake. For blockages that are not fully cleared by snaking, hydro jetting provides a more thorough flush. For recurring stoppages, a video camera inspection identifies the root cause, whether it is buildup, roots, or a structural pipe issue.
A drain stoppage is localized to one fixture or branch line and affects only that drain. A sewer stoppage affects the main line serving the entire home, which is why multiple fixtures back up simultaneously. Sewer stoppages are more serious and require main line clearing.
Most residential sewer stoppages are cleared within one to two hours using a sewer snake or hydro jetting. If a camera inspection is also recommended, additional time is needed. Bienvenu Brothers works efficiently to restore full sewer function as quickly as possible.
No. Chemical drain openers are ineffective against main line stoppages and can create hazardous conditions for our technicians when we arrive. For a full sewer stoppage, mechanical clearing by a licensed plumber is the only effective solution. Call Bienvenu Brothers at [phone].
Yes. Wipes marketed as flushable do not break down the way toilet paper does and are a leading cause of sewer stoppages in residential systems. Even one-time flushing of non-toilet-paper items can initiate a buildup that leads to a full stoppage over time.
Yes. Bienvenu Brothers clears sewer stoppages throughout Metairie, New Orleans, Kenner, River Ridge, Harahan, Jefferson, Gretna, Harvey, Marrero, and all surrounding communities. We have been solving sewer problems in this region since 1937.
A slow drain that affects one fixture is a partial drain clog. A sewer stoppage is indicated when water backs up into the lowest fixtures in the home, multiple drains stop flowing simultaneously, or sewage surfaces from a floor drain or clean-out. Any sign of sewage backing up indoors warrants an immediate call.
Stop using all water-producing fixtures including toilets, sinks, showers, and appliances. This prevents additional sewage from backing up into your home. Do not attempt to plunge or use chemical drain cleaners. If sewage has already backed up onto floors, avoid contact and keep children and pets away.
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water at up to 4,000 PSI to completely clear the interior of sewer lines, including grease, root tendrils, and accumulated debris. It is the most thorough clearing method for severe or recurring sewer stoppages and is part of Bienvenu Brothers service offering.
Yes. All sewer line work performed by Bienvenu Brothers is covered under Louisiana Master Plumbing License LMP#7214WSPS. We are fully licensed and insured for all drain and sewer services.
Yes. Tree root intrusion is one of the most common causes of recurring and complete sewer stoppages in the New Orleans area. Roots enter through joints and cracks, grow over time, and eventually fill the pipe completely. Bienvenu Brothers uses root cutting during clearing and can assess the need for root destroyer treatments or pipe repair.
Not necessarily. Many stoppages are caused by buildup and are fully resolved by clearing. However, recurring stoppages in the same line often indicate a structural issue such as root intrusion, a partial pipe collapse, or a severe offset joint. Bienvenu Brothers recommends a camera inspection for any recurring stoppage.
Yes. Sewage backing up into the home causes water damage to floors, walls, and subfloor materials, creates mold growth risk in Louisiana's humidity, and poses a significant sanitary hazard. Prompt response limits the extent of damage. Bienvenu Brothers treats sewer stoppages as emergencies for this reason.
Yes. Bienvenu Brothers clears sewer stoppages in restaurants, commercial buildings, retail spaces, and multi-unit residential properties throughout the Metairie and New Orleans metro area. Commercial sewer lines often require hydro jetting due to higher grease loads.
A cleanout is a capped access point on the main sewer line that allows a plumber to insert a snake or camera without going through a toilet or vent. Homes with accessible cleanouts allow faster and less disruptive sewer clearing. Bienvenu Brothers installs cleanouts where they are absent.
Cost depends on the stoppage severity and clearing method required. Bienvenu Brothers provides transparent pricing before work begins. New customers receive 15% off their first service call. Immediate clearing of a stoppage prevents far more expensive water and sewage damage.
Yes. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper, have your main sewer line cleaned annually or biannually, use Bio-Clean enzyme treatments between professional cleanings, and have a camera inspection performed if you have large trees near your sewer line. Bienvenu Brothers offers all of these preventive services.
Yes. After mechanical root removal, Bienvenu Brothers can apply root destroyer treatments to inhibit regrowth. This chemical treatment, combined with periodic professional clearing, is the most cost-effective approach to managing chronic root intrusion short of full pipe replacement.
A belly is a low point in the sewer line where the pipe has settled below its proper slope. Water and waste collect in this low point rather than flowing freely, eventually causing a stoppage. A camera inspection identifies bellies, and repair typically requires excavation to correct the grade.
For emergency sewer stoppages during business hours, Bienvenu Brothers typically responds within one to two hours. After-hours emergency response depends on technician availability but we always have someone on call. Call [phone] immediately.
Bienvenu Brothers verifies flow is restored through all affected fixtures, advises on any camera inspection recommended based on findings during clearing, and provides recommendations for preventing recurrence. We document the service and findings for your records.
Yes. Bienvenu Brothers recommends Bio-Clean enzyme drain treatment as a follow-up maintenance program after a sewer clearing service. Bio-Clean helps prevent organic buildup from returning and extends time between professional service visits.
Yes. Sewer stoppages trap sewage gases in the drain system that vent back into the home through partially water-sealed traps. The smell dissipates once the stoppage is cleared and drains flow freely. If odors persist after clearing, there may be a secondary issue such as a dry trap or a cracked pipe.
Yes. Recurring sewer stoppages that return within weeks or months of clearing indicate a structural or persistent root problem. A video camera inspection identifies the specific cause, allowing Bienvenu Brothers to recommend a targeted repair rather than repeated clearing.
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that pose serious health risks. Contact with sewage-contaminated water or surfaces requires careful sanitary handling. Bienvenu Brothers advises on appropriate cleanup steps and can refer to sewage remediation specialists for contaminated areas.
We are a BBB A+ rated, Yelp Top Rated, 4th generation family-owned plumbing company serving Louisiana since 1937. Our licensed (LMP#7214WSPS) team provides 24/7 emergency sewer stoppage service, uses the right clearing method for each situation, and gives you honest recommendations about prevention and repair. We have been solving sewer problems in this community for 89 years.

Latest News & Events

What Happens When Your New AC Is Oversized for Your Louisiana Home

What Happens When Your New AC Is Oversized for Your Louisiana Home

A brand new air conditioner that still leaves your home feeling humid and uncomfortable is one of the…
Why Multiple Drains Backing Up at Once Always Means a Bigger Problem

Why Multiple Drains Backing Up at Once Always Means a Bigger Problem

When one drain in your home runs slowly, you probably have a local clog in that fixture’s trap…
Why Tree Roots Keep Coming Back in Your Sewer Line and How to Stop Them

Why Tree Roots Keep Coming Back in Your Sewer Line and How to Stop Them

If you have had tree roots cleared from your sewer line and watched them come back within months,…
R-410A Phase-Out: Why AC Repair Costs Are Climbing in 2026

R-410A Phase-Out: Why AC Repair Costs Are Climbing in 2026

If your AC repair quote feels significantly higher this year, the R-410A refrigerant phase-out is a major reason….