How Much Would A Sewer Line Replacement Cost?

Sewer lines are the huge pipes that carry sewage water away from your home. However, sometimes, this water can backflow and collect in crawl spaces, the basement, or under paved surfaces. This is not only extremely dirty, smelly, and unhygienic but can also cause immense damage to your property. Hence, during such scenarios, a sewer line replacement becomes a necessity.

Due to the huge size of sewer pipes, the problems are often difficult to detect. You only realize that something is wrong when you observe stinky, wet patches on your yard. If the damage is not major, you can resort to a simple repair and spend a few hundred dollars. However, if the issue is big and involves a broken sewer, you might need to replace the entire line.

In order to understand the extent of damage, consult with a professional in-pipe video camera service. They shall point to the exact location of the problem along with its magnitude. And if you need to undergo a complete sewer line replacement, then you should calculate the total price, which depends on several factors, such as pipe length, depth of the line, pipe material, property layout, and whether you choose traditional or trenchless methods.

Sewer line replacement costs

Usually, the per foot cost of sewer line replacement varies from $50 to $250, averaging $150 per foot for most homes in the US. This cost may change depending on factors such as your existing plumbing network, total line length, and placement of the pipe. Sometimes, repairs may involve more equipment, extra costs, and fewer long-term benefits. In this case, ask your plumber if it’s better to go for a complete replacement.

Upfront costs of purchasing a new sewer line

The upfront cost of a new sewer line depends on the material type and length of the line. On average, its price ranges from around $1,000 to $4,000. Below are the common types of materials for sewer pipes.

• Cast iron: Cast iron is a good option since it rarely undergoes wear and tear. However, it costs almost twice that of PVC and, when damaged, would usually require you to replace the whole pipe.
• Plastic: It is a cheap option but is prone to frequent breakage. However, if damaged, it can be repaired in parts.
• Orangeburg: This material is comprised of wood pulp and can easily break. But you can consider it for trenchless sewers.
• Lead: Lead or lead solder is another option for sewer lines. But they can release toxic waste into the water. Hence, hire a professional who is an expert in this category of sewer lines.

Replacing sewer line from the house to main

The cost of replacing a sewer line that runs from the house to the main street can cost you anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000. And this price is not inclusive of installing trenches and removing existing sewer pipes. Again, the cost may vary, depending on the distance of your home from the city’s primary connection point.

Read more: How to Prevent Main Sewer Line Clog in 6 Steps

Sewer line replacement costs in the basement

The cost of replacing a sewer line that runs from the house to the main street can cost you anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000. This price is not inclusive of installing trenches and removing existing sewer pipes. Again, the cost may vary depending on the distance of your home from the city’s primary connection point.

Cost to replace a sewer line under a slab

When you require the construction of a trench under a slab, expect to pay an extra price of $100 – $200 per foot. You can often save money by choosing trenchless replacement, which reduces concrete-cutting and restoration expenses. Again, if your plumber asks you to replace the sewer trap, you have to pay a minimum labor charge of $50 – $200 per hour and an additional $100 for materials.

Sewer line removal costs

If you need to repair or replace a drain pipe in the basement, you might need to incur additional costs of $500 to $600. This price does not include concrete-cutting charges and labor costs. Drain lines from the basement are connected to the main sewer line. Any extra repairs involved are considered different and priced separately.

Trenchless sewer line replacement cost

Modern trenchless sewer repair options allow you to fix or replace underground pipes with minimal digging. These trenchless methods preserve your landscaping, driveways, and hardscaping, often making them a cost-effective option in the long run. However, this may not be feasible on your property. Hence, discuss with a professional if you can go for this alternative.

The average price of installing a trenchless line varies from $50 to $250 per foot. There are two methods of trenchless line replacement: CIPP (cured-in-place-pipe) lining and pipe-bursting.

Cured-in-place-pipe lining cost

In the CIPP lining method, a plumber installs another line inside your existing pipe. The liner is made from epoxy and is of a smaller diameter to fit within the old pipe. Since the entire process involves the creation of only one access point, it does not cause much damage to your property. On average, CIPP lining replacement costs range from $70 to $250 per foot.

DIY vs Professional Sewer Line Replacement

While DIY plumbing may work for minor fixes, sewer line replacement is a large-scale job that usually requires permits, inspections, and heavy machinery. Unless you’re a trained plumber with excavation experience, it’s always safer and more efficient to hire licensed plumbers. They can ensure the job is done correctly and in compliance with local codes — helping you save money on future issues or fines.

Trenchless pipe bursting cost

Trenchless pipe bursting involves the plumber inserting a pneumatic or hydraulic head inside the sewer. This breaks the old iron or clay piping. This method does not require extensive excavation and leaves the surrounding landscape intact. The process costs approximately $60 to $200 per foot.

Read more: How to estimate a remodeling job

Materials and Upfront Costs

The cost of a sewer line also depends on the material used:

• Cast Iron. Durable but expensive. Replacement can be necessary if corrosion sets in.
• PVC (Plastic). Affordable and easy to install, though less durable than metal.
• Orangeburg. A fiber-based pipe that’s prone to failure — often ideal for trenchless methods.
• Lead. Rare today but still found in old homes. Replacement is essential due to toxicity.

Expect upfront costs of $1,000 to $4,000, depending on material and length.

Additional costs

1. Remove tree roots. Removing tree roots that have damaged your sewer system may cost you anywhere between $100 and $600. If the roots have cracked your pipe, you might need to replace a part of the line

2. Repairing cracked sewer pipes. When you just replace or repair a certain portion of the sewer line, expect to pay something around $1000 to your plumber.

3. Water damage restoration. The total price for restoring the damage done by water can vary from  $500 to $10,000, depending on the extent of damage and the total area.

4. Sewer camera inspection: Using camera equipment to inspect the location and extent of the damage may cost around $300 – $500.

5. Landscape replacement.  The restoration of your previous landscape can cost you anywhere between $500 and $10,000, depending on the extent of damage plus the area.

6. Repaving driveways or sidewalks. If the sewer pipe replacement has affected your driveway or sidewalk, you might need to repave it, which can again cost between $2,300 and $6,200.

7. Replacing patios, sheds, or fencing.  We cannot estimate an exact price for replacing structures such as the patio, sheds, or fences. It can vary widely according to the types of materials used, labor charges,  types of fencing installed, etc.

Read more: A complete guide on home sewer maintenance

Bottom line

Replacing a sewer line isn’t a small task (it can be costly and time-consuming), especially if you delay repairs. The total cost varies based on your chosen method, the location of the line, and whether you opt for trenchless methods or traditional excavation. Choosing trenchless sewer repair can often help save money, especially when you factor in landscape and structural restoration.

When weighing your options, always compare DIY vs professional sewer line replacement — but in most cases, hiring licensed plumbers ensures a job well done, avoids legal issues, and prevents long-term damage.

Ultimately, the best way to manage sewer line repair costs is with regular maintenance, fast action at the first sign of trouble, and smart choices when it’s time to replace your sewer line.

Read more: How to Maintain the Health of Your Sewer and Drain

Written by Anisha Dutta. June 7, 2019

A wordsmith and an experienced content developer, Anisha Dutta currently writes for Kukun. She holds keen interest and knowledge about the latest, upcoming trends in the domain of home design and tries to enrich homeowners with inspirational home-improvement tips and tricks -- while breaking down jargons into simple words. An avid reader and a wanderer by habit, she is a writer by passion.