Table of Contents
- Sewer Line Repair Prices
- Types of Sewer Line Replacement
- Factors That Affect the Cost of a Sewer Line Replacement or Repair
- Pros and Cons of Replacing Sewer Lines
- When Do You Need to Replace Your Sewer Line?
- DIY Sewer Repair vs. Calling a Plumber
- DIY vs. Hiring A Professional Sewer Line Replacement Contractor
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When your home’s wastewater system slows or clogs, you may need to repair or replace your sewer line. Few homeowners look forward to sewer line projects with pleasure. But with experienced plumbing help, sewer line repair or replacement can go as quickly and painlessly as possible.
The sewer line replacement cost can vary depending on factors such as the linear footage, square footage, material type and line length.
For instance, minor localized sewer repairs begin at around $650 and range up to $7,500 for 30 feet of sewer line replacement, with an average of around $4,000.
By Linear Foot
Expect to pay between $55 and $250 per linear foot to replace a sewer line.
By Square Foot
As a rough estimate, sewer line replacement costs typically range from $50 to $250 per square foot.
By Material
For material only, per 50 linear feet:
- ABS Plastic: $140 to $260
- PVC Plastic: $80 to $400
- Cast Iron: $1,200 to $3,700
By Line Length
Sewer line replacement costs are commonly estimated based on the line length. Typically, replacing a short sewer line costs $1,250, while replacing longer lines can cost up to $25,000.
Sewer Line Replacement From House to Street
All full sewer line replacements begin at the house and end at the street, where municipal sewer obligation begins. As this distance can often be lengthy, expect to pay up to $10,000 for a 30-foot run of the sewer line. Depending on your area, the type of soil, time of year and other factors, a full sewer line replacement to the street can cost up to $20,000.
Sewer Line Under a Slab Replacement Cost
Adding a trenchless sewer line under a slab to avoid breaking up the slab can cost from $6,500 to $13,000. Breaking into a slab to replace a sewer line can cost $15,000 to $20,000.
Sewer Line Repair Prices
Tree Roots
Removing tree roots from a sewer line costs from $300 to $1,100, in total. Snaking the line costs on the lower end of the scale, while the price of hydro jetting is on the upper end.
Spin Casting
Adding a resin liner to a sewer pipe, also known as spin casting, costs from $4,000 to $12,000 in total project costs.
Clogs
Cleaning a clog in a sewer line by snaking (or augering) costs between $300 and $600. Clearing the clog by hydro jet drain cleaning costs $300 to $1,100.
Breaks or Cracks
Fixing a break or crack in a buried outdoor sewer line can cost from $1,100 to $4,000. On a linear foot basis, fixing a break or crack in a sewer line runs from $75 to $500 per foot.
Line Collapse
Expect to pay from $55 to $250 per linear foot for trenched repair of a collapsed line.
Types of Sewer Line Replacement
When replacing your sewer line, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of each sewer line replacement method. There are four main methods of replacing a sewer line:
Traditional
Traditional excavation involves taking a trench down to the existing sewer line and replacing it with new pipes. It allows for thoroughly inspecting, repairing or replacing the entire sewer line. This method can be more disruptive and time-consuming than alternative options, but it may be necessary in situations where the condition of the sewer line requires extensive work.
Trenchless
Trenchless sewer line replacement makes it possible to replace or repair a sewer line without having to dig up your lawn. From cured-in-place sewer line replacement to pipe bursting, These modern and efficient methods minimize excavation and disruption compared to traditional methods.
Cured-In-Place
Cured-in-place sewer line replacement, also known as CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe) lining, is a trenchless method used to rehabilitate and replace existing sewer lines. It involves inserting a flexible liner coated with resin into the damaged or deteriorated pipe. The liner is then inflated and cured, creating a new pipe within the old one.
Pipe Bursting
Another trenchless sewer line replacement method, pipe bursting, replaces old or damaged pipes without requiring extensive excavation. This process includes a new pipe being pulled through the existing sewer line while simultaneously breaking and displacing the old pipe. This is achieved by using a bursting head that fractures the old pipe and pushes it outward, creating space for the new pipe to take its place.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Sewer Line Replacement or Repair
Length of Line
The length of the sewer line replacement is a predictable factor with sewer line replacement cost. Length influences how far the line must be dug, the amount of pipe used, the quantity of fill material such as sand and gravel, labor and other factors.
Obstructions
Clear, soft ground with no obstructions is the easiest type to work with. Elements of the yard that present obstacles include: concrete slabs, brick or paver patios, fences, playsets, sheds and trees.
The Extent of Problems
A smaller, localized sewer line repair will always be less expensive than a problem that extends from the home to the city main. A few roots encroaching on a sewer line can be cleared by snaking out the line. But if the yard needs to be dug up to replace a sewer pipe that has aged out, the repair cost will be very expensive.
Cleaning and Restoration
Breaks in sewer lines, as well as sewer line backups, can create a minor biohazard in your home or yard. The plumbing company will only clean away enough sewer so they can access the problem. The rest is up to the homeowner, and professional cleaning should be factored into the total cost of the sewer repair.
Pros and Cons of Replacing Sewer Lines
Replacing your sewer lines is not a small job, so before you start, it’s important to research all the pros and cons to make an informed decision. Here are some key points to consider:
Pros
Replacing old or damaged sewer lines can significantly improve your plumbing system’s efficiency by:
- Improved functionality: New pipes can provide better flow capacity, reduce clogs risk and improve overall drainage.
- Reducing maintenance: New sewer lines typically require less maintenance than older ones. By replacing aging pipes, you can minimize the need for frequent repairs and ongoing maintenance, saving you time and money going forward.
- Increasing property value: Prospective buyers often view a new or recently replaced sewer line as a desirable feature, which can positively impact the resale value of your home.
Cons
It’s important to consider the potential cons of a sewer line replacement before deciding whether to proceed with the project.
- High costs: Replacing your sewer line can be a big expense. The cost includes materials, labor, permits and any additional work required. The replacement’s cost can vary depending on the severity of the project and the method chosen.
- Time-consuming: Sewer line replacement projects can be time-consuming. Depending on the extent of the replacement and any unexpected challenges that arise, the project may cause inconvenience and disruptions to your daily routine.
- Unforeseen issues: When considering a replacement project, it is important to know the potential for unforeseen issues. These could include hidden pipe damage, complications with access or existing infrastructure or the need for additional repairs or upgrades.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Sewer Line?
There are several signs and situations that may indicate the need for sewer line replacement. Here are common signs your sewer line may need replacing:
Unpleasant Odors
Sewer odors in your home or yard can indicate that there is2 a problem with your sewer line. Cracks, leaks or damage in the line may allow sewage gases to escape. Typically, the only way to fix this is by replacing your sewer line.
Clogged Drains
If you consistently deal with stubborn clogs that don’t respond to typical drain cleaning methods, it could indicate an underlying issue in your sewer line. Accumulated debris, root intrusion or pipe damage may require replacement to restore proper flow.
Gurgling Pipes
If you hear unusual noises when using your toilets, sinks or showers, it could suggest a blockage or improper functioning of the sewer line. The gurgling sounds occur when air gets trapped in the pipes due to restricted flow or obstructions in the sewer line.
DIY Sewer Repair vs. Calling a Plumber
It’s usually recommended that a plumbing company perform a main sewer line repair because of the heavy work involved. Yet, do-it-yourself homeowners sometimes do much of their own sewer repair.
At the least, the homeowner will want to hire out a professional sewer camera with a radio transmitter to help locate the underground line.
It will likely be necessary to obtain a permit from the local permitting office and to set up inspections through that office.
Digging down to the sewer line by hand is difficult since most lines are located from 18 to 30 inches below ground level. A short run can usually be dug up by hand, but longer runs require mechanical help.
A capable do-it-yourselfer working entirely by hand replacing four to six linear feet of sewer line in soft, sandy soil can do so in about a week for $100 to $200, not including permits.
DIY vs. Hiring A Professional Sewer Line Replacement Contractor
If you’re considering doing a DIY sewer line replacement, it’s important to understand the risks. While it may seem like a money-saving option, the process can be extremely challenging and time-consuming. Not to mention, if mistakes are made, it could cost you in the long run.
Hiring a professional sewer line replacement contractor brings expertise, access to specialized equipment and warranties, insurance coverage and more. These advantages ensure that the replacement is done correctly, efficiently and in compliance with regulations, providing you with a long-lasting and reliable sewer line system.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publish and may be subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if my sewer line needs to be replaced?
Replacing your sewer line should rarely be your first course of action. Instead, replace your sewer line after other methods have failed. You may have tried other sewer line repairs such as snaking out roots, clearing clogs or even spin cast line coating. If you’ve video inspected the sewer line and found collapsed or failed pipes, you should replace your sewer line.
How long does a sewer line last?
If no other factors are involved, you can expect a clay sewer line to last about 50 to 60 years, a cast-iron line to last from 75 to 100 years and an ABS or PVC line to last up to 100 years. Outside factors such as tree roots can limit the lifespan of a sewer line.
Does a belly in a sewer line need to be replaced?
A sewer line belly occurs when a portion of the line sags. This low portion of the sewer line retains water. Since the line does not have a consistent downhill slope, the pooled water will remain. Not only that, but the internal size of the sewer line is reduced, limiting the flow of water.
A belly in a sewer line will need to be fixed by removing the old pipe, correcting the ground under or around the pipe and then replacing the pipe.
How do you fix a sewer pipe under your house?
Short of breaking into the concrete slab to access the sewer pipe, two methods are often used to fix a sewer pipe under the house: trenchless pipe lining or trenchless pipe bursting.
With pipe lining, a liner is inserted into the pipe and inflated, creating a new, solid pipe within the old pipe. With the pipe bursting, a cone-tipped high-density polyethylene pipe is dragged through the old, broken pipe, simultaneously pushing away the old pipe and laying a new pipe. Even with these trenchless methods, it is often less expensive to break into the slab and replace the sewer line.
