Written by

Tara Farmer

August 26, 2025

Edited by

Jennifer Carlson

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Average sewer backup repair cost

Sewer backup repair costs $500 to $2,000 on average for minor repairs and cleanup. Major repair and restoration costs can range from $2,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the location and extent of damage. Complicated situations with severe contamination or damage to the whole house may push costs up to $50,000.

Sewer backup repair cost by method

Whether it's a minor blockage or you need total sewer line replacement, there are several ways professionals can resolve a sewer backup. The table below shows various sewer backup repair methods and what you can expect to pay for each option.

Snaking and augering

Snaking costs $200 to $500+ and uses a flexible metal cable (known as an auger) to break up and remove minor clogs in your sewer line. This method works well for clearing blockages caused by buildup, hair, or small objects, especially in older pipes where more aggressive techniques could cause damage.

Because it doesn't require excavation or advanced equipment, snaking is one of the fastest ways to get things flowing again. However, it might not resolve larger issues like tree root intrusions or significant pipe damage.

Hydro jetting

Hydro jetting costs $600 to $1,400 on average and uses high-pressure water streams to blast away stubborn blockages, including grease, sludge, tree roots, and mineral buildup. A professional inserts a special nozzle into your sewer line, which then releases water at pressures powerful enough to clear tough obstructions without damaging the pipes.

This method is best when standard augers can't do the job. Hydro jetting can also help avoid recurring clogs, leaving the pipe interior clean and restored.

Traditional dig-and-replace

Trenching costs $50 to $180 per linear foot to repair a sewer line backup. Traditional dig-and-replace involves excavating your yard, driveway, or basement floor to reach the damaged section of sewer pipe. Crews physically remove broken or collapsed pipe sections and install new piping in their place.

This method is best for severe damage, collapsed lines, or when the pipe is too deteriorated for less invasive methods. While it's the most disruptive and may require landscaping repairs afterward, it remains a reliable solution for complex, urgent cases.

Trenchless pipe bursting and sliplining

Trenchless methods are less invasive than traditional digging. While upfront costs can be higher at $60 to $200 per linear foot, overall repair bills may be lower thanks to reduced landscaping repairs and project times. This method is best if your pipes are under driveways, mature trees, or gardens.

With trenchless pipe bursting, the technician pulls a bursting head through your damaged sewer line. As it moves, it fragments the old pipe and pulls a new pipe into the same space, all with minimal property disruption. Sliplining involves threading a slightly smaller pipe into the existing one and sealing the gaps.

CIPP

Cured-in-place pipe lining, or CIPP, costs $80 to $250 per linear foot. CIPP is a trenchless sewer repair technique that creates a new "pipe within a pipe" without major digging. The pro inserts a flexible liner coated with resin into the damaged pipe, then inflates and cures it to form a strong, seamless new lining.

This method works well for pipes with leaks, root intrusion, or moderate damage. Most jobs are complete within a day. Expect some temporary restrictions on water use during the curing step.

Spin-casting

Spin-casting costs $80 to $250 per linear foot and is a trenchless sewer repair method that involves spraying a resin or cementitious material directly onto the interior walls of the existing pipe, creating a new lining as the material spins and adheres evenly.

This process seals cracks, restores structural integrity, and improves flow, all without major excavation. The spin-casting repair method is well-suited for pipes with moderate damage.

Sewage backup repair cost breakdown

The table below shows a typical breakdown of what happens during sewer backup repairs and the average cost for each part of the process. The total cost varies widely depending on the severity of the backup.

Several factors influence the final cost of a sewer backup repair:

• Inspection fee: A sewer camera inspection costs $125 to $500 and helps contractors with diagnosis, planning, and estimating.

• Extent of damage: The more square footage affected by a backup, the higher the cost, especially if it spreads to finished areas.

• Repair method: Snaking and hydro jetting cost the least but only work for minor to moderate issues. Trenchless repairs can minimize property damage but tend to cost more per foot than traditional digging.

• Depth and location: Pipes under driveways, basements, or landscaping add labor and restoration costs.

• Permits and fees: Cities may require permits for inspections or excavation.

• Emergency labor: Calling after hours may increase hourly rates. However, waiting to resolve a sewer backup can result in major restoration expenses.

Sewage cleanup

Professional sewage cleanup costs $7 to $15+ per square foot and is essential for your health and safety after a sewer backup. Raw sewage contains dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites that require specialized equipment and training to handle safely. The size of the affected area will determine the total cost.

Repair vs. replace

Full sewer line replacement costs $2,000 to $10,000 total on average and may be the best option if your pipes experience frequent issues, severe root intrusion, or have significant deterioration. While more costly than a simple repair, replacement can offer long-term peace of mind and reliability.

A qualified sewer contractor can assess your situation and provide guidance on the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your home.

Restoration costs

Sewage exposure often requires replacing porous materials that can't be properly sanitized. This may include flooring, drywall, insulation, and personal belongings. The table below shows common restoration costs after a sewer backup.

Preventing sewer backups

Preventing a sewer backup saves money and headaches. Avoid costly repairs by following a few smart habits:

• Never pour grease or oil down drains.

• Flush only toilet paper (no "flushable" wipes).

• Keep trees and shrubs away from sewer lines.

• Schedule regular sewer camera inspections, especially in older houses.

• Invest in backflow prevention devices, if recommended in your area.

Sewer backup repair FAQs

How long does a sewer backup repair take?

Sewer backup repair can take anywhere from a few hours for minor blockages to several days if pipe replacement, excavation, or extensive restoration is involved.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer backup repairs?

Most basic homeowner's policies exclude sewer backup damage. Coverage varies significantly between policies, so review your specific coverage carefully. Common exclusions include:

• Flood damage: Often excluded without a separate policy

• Backup from city sewer: Often excluded

• Maintenance-related issues: Always excluded

• Gradual damage: Excluded in most policies

Many insurers offer optional sewer backup coverage at an additional cost.

Getting estimates for sewer backup repair

Follow these guidelines when searching for a sewer line contractor near you:

• Confirm the contractors have all required state and local licenses for restoration work and certifications from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

• Get detailed written estimates that break down labor, materials, equipment, and disposal costs.

• Read reviews from HomeGuide and Google to get an idea of

  the quality of their work.

• Verify they follow EPA guidelines for Category 3 water contamination.

• Avoid companies demanding full payment up front or only accepting cash.

Questions to ask potential contractors

Before hiring a sewer backup repair service, ask these important questions to evaluate their qualifications and approach to your specific situation:

• Are you licensed and insured to perform this type of work?

• How many years have you been repairing sewer backups?

• How quickly can you respond to begin emergency cleanup?

• What safety protocols do you follow for sewage contamination?

• Do you provide moisture monitoring throughout the drying process?

• What type of equipment do you use for water extraction and drying?

• How do you handle contaminated materials and disposal?

• What warranties do you provide on restoration work?

• Do you work directly with insurance companies?

• Can you provide a detailed timeline for completion?

• What additional costs might come up during restoration?

• Do you perform mold testing after completion?