How much does it cost to replace or repair a sewer line?
How much does it cost to replace or repair a sewer line?
$50 – $250 replacement cost per linear foot
$2,000 – $10,000 average total replacement cost (40 linear feet)
$150 – $3,800 average repair cost
Sewer line replacement cost
Sewer line replacement costs $50 to $250 per linear foot on average or $2,000 to $10,000 for 40 linear feet. Sewer line repairs cost $150 to $3,800, depending on the method. Small tree roots or clogs only need a basic repair. Broken lines and large cracks require full or partial replacement.
| Length (linear feet) | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| 10 | $500 – $2,500 |
| 20 | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| 40 | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| 60 | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| 80 | $4,000 – $20,000 |
Average cost to replace a sewer line
The following table shows the average cost to replace a residential sewer line:
| National Average Cost | $6,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $500 |
| Maximum Cost | $20,000 |
| Average Range | $2,000 to $10,000 |
Sewer line repair cost
The cost to repair a sewer line depends on the method and problem. Small clogs or obstructions may just need to be snaked. A broken, cracked, or collapsed sewer line will need a partial replacement or a lining.
| Repair type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Pipe bursting | $60 – $200 per linear foot |
| CIPP | $90 – $250 per linear foot |
| Spin-casting | $80 – $250 per linear foot |
| Snaking | $150 – $500 |
| Hydro jet | $250 – $800 |
Pipe bursting
Sewer line pipe bursting costs $60 to $200 per linear foot on average. This method forces new piping through an existing pipe. A machine pushes the old pipe out of one side as the new pipe is fed into the other.
CIPP
Cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP) costs $90 to $250 per linear foot and is a type of pipe repair that coats the inside of a damaged pipe without having to dig it up. The contractor inserts and inflates a soft, epoxy-coated liner into the existing sewer line.
Spin-casting
Spin-casting costs $80 to $250 per linear foot on average. This method involves spraying a resin lining directly into the existing sewer line instead of using a CIPP liner.
Snaking & hydro jetting
Clearing a sewer line costs $150 to $500 for a basic snaking or $250 to $800 for hydro jetting. Drain snakes or augers are best for minor clogs and older pipes. Hydro jets use high-pressure water to clear major clogs and tree roots.
To prevent accidental clogs, keep toilet lids closed around pets or children, and never flush anything except toilet paper. Even "flushable" wipes can cause clogging over time.
Sewer line replacement cost factors
The following factors may affect the replacement or repair cost:
Replacement length – Partial replacements and repairs cost less because they may only be between 1 to 15 feet, while most full sewer system replacements are around 40 feet.
Type of disruption – Removing tree roots or replacing one small section costs less than a collapsed line or extensive damage.
Inspection – A sewer camera inspection costs $125 to $500 and helps the contractor form an accurate diagnosis, plan, and estimate.
Pipe location – Replacing sewer lines that are only covered by soil or sod costs less than replacing piping under basements, driveways, or sidewalks. Concrete removal costs $3 to $8 per square foot extra.
Backflow prevention – Installing a backflow preventer costs $150 to $1,200 and keeps waste away from your home. An overhead or above-ground sewer system costs more but can also prevent backflow into your basement.
Sewer cleanout – Adding a sewer cleanout costs $500 to $2,000 on average. Plumbers use cleanout access points to remove clogs in the line more easily.
Permits – Plumbing permits cost $30 to $500, depending on the project and local prices. Most contractors can obtain permits for you.
Home type – Your housing type may affect the sewer line cost. Single-family homeowners usually handle the total cost. If you own a townhome or condo, your HOA may cover it.
Labor
Most plumbers charge $75 to $150 per hour, depending on their level of experience and local rates. The plumber may need to hire a subcontractor if they don't have the manpower or equipment to do the trenching for your project.
Sewer line materials
Copper and cast-iron are the most durable but expensive. Many plumbers use plastic piping because it's more affordable and not prone to corrosion. The following table gives pricing for
4-inch sewer pipe materials, not including any connectors or valves:
| Pipe material | Average cost per linear foot* |
|---|---|
| Cast-iron | $20 – $75 |
| Copper | $30 – $80 |
| PEX | $2 – $10 |
| PVC | $3 – $8 |
| ABS | $3 – $11 |
*Materials only
Cast-iron – Cast-iron sewer pipes cost $20 and $75 per linear foot on average and are not commonly used anymore because of their tendency to rust.
Copper – Copper sewer piping costs $30 to $80 per linear foot and is more lightweight than iron and more durable than plastic. However, copper pipes may freeze in the winter and are not the best option for acidic or well water.
PEX – PEX plastic sewer pipes cost $2 and $10 per linear foot. PEX is more affordable and flexible than copper and more resistant to extreme temperatures than PVC.
PVC – Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping costs $3 and $8 per linear foot. This material is budget-friendly and easy to install but not as durable as other materials.
ABS – ABS sewer pipes cost $3 to $11 per linear foot on average and are made of recycled plastic resin. ABS is better for extremely cold climates but doesn't stand up well to heat.
Check local regulations before installing ABS piping. This material is banned in some states like California for performance issues.
Traditional vs. trenchless digging
Traditional trench digging costs $5 to $12 per linear foot for sewer lines, depending on the depth and if there are any obstacles that need to be removed. Contractors bury sewer lines and may need to repair grass or landscaping afterwards.
Trenchless digging, horizontal boring, or directional boring costs $10 to $30 per linear foot and uses heavy machinery to quickly bore a path underground without digging from above. This method doesn't require repairs afterward because the equipment can bore beneath your yard and driveway without causing damage.
Other costs
Common obstacles and costs you may encounter when replacing a sewer line include:
Landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot.
Sod installation costs $1 to $2 per square foot.
Tree removal costs $150 to $2,000.
Stump removal costs $100 to $400.
Driveway repair costs $100 to $400 or $600 to $3,000 for major repairs.
Sewer line repair & replacement FAQs
How long does it take to replace or repair a sewer line?
Replacing or repairing a sewer line takes 1 to 5 days on average, depending on the number of obstacles and length of the section needing replacement. Trenchless sewer line replacements take less time than digging trenches.
How do I know if I need to replace or repair my sewer pipes?
Look for these common signs that indicate a sewer line needs work:
Unpleasant odors
Gurgling sounds
Clogged drains
Debris in the bath or basement
Leaking or puddles
Who is responsible for sewer line repair?
In most cases, homeowners are responsible for maintaining, replacing, and repairing their pipes that connect to the main line. However, your city or municipality is responsible if the blockages or issues are in the main city line.
How long do sewer lines last?
Sewer lines last 30 to 100 years, depending on the material. Outdated Orangeburg and clay sewer pipes last 30 to 60 years, while PVC, cast iron, and copper sewer lines last 50 to 100 years. The life expectancy will ultimately depend on maintenance, the soil condition, and nearby tree roots.
Does homeowners' insurance cover sewer line repair or replacement?
Homeowners insurance policies differ in coverage, but most do not cover wear and tear due to lack of maintenance. Many policies cover damage from faulty workmanship, accidents, or vandalism. Specific sewer line insurance covers more repairs and damage to sewer systems than basic homeowners' insurance.
Getting estimates from sewer service companies
Before hiring a sewer line contractor, be sure to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Look for companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Check out reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Verify their insurance, license, and bonds.
Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts.
Questions to ask sewer line contractors
To hire a high-quality plumber, ask the following questions:
How long have you been in business?
Do you have any certifications for installing or repairing sewer lines?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will it take to replace the sewer system?
What type of piping material do you recommend?
Does this estimate include cleanup?
What other costs can I expect?
Will you need to remove any trees or landscaping?
Will you be hiring any subcontractors?
What does your warranty cover?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.