
Sewer line replacement costs $50 to $200 per foot on average. Small pipe replacements start at $3,000 to $6,000, or $5,000 to $13,000 on more than 50 feet of sewer pipe. If there are multiple leaks under the foundation and the sewer system must be replaced, costs go up to $30,000.
How much does it cost to unclog a sewer line?
The national average cost to unclog a main sewer line is between $350 and $650, with most people paying around $475 to clean a mid-sized clog by hydro jetting the main sewer pipe between a house and municipal main line. At the low end of the spectrum, however, you can have a plumber unclog a sewer line using chemicals for $65.
How much does sewer line replacement or repair cost?
Whether you want to replace or repair a sewer line, it should cost you anywhere from $1,172 to $4,338. Stick with us to find out the finer details on project costs among other things. Typical Price Range The national average cost for having a sewer line replaced or repaired is $2,701.
Does my homeowners insurance cover a broken sewer line?
Your sewer pipes are not typically covered by standard homeowners insurance, but you can add service line coverage to repair your sewer pipe if it breaks or water backup coverage if it overflows into your home. Stephanie Nieves is an insurance editor at Policygenius in New York City, specializing in home and auto insurance.
How to deal with a broken sewer line?
The Ways to Prevent a Broken Sewer Line
- Evaluate the Trees and Plants Growing near Your Home’s Sewer Line. We’ve already discussed how tree roots could wind up damaging the sewer line under your yard. ...
- Exercise More Caution When Using Drains inside Your Home. Being more careful can do wonders for your sewer line. ...
- Perform Routine Maintenance. ...

What causes a sewer line to break?
One of the main reasons is that the line is clogged because it hasn't been emptied for a while. If the line is clogged, it will create pressure in it which could cause the line to burst. Other common causes of a broken sewer line include rusted pipes, poor installation, environmental conditions, and punctures.
How do you replace a sewer line under a concrete slab?
1:225:12How to Repair a Sewer Pipe Under a Concrete Slab | This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown the cut ahead at the end of the drain snake will scrape the inside of the pipe. And remove theMoreDown the cut ahead at the end of the drain snake will scrape the inside of the pipe. And remove the last of those tree roots to leave a nice clean pipe.
Does a belly in a sewer line need to be replaced?
Since a sewer line belly is accompanied by an issue with the pipe's slope, conventional replacement is the only repair option. However, channeling differs in that the pipe's slope (in most cases) remains functional.
What are the signs of a broken sewer pipe?
4 Signs That Your Sewer Line Is BrokenSlow drains. A slow drain in one fixture usually means you have a simple clog that can be resolved with a plunger or drain snake. ... Weird odor or gassy smell. ... Mold and mildew. ... Crawlers and critters. ... Sewer line repair and replacement.
How deep is the main sewer line?
They can be as shallow as 12″ to 30,” or as deep as 6+ ft. Often times this is simply a matter of climate. In really cold climates, the pipe is buried deeper to prevent the pipe from freezing solid in winter. Every now and then you will run into a sewer line that is buried deep even in a warm climate.
How do I fix a leaky sewer pipe under a slab?
The three alternative approaches are:Relining the broken sewer, water or drainage pipes using advanced composite resins to create a new pipe inside the old one without digging. ... Replacing the broken pipes under your slab by excavating and laying new ones. ... Re-routing/re-piping some or all of the home's plumbing.
How serious is a sewer line belly?
Sewer line bellies are a common problem with sewer pipes and can be a real headache for homeowners. A belly or sag in a sewer pipe will eventually lead to standing water and sediment collecting inside the sewer line, which over time results in erosion, blockage, and ultimately a major sewer line backup.
How do you fix a dip in a sewer line?
The old-fashioned method of repairing a sag is digging and replacing. A contractor digs down into the soil until he reaches the sag. The contractor replaces the section and fills the trench. On average, a dig-and-replace process can cost about $50 to $60 for each foot.
Is standing water in sewer line normal?
If you see any sewage or water around the outside of that cap, you definitely have a blocked sewage drain. If you pull off the cap and see standing water inside the sewer cleanout, that's also indicative of a blocked sewer drain.
Who is responsible for sewage in my area?
Sewers and lateral drains connected to the public network used to be the responsibility of the property owner. However, most are now maintained by local water companies. If you have any problems with your sewer or lateral drain, for example if it's blocked, contact your local water company.
How long do sewage pipes last?
between 50-60 yearsClay pipes typically last between 50-60 years, while PVC pipes are expected to last 100 years before requiring replacement.
Can a sewage leak make you sick?
The principal risks and effects associated with exposure are: Hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulfide causes irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. Other symptoms include nervousness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and drowsiness.
How do you replace a cast iron sewer line in a slab?
1:333:10Cast Iron Plumbing Replacement Under A Slab Fouundation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe old cast-iron pipe was breaking down and then take you on down you can follow the cast-iron.MoreThe old cast-iron pipe was breaking down and then take you on down you can follow the cast-iron. Piping. Along the wall and then you can follow the PVC.
How do you find a sewer line under a concrete slab?
1:028:09SIMPLE WAY TO FIND A SEWER LINE UNDER CONCRETE SLABYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what it is is it puts a signal into the line or conduit you're trying to locate and then withMoreSo what it is is it puts a signal into the line or conduit you're trying to locate and then with this wand you're able to go along and detect it under the slab or underground.
How deep are plumbing pipes under a slab house?
You will find your sewer lines 12 to 24 inches below the concrete slab in a slab house. All homes require a foundation to help support the weight of the house. A slab house uses a concrete slab as its foundation.
Is pipe relining worth it?
replacement, pipe relining has a lot of benefits going for it and is an excellent method for pipe repair. From cracks to damage from tree roots, pipe relining can repair it all. It is more cost-effective than pipe replacement by drainage excavation and can be completed in a day for most cases.
How much does it cost to repair a sewer line?
The average cost to repair a main sewer line is $3,818 with most homeowners spending between $2,250 and $5,750. A full sewer line replacement ranges from $8,000 to $30,000, or $50 to $200 per linear foot, depending on the length and width of sewer pipe needed.
How much does it cost to replace a sewer line under a slab?
The cost to replace a sewer line under a slab costs $3,000 to $5,000 for smaller jobs and $15,000 to $20,000 total for larger jobs. Trenching under a slab can cost an extra $150 to $200 per foot.
How much does trenchless piping cost in Orangeburg?
A professional will be able to determine if trenchless lining is best for fixing Orangeburg pipes. Trenchless piping costs $75 to $250 per linear foot and will line the old pipes, so they don’t need to be dug up.
What is lateral sewer?
A lateral sewer refers to the part of a sewer pipe on a homeowner’s property. If the plumber recommends replacing the sewer line from the house to the main in the street, the city may need to be involved.
What to do if a sewer line cracks?
For any size crack on a sewer line, a repair should be made immediately to avoid bigger problems. Replacement will be needed if the pipe isn’t structurally sound enough to repair. A professional will be able to say whether a repair or replacement is required.
How much does ABS sewer line cost?
The preferred pipes for drain lines in a home are ABS pipes made from rubber-based resins, which range in price from $1.87 to $5.35 per foot for 10’ sections.
What is the benefit of bursting a pipe?
The benefit of pipe bursting is to use the old pipe as a guide for making room for the new pipe. The expanded diameter allows for easy replacement and installation. The plumber can pull a polyethylene pipe through the inside of the cracked section and then seal the two pipe ends that were cut open to gain access. This method keeps excavation to a minimum.
How much does it cost to replace clay sewer lines?
Individuals would often find themselves frequently replacing clay sewer pipe, which would cost a fortune at $45 to $90 per foot. While the materials themselves aren’t too expensive, the frequency they needed repair and replacement made them so.
How much does it cost to fix a drain line?
The average price of the repair to a drain line is around $600. However, this excludes the cost of breaking concrete to replace pipes under a basement, costing several hundred dollars more in labor alone.
How to tell if a sewer line is broken?
Because a broken sewer pipe many have more than a single cause, it is useful to know the warning signs of a problem: 1 Repeated clogs or sewage backup in the toilet can mean a blockage. 2 Utility bills that are higher than average could mean water being lost due to damaged seals at the pipe joints. 3 A strong rotting-eggs smell indicates the presence of sulfide gas, from the decomposition of waste that hasn’t cleared. 4 Pools of water or sewage accumulated in one spot near your home could indicate that tree roots have damaged the pipes.
What causes sewer line damage?
A significant cause of sewer line damage is the pipe’s age.
How long do cast iron pipes last?
Cast-iron pipes typically function for 50-75 years before they need to be replaced. With cast-iron lines, the best option is a full replacement. This is because their structure is damaged when repairs are made.
How long does lead pipe last?
Although lead pipes can last up to 100 years, if you even suspect that your pipes are made of lead, they need to be removed and replaced without delay! Lead is now known to be highly toxic and, over time, can lead to people being poisoned.
When building a new house, it’s a good idea to enquire about the location of the?
When building a new house, it’s a good idea to enquire about the location of the sewer main , so that if it ever needs repair , damage to your driveway or landscaping will be minimized.
Signs of a Broken Sewer Pipe
Before considering how much a broken sewer pipe repair will put a dent in your budget, you need to make sure that you have a broken pipe first. Some symptoms for a broken sewer pipe include:
3 Factors Affecting Broken Sewer Pipe Repair Cost
The associated costs of replacing a broken sewer pipe currently run between $50 - $150 per foot. If the repair is ten feet of sewer line or less, the average cost in 2020 is likely to between $1,500 to $4,000. Sewer pipe repairs are expedited, which adds to the cost, but keeps your property and family as safe as can be.
What About Broken Sewer Pipe Insurance Coverage?
If you have homeowner’s insurance, you may be wondering: Does my insurance cover a broken sewer pipe?
What to Do About a Broken Sewer Pipe?
If you need a broken sewer pipe, it’s important to address it as soon as possible to prevent any more damage and minimize health risks. Professional help is needed to repair or replace your drains and a plumber can determine the location of your broken line through closed-circuit TV (CCTV) .
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Sewer Line Yourself?
While it’s possible to repair or replace a sewer line on your own, the risks aren’t worth it. Imagine walking downstairs with a basket of laundry, only to find backed-up sewage when you thought you’d fixed the problem. Even the most careful DIYer might unknowingly create clogs or other issues that could result in an unsanitary disaster. You’ll want to leave this one up to a sewer repair pro in your area.
How much does it cost to dig a sewer line?
If your project calls for it, trenching typically costs around $4 to $12 per foot. In total, digging and installing a sewer line costs around $50 to $250 per foot .
How much does trenchless sewer repair cost?
Trenchless sewer repair, a much less ugly alternative, will cost about $60 to $250 per foot , but this might not work for your setup. If it’s an option, your prized lawn won’t have to take as big of a hit. Chat with a pro to learn your options.
How much does trenching cost?
Trenching under a concrete slab often costs an extra $150 to $200 per foot. If you are able to do trenchless sewer line replacement, you could limit this cost or nix it altogether.
How much does a sewer camera inspection cost?
A sewer camera inspection will usually cost you around $300 to $400, which is a small price to pay to avoid digging more than necessary. A pro will use the camera to pinpoint any problems, including tree root infiltration, blockages, and broken pipes or joints.
How much does it cost to repair a concrete driveway?
Unfortunately, getting to the sewer line might come at the expense of your hardscaping. The cost to repair a driveway typically falls between $799 and $2,603, while replacing a concrete patio or walkway usually costs between $665 and $3,000. Again, prices will vary depending on the extent of the damage. Contact a local concrete repair contractor for a custom price quote.
How much does a CIPP liner cost?
CIPP lining typically costs between $80 and $250 per foot , with the average project being about $9,000. CIPP creates a new pipeline inside the existing one by pulling an epoxy-saturated liner through. Unlike traditional trenching, it only uses one excavation point. This gives you a lot less landscaping damage (and heartache) to deal with.
What is the process of digging up sewer lines?
Commonly referred to as “dig and replace,” this method is when your plumber digs up your old sewer line and replaces it with a new piping system. It’s less expensive than a trenchless replacement, but will add to your clean up costs, given the excavation of dirt, gravel and landscaping required.
Why do plumbers need a camera inspection?
A camera inspection is needed when there's damage to your line that a plumber can't physically see or access. Instead of digging up your entire sewer line, a plumber can save time (and clean up costs) by threading a camera down your pipes to find out what’s happened. You may only need to repair one section of your line.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Sewer Line per Foot?
The main factor that determines your sewer line replacement cost is the length of the line needed. Sewer line replacement costs between $50 and $250 per foot , with most people paying between $50 and $125 per foot depending on their location.
How much does a sewer line cost?
The sewer main line is the wastewater line from your house to the city connection. The cost of a sewer main averages $2,600. The opposite is a water main that brings fresh water to your home.
How much does trenchless sewer line repair cost?
Trenchless sewer line replacement typically costs $60 to $250 per foot.
How much does it cost to remove tree roots from a sewer line?
If your camera diagnosis shows that tree roots are the problem, expect to pay $100 to $600 to remove tree roots from the sewer line. If the roots damaged the pipe itself, though, the pipes will have to be repaired or replaced. You might be able to remove tree roots from the sewer line without digging a trench—at least temporarily.
What factors into the price of sewer main repair?
The type of repair and the extent of damage will factor into the price of the sewer main repair.
How much does it cost to clean a sewer line?
If it’s your lucky day, you might find that you only need to clean the sewer line or remove a clog from the main line. That costs $200 to $300.
How much does it cost to excavate a yard?
Ground excavation: $30–$70 per cubic yard to clear the ground to expose the pipes and replace the dirt
