Septic tank service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Professional sewer line installation costs between $1,421 and $5,766 for your project, with materials, labor, and trenching combined.
Your pipe material choice drives the total, with PVC running as low as fifty cents per linear foot and copper reaching thirty dollars.
You should budget for trenching at $800 per 100 linear feet and permits ranging from $400 to $1,600 before starting your installation.
Hiring a local sewer service professional prevents backups and clogs by ensuring your sewer line is installed at the correct slope.
The average cost of sewer line installation is $3,466 and ranges between $1,421 and $5,766. If your home is connected to a sewer system, it enables you to do the dishes, wash your hands, take a shower, or even just flush the toilet. Sewer lines connect to the main sewer drain and are the homeowner’s responsibility to install, repair, or replace when necessary.
The cost to hire a local sewer pro to install a sewer line varies slightly by location since different cities set prices depending on local water resources and the current setup on your street.
Here are a few examples of what it might cost to install a sewer line in areas across the country:
| City | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Boston | $2,420 |
| Miami | $1,760 |
| Chicago | $2,310 |
| New Orleans | $1,600 |
| Detroit | $3,420 |
| New York | $3,400 |
| Portland | $4,160 |
| Houston | $2,940 |
| Los Angeles | $4,130 |
| Dallas | $1,630 |
I had another company design my septic system replacement, but Paul re-designed it to avoid having to remove a 50+ ft tall tree and added a drainage system for the water from the gutters. The old no-longer-up-to-code 2-cesspool septic system was replaced by a drainfield and Ecoflow septic tank. The work was done on the days I was told workers would be here (unlike the company that drew up the first set of specs), and Paul and Jon were always friendly and great to work with.
Hooking your sewer connection up to the city’s water and sewer line costs anywhere from $500 to $20,000. The price varies greatly depending on local requirements. If you need to make any changes to your property to accommodate the hookup, there’s a good chance that you’re responsible for the cost of those improvements.
In some cases, your local municipality subsidizes some of the cost to connect to the public water and sewer lines. This assistance also depends on regional regulations and the complexity of the project. To know just how much you’ll pay, contact your local municipality.
Hooking your sewer connection up to the city’s water and sewer line costs anywhere from $500 to $20,000. The price varies greatly depending on local requirements. If you need to make any changes to your property to accommodate the hookup, there’s a good chance that you’re responsible for the cost of those improvements.
In some cases, your local municipality subsidizes some of the cost to connect to the public water and sewer lines. This assistance also depends on regional regulations and the complexity of the project. To know just how much you’ll pay, contact your local municipality.
The main factors that affect the cost of sewer line installation are materials, labor, trenching, permits, and regulations.
The average cost to install a sewer line ranges from $50 to $250 per linear foot. Sewer line pipes are typically about 5 inches in diameter and run underneath your yard from your house to the main sewer drain.
To install a sewer line, you’ll need to purchase the pipes that connect the main sewer drain to your home. New pipes cost approximately $3 to $20 per linear foot. Factor in the type of piping material to gain a closer estimate as to how much you’ll pay per linear foot by referencing the following chart:
| Piping Material Type | Best For | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Cast-iron | Replacing, newer materials are more viable | $2–$10 |
| Copper | Durability | $20–$30 |
| PEX | Extreme temperature resistance | $2–$5 |
| PVC | Affordability | $0.50–$5 |
You’ll also need to pay a licensed plumber to install the sewer line. While it might be tempting to cut costs, you should always leave projects like sewer line installation to the professionals. Labor for sewer line installation costs between $30 and $247 per linear foot.
Depending on the state of any existing sewer line, you may also need to pay for trenching. The cost to dig a trench runs about $800 per 100 linear feet. The total expense depends on the length and depth of the trenches needed.
This price usually does not include removing landscaping or hardscaping before digging, so be sure to get a quote from your plumber before you begin.
You can save money on landscaping repairs if no-dig trenchless sewer repair is an option.
To prevent backflow into your basement, you may need to install an overhead sewer, which costs between $8,000 and $10,000 on average. These pipes run above the ground to ensure that no waste flows in the wrong direction.
A sewer cleanout can cost between $500 and $2,000. Sewer cleanouts are access points for cleaning out clogs or inspecting the lines through the use of a camera. A two-way sewer cleanout costs up to $3,500 and requires more work—especially if you need major excavation work done to install the cleanout.
You’ll also need to purchase permits to connect to the city sewer line. These permits range from $400 to $1,600, with an average cost of about $1,000.
The price may vary depending on local regulations, and homeowners are usually required to obtain the permits in advance of the project. If your city isn't in control of your installation, ask your plumber what you need to do. In some cases, plumbers or contractors may be able to obtain permits on your behalf.
Your housing type impacts how much the sewer line installation will cost you. Here’s a breakdown of the different housing types and the amount of coverage you may or may not have:
Single-family: You are responsible for the total cost of the sewer line installation.
Twin home: Both owners must negotiate who will cover the cost of the installation.
Duplex: The property owner covers the costs.
Townhome or condo: Your HOA may cover the expenses, but this coverage may include increased HOA fees.
Additional costs may sneak up that could affect the total cost to install a sewer line on your property. Keep the following in mind as you budget for the installation.
Obstacles can make navigating a sewer line installation akin to following a winding—and costly— labyrinth. From tree removal services to driveway reparations, some obstacles are pricier than others. Here's a list of some of the most common hurdles you may face when installing a sewer line and the costs that come with such obstacles.
Boulder removal cost: $650 to $1,200 per boulder
Tree removal cost: $200 to $2,000 per tree
Pavement removal cost: $8 to $15 per square foot
The cost to landscape your yard after a sewer line installation can range anywhere from $1,200 to $6,200. This wide cost range boils down to the size of your yard, the extent of the sewer line, your landscaping design, and the landscaping materials.
Don't plant trees or anything with invasive root systems near a septic field because the roots can infiltrate your pipes, clog the system, or even rupture the pipes.
If there’s something wrong with your sewer lines or if you’re experiencing a clog or blockage, you may need to get your sewer line repaired or replaced. Depending on the issue, sewer line replacement or repair costs are between $1,400 and $4,100.
Switching from a septic system to a sewer system costs around $6,000 on average. You have to factor in several components to arrive at a cost estimate when you're making this switch, including:
| Component | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Permits | $1,000 |
| Decommissioning | $500–$1,000 |
| New sewer line | $2,900 |
| Trench | $150–$200 per foot |
| New pipes | $1,050 |
According to Angi data, the largest percentage of homeowners looking to complete a sewer main project—nearly 33%—aren't sure what type of work they need. In those cases, a pro can offer recommendations. About 30% of homeowners report that they need sewer main repairs.
You should always hire a local sewer contractor to install your sewer line—this is not a DIY-friendly project. This task requires specialized knowledge and experience that the average homeowner just doesn’t have. Since a malfunctioning sewer line can lead to backed-up drains and costly repairs, it’s best to leave this home project to the professionals.
Installing a sewer line isn’t your average weekend project. It’s a major, high-stakes job that can turn messy (and expensive) fast if something goes wrong. That’s why homeowners need to lean on a licensed pro to handle it from start to finish:
Pros know exactly which permits are required and ensure the installation meets local building and plumbing codes.
Sewer lines must be installed at a precise slope to prevent backups, and a pro knows how to get this right so your system flows the way it should.
Trenching, boring, and pipe-laying require heavy machinery, which pros already have and know how to use safely.
A pro can assess soil conditions, existing plumbing, and potential obstacles, such as tree roots or utilities.
Pros know how to make tight, durable connections that resist shifting soil and long-term wear.
A properly installed sewer line reduces the risk of future clogs, backups, or costly repairs, giving you peace of mind for decades.
Be prepared to discuss the permitting process and coordinate required inspections.
Ask whether trenching, trenchless, or pipe bursting is best for your property (and why).
Ask how the pro plans to identify underground utilities before digging.
Discuss the types of pipe they recommend (PEX, PVC, ABS) and the expected lifespan of each option.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 10,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Positive experience. As previously stated, the replacement/repair could not be completed (no fault of the plumbing tech) b/c misinformation was rec?d by property management maintenance. Thanks to the plumbing tech for your efforts. Appreciate you!
The WaterworksAs usual with ECO, tech Jordan was outstanding, very professional, very knowledgeable, and very thorough with repairs made to tankless water heaters. Very highly recommend ECO!!!
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC TechniciansI would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLCBest cleaning I've had at my property
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Great experience all together. Dog friendly, courteous, great results and honest with recommendations. Will certainly be using Cardinal in the future for any carpet repairs
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Need to know what sewer line replacement costs? This guide will help you prepare to budget for sewer line replacement done by local contractors.
Sewer line replacement is expensive, but going trenchless could save you cash in other ways. Here’s how much trenchless sewer line replacement costs.
Sewer cleanout costs depend on the type of cleanout and how long the line will be. Click here to start planning your budget for this project.
If you’re considering getting your sewer line replaced or repaired, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. We’ll cover tips and strategies to prepare for a new sewer line, along with mistakes you should avoid.
Your sewer line repair cost will vary based on the location and extent of the damage, as well as any repairs and clean-up afterward. We’ve broken down your different options, the cost to replace a sewer line, and other variables here.
Why is sewer line replacement so expensive? In short, there’s a lot of hard work required to reach the underground pipes. Consider an alternative.
