What Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]

Sewer line replacement costs $3,319 on average, though it often ranges between $225 and $10,000, depending on material, pipe length, and more. While it’s not the most glamorous home improvement project, repairing or replacing your sewer line is a top-priority fix. If left untreated, sewage can back up in the basement or the yard.

Pipe Material

The three most common pipes used for sewer lines are PVC (the most budget-friendly option), ABS (the mid-range option), and copper (the most expensive). Each has its own cost range and preferred use case scenario. In rarer cases, cast iron is used as a sewer pipe material. 

Here’s how sewer line replacement costs are affected by pipe material:

Length of Pipe 

The cost of running a new sewer pipe ranges from $50 to $250 per linear foot, with an average price of $150 per linear foot, which includes both materials and labor. Your sewer pipes extend from the house to a street-adjacent city hookup, and the distance depends on your specific neighborhood and property. The further your house is from the hookup, the longer the sewer pipes and the higher the costs.

Of course, the entire length of the pipe may not require replacement, so discuss options with your pro. 

Type of Replacement

A partial replacement will be the most affordable option, with complete replacement and replacing burst pipes ranging from $60 to $250 per linear foot. Here’s how costs break down by type of sewer line replacement:

Cost by Location

Where you reside can make all the difference in your total replacement cost. For example, if you live in Austin, Texas, you may spend around $2,000 on average, whereas residents in Los Angeles may spend closer to $4,000 for the same project. Costs will correspond to the cost of living, competitive labor rates, and material prices.

Additional Cost Factors for Sewer Line Replacement

Sewer line replacement costs will vary based on the pipe location, the extent of the damage, labor rates, and any required yard work or excavation. Here’s what to expect.

Labor

Labor costs to hire a plumber for your sewer line replacement range from $45 to $200 per hour, depending on your location, the plumber’s experience, and the complexity of the replacement. After you vet local plumbers, it’s a good idea to ask for a quote to compare prices.

Pipe Location 

Where the pipe starts in your home and the path it takes to the local hookup both impact the overall cost, as any hurdles increase labor time and require more materials. 

For instance, accessing a pipe located underneath a driveway or behind a concrete wall requires professional excavation. The cost of excavation alone might range from $50 to $200 per linear foot, depending on the soil type, depth, and accessibility. If repairs require breaking up and restoring a concrete slab, the cost for that specific section can balloon to $300 to $350 per linear foot.

Yard or Driveway Repair

If you need to repair your landscape or hardscape, expect to spend between $1 and $25 per square foot, depending on the type of repair. Here are some of the most common yard or driveway repair costs to factor into your budget:

• Landscaping cost: $4.50–$12 per square foot

• Yard leveling cost: $1–$2 per square foot

• Concrete driveway repair cost: $1–$25 per square foot

• Asphalt driveway repair cost: $1–$15 per square foot

• Deck repair cost: $30–$60 per square foot

Inspection

Most sewer line projects require a video inspection, which costs between $100 and $500. Although you may be tempted to skip this step to save on the cost of your replacement, a video inspection is crucial for an accurate diagnosis, replacement plan, and total price estimate.

Cause of Damage

Sewer line damage can stem from various factors that affect the replacement cost. If you have a clog, tree roots, a collapsed pipe, or a combination of these issues, anticipate spending between $80 and $1,000 to address the problem.

Trench vs. Trenchless 

Trenchless replacement methods cost $60 to $250 per linear foot, including materials and labor. These methods require minimal digging, reducing disruption to your yard and driveway. That said, trenchless methods aren't suitable for pipes that have major problems, such as collapse or improper sloping. For these issues, you may need traditional excavation. Trenching alone costs an additional $4 to $12 per linear foot, in addition to the cost of sewer line replacement.

DIY Sewer Line Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro

Working on a sewer line without the required expertise can be hazardous, potentially leading to additional unexpected damage. We strongly recommend hiring a professional sewer replacement specialist near you to handle this type of repair.

This isn’t a job you can learn by watching a few online tutorials, as accessing underground pipes is a time-consuming process that requires specialized skills. You can, however, lessen labor costs by digging trenches yourself, preparing and moving plants, and readying the area for work.

Sewer Line Repair vs. Replacement

The decision to repair or replace a sewer line depends on the extent of the problem, the age of the pipe, and the material it’s made from.

You might choose to repair when the damage is minor and the pipe is structurally sound. Here are some common sewer line repairs, along with their prices:

• Cracked pipe spot repair: $600–$1,050

• Sewer trap replacement: $1,500–$3,000

• Cured-in-place pipes: $80–$250 per linear foot 

• Root removal: $100–$600

Replacement might be necessary when the pipe's integrity is compromised, the damage is widespread, or the pipe is no longer functioning correctly. Here are some signs you might need sewer line replacement:

• Major structural failure (pipe is collapsed, severely shifted, or has an improper slope)

• Extensive damage 

• Frequent backups despite cleaning and minor repairs

• Old or outdated piping materials

How to Save on Sewer Line Replacement Costs 

Replacing a sewer line is costly and often unavoidable. Fortunately, there are some tips worth considering to save a few bucks.

• Go trenchless: If possible for your specific issue, choose a trenchless replacement method to save some money. Trenchless pipe replacement does not disturb the lawn, the driveway, or anything else on your property. In other words, your post-job costs are minimal or non-existent. 

• Consider a repair: Depending on the extent of the damage and the specific issue, you may be able to repair small sections initially as you set aside money for a full replacement. Consult with your professional and ask if this approach is suitable. 

• Remember annual inspections: All sewer lines eventually require replacement, but extending their lifespan is possible by conducting yearly inspections, performing regular cleanings, and staying on top of maintenance tasks. 

• Look into insurance endorsements: Adding an endorsement clause to your homeowner’s insurance policy to cover sewer line damage is a great way to save money in the long run. 

• Gather several estimates: Replacing damaged sewer pipes is a serious job that can be pricey, so don’t go with the first estimate you come across. Talk to about three pros to find the best company for your budget.

Questions to Ask a Sewer Line Replacement Contractor

Once you've reached out to a contractor for help, it's important to ask the right questions before committing to a start date for this project. 

• Are you a licensed sewer contractor in your state?

• Do you have insurance to cover any incidents that occur on my property during the project?

• Do you offer warranties for the completed work? If so, for how many years?

• Is my property suitable for trenchless sewer line replacement?

• What does an estimate for sewer line replacement costs include?

• Will there be additional charges to compensate for unexpected circumstances related to sloping, utility lines, soil, and other factors?

• How is post-work cleanup billed? Are there separate charges for hauling away cut trees or old pipes?

• Are the costs for building permits included in the estimate?

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

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 thousands of 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. 

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