Sewer Line Replacement or Repair Costs
The average sewer line repair cost is about $2600, or between $1,100 and $4,100 depending on the type of damage
Sewer line issues are a nightmare you don’t ever want to deal with, but (deep breath!) you and your yard will get through this. You might not even have to sacrifice your prized petunias and Kentucky bluegrass in the process. The cost to replace a sewer line involves the initial inspection, the repair itself, and any residual damage or clean-up afterward.
How Much Does Sewer Line Repair Cost Per Foot?
The average sewer line replacement cost estimate usually ranges between $50 and $250 per square foot. Your final bill will vary based on the type of repair your setup requires.
Here are the main options and their costs:
| Repair Options | Cost |
|---|---|
| Digging and replacing sewer line | $50-$250 per foot |
| Trenchless sewer line replacement | $60-$250 per foot |
| Cured-in-Place (CIPP) lining (trenchless) | $80-$250 per foot |
| Pipe bursting cost (trenchless) | $60-$200 per foot |
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.
DIY Landscape Repair
One sewer line repair cost you can safely undertake on your own is the landscape repair you’ll need afterward. Along with the grass seed and supplies, you’ll need a heavy-duty garden rake to smooth and aerate the topsoil.
Here are the tools you need to get your yard back on track:
Garden rake: $14
Grass seed (three-pound bag): $18
Grass seed spreader: $20
Topsoil: .75 cubic feet: $3; 5 cubic yards: $350
If you’re not in the mood to watch grass grow, or if you’re too saddened by the naked spots, you can have 500 square feet of sod delivered for about $550. Bear in mind that different types of grass thrive in different climates, so be sure you’re picking the right one for your area.
Plus, you’ll probably want some flowers and bushes to spruce up the area (pun intended). Costs vary depending on your vision, so you can set a budget and check out what’s available at your local garden center.
Sewer Line Repair Cost Breakdown
The cost to replace a sewer line or have it repaired isn’t just about fixing the pipes. Your final sewer line repair cost includes identifying where the issues are, as well as fixing any collateral damage that results from the excavation.
Sewer Line Camera Inspections
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.
Digging Up Sewer Lines
The cost of digging a trench, or trenching, can add more dollars to your sewer line repair cost. 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.
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.
Project Cleanup
Sewage in your living space isn’t just cringe-inducing: it presents a serious risk of infections and illnesses for your family. In extreme cases, methane exposure can even be fatal. Proper cleanup can be anywhere between $500 to $10,000 depending on the amount of damage.
Driveway and Patio Restoration
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.
Landscape Replacement
Brace yourself, because digging into your lawn is a depressing necessity of many sewer line repairs. Restoring your landscaping to its former glory could cost anywhere between $300 to $10,000 based on what you need to fix. You’ll likely have a lot of holes, bare spots, and soil compaction that affects aeration and can inhibit new growth. Don’t stress, though: a local landscaping pro can rescue your lawn by adding new topsoil and reseeding, as well as bringing new flowers and bushes.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Sewer Line by Type?
Your final sewer line repair cost relies on the source of the damage, as well as the method used to correct it. In many cases, you’ll need to replace the sewer line, as repair methods only put off the inevitable.
Cost Estimate to Replace a Sewer Line in a Basement
The cost to repair a drain line typically falls at about $600. You’ll also have to account for cutting through the concrete slab to access the pipes. This will likely tack on hundreds of dollars in labor costs.
Average Cost to Replace a Sewer Line Under a Slab
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.
Cost to Remove Tree Roots From a Sewer Line
Trees aren’t very considerate of your sewer line—they grow their roots wherever they feel like. Removing those roots might cost around $100 to $600, plus the price of repairing or replacing any pipes they might have damaged.
Trenchless Sewer Repair Cost
Trenchless sewer repair costs about $60 to $250 per foot and bypasses the need to dig. If it’s an option, it can be a good idea because it won’t require as much of a sacrifice from your poor yard. The two main types of trenchless sewer repair are cured-in-place (CIPP) lining and pipe bursting.
Cured-in-Place Sewer Pipe Lining Cost Per Foot
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.
Pipe Bursting Cost
Pipe bursting will cost about $60 to $200 per foot. It entails breaking up the existing iron or clay pipes and drawing a new line through the space. Again, this will result in a much less traumatic experience for you and your yard, if it’s doable.
Sewer Trap Replacement
Without a sewer trap, your pipes can become an underground subway for home-invading critters and fumes that you definitely don’t want commingling with your bathroom potpourri. Replacing a sewer trap entails finding a local plumber at $45 to $200 per hour, plus up to $100 in materials.
Sewer Line Repair FAQs
Will I need a permit to work on my sewer lines?
Yes, in pretty much every case. Any time you’re mucking around with sewer lines, there are important safety codes to meet. Some states also require that only licensed professionals perform the repairs. Your sewer repair pro can help you navigate the requirements in your municipality.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line repair?
Unfortunately, coverage for your sewer line repair cost isn’t a given for many homeowner’s insurance policies. More often than not, it’s an available add-on for an extra premium. Talk with your provider for personalized info on your plan’s coverage.