How Much Does Trenchless Sewer Line Piping Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,900 - $6,000
Expect to spend between $1,900 and $6,000 for trenchless sewer line replacement, depending on the length of sewer line that needs to be replaced.
Installing a sewer pipe line costs between $1,900 and $6,000, with an average project price of $2,900. This is quite a lengthy job that requires serious expertise (and permits to boot). Learn how much sewer pipe lining replacement costs in this informational guide.
- Average
- $2,900
- Low end
- $1,500
- high end
- $25,000
Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Cost Factors
Trenchless sewer line replacement doesn’t always mean your old system was trenchless. Therefore, there are several factors to consider when you try to estimate the price you’ll pay to replace your sewer system.
Size
Sewer line replacement costs $2,900 on average for traditional piping methods. However, trenchless systems tend to cost more, and the distance your sewer line needs to travel to get to the street is the greatest cost factor you must consider. Even ten extra feet could add thousands of dollars to the price you pay.
Sewer line lengths vary greatly, but average between 50 and 75 feet. Below you’ll find some price ranges that could help you estimate your costs.
| Sewer Line Length in Linear Feet | Average Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| 25–35 | $1,500–$8,750 |
| 35–45 | $2,100–$11,250 |
| 45–55 | $2,700–$13,750 |
| 55–75 | $3,300–$18,750 |
| 75–100 | $4,500–$25,000 |
Pipe Lining
Trenchless sewer systems require so little digging because they can be installed directly into your existing system, trenched or not, so long as it’s not severely damaged.
Replacing an old sewer system with a trenchless one requires a professional to blow a resin-coated lining through the old pipe. Sewer pipe lining costs between $135 and $150 per linear foot.
Pipe Bursting
If you’re replacing an old sewer line that isn’t trenchless, a professional will also need to burst the existing pipe to make room for the new one. (The process doesn’t involve chemicals or anything that would ruin your soil or damage a garden or lawn; the old pipe is simply broken into small pieces.)
Pipe bursting (along with the lining) costs $150 to $190 per linear foot.
Excavation
Whether you’re replacing or installing a brand-new trenchless sewer line, very little excavation is required. Still, you may need to do minor digging at the street and where the sewer line enters your home. You might also need to remove obstacles, such as tree roots that have grown over your old sewer line, which would require additional excavation.
Additional labor like this will cost anywhere from $60 to $250 per hour.
Permits
Permits can be costly when dealing with sewer lines. Getting one for a trenchless system could cost up to $1,000, depending on where you live. DIYing this task may not be an option in some areas due to local laws, so factoring in permit costs is non-negotiable. (Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.)
Tie-Ins
If your sewer system is complex and you need multiple lines connected to the main one going to the street, tie-ins could cost extra. The same per-linear-foot range ($60 to $250), plus any excavation that’s needed, will apply for these connections.
Additional Costs to Consider
What else should you consider when replacing a trenchless sewer line? Here are some additional factors that could come into the mix with your project.
Additional Plumbing
Additional plumbing from your local sewer company may be needed to set your trenchless sewer replacement up properly if you’re adding a new sewer line (or tie-in lines) to your home.
Installing or replacing plumbing costs $1,200 on average, though the price can vary greatly depending on the job.
Camera Inspection
Certain cities and counties don’t mess around when it comes to sewer line replacements. On top of obtaining a pricey permit, you may also be required to pay an inspector to ensure the job was done properly.
Sewer line camera inspection costs between $175 and $350. Longer sewer lines will cost more as they take longer to inspect.
Switching From a Septic Tank to Sewer
In some cases, your trenchless sewer line might not be replacing your old sewer line, but a septic system. If you’re making the switch, you’ll have to pay for septic tank decommission, which includes shutting off your septic tank and having it removed.
This process can cost up to $5,500, including removal. It likely won’t cover the cost of additional landscaping needed in your yard afterward, though.
Backflow Preventer
Installing a backflow preventer to ensure nothing nasty finds its way back into your home’s pipes is almost always recommended by sewer line professionals. Adding one will cost anywhere from $150 to $1,150, which includes parts and labor.
Cost to Replace Trenchless Sewer Line Yourself
In some cases, homeowners may be able to repair minor damages, such as fixing a leak that’s very close to the home-end of your sewer line. This could cost only a few dollars if you just need resin tape to seal it, for example.
However, whole system trenchless sewer line replacement is not recommended as a DIY job. If you cause damage while you tackle the job, you might wind up paying tens of thousands of dollars on top of the installation costs of a replacement trenchless sewer line.
DIY Costs vs. Hiring a Pro
It’s tempting once you see how much replacing a trenchless sewer line costs to want to tackle the job yourself. However, we recommend you always hire a professional sewer line company.
Ignoring the fact that an error could cost you thousands, many counties and cities require that a professional do the work anyway.
How to Save on Trenchless Sewer Replacement
Still, there are some ways to stretch your dollars when it comes to sewer line replacement. Consider these four money-saving tips when you replace your trenchless system:
Check Your Home Warranty
You may be covered for certain types of sewer line repairs, which could prevent you from having to replace the system altogether. For example, clogs and blockages may be covered by your home warranty.
DIY the Landscaping
If you have to tear up parts of your yard to install a trenchless system, reseed the grass or replant the garden yourself. Hourly rates for landscapers range between $50 and $150, so this could put a lot of money back in your pocket.
Get Multiple Quotes
We always recommend calling around to get the best deal on your trenchless pipe replacement costs. Try calling at least three bonded, licensed, and insured sewer line repair or replacement companies.
Go by the Book
Cutting corners or deciding not to get a permit because they’re too expensive could come back to haunt you later. Save on potential fines by figuring out what you need to do to replace your sewer line, and take the appropriate steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, a trenchless sewer line is worth the cost. If your old system needs replacement, trenchless sewer repair or replacement can save you thousands on excavation costs. Every homeowner’s situation is different, but this method is definitely worth it in a lot of cases.
Trenchless sewer replacements are actually a great solution for sewer lines located under concrete. A professional can still sleeve and burst old piping to make room for a new one without having to dig up your slab.
Sewer pipe liners are rated to last up to 50 years. One of the biggest threats to sewer liners is tree roots, which can grow over or through them and ultimately require repairs or replacement.