How Much Does Main Water Line Replacement Cost? [2024 Data]

Cost Breakdown to Replace a Main Water Line

Along with your costs for labor and materials, you’ll also have extra expenses to cover the necessary inspections and permits. Here’s a breakdown of what will make up your budget.

Cost per Foot 

Installing a water main costs an average of $50 to $150 per linear foot. Prices may reach as high as $250 per linear foot in areas with a high cost of living and for lines that are difficult to access. Labor costs make up the majority of your project costs, especially for systems that need extensive work or are difficult to reach.

Replacement Method

You have a few installation options when it comes to replacing your water line. There is the modern trenchless method and the old-school trench-based method. 

Trenchless Replacement

The trenchless water line replacement cost $75 to $150 per linear foot. The process involves boring a hole at each end of the water line and tunneling a cable between these holes. Once the tunnel is complete, your water line professional will snake through a pipe to finish the job. The process does not impact the aesthetics of your yard, which is why it’s a commonly used option. Everything happens underground, aside from two small holes. 

Trenched Replacement 

Digging and backfilling a trench is a more labor-intensive process, costing $1,500 to $13,000 for this traditional replacement method. These costs do not include replanting grass, repairing sidewalks, and restoring your yard to its former glory, as this method places a toll on your landscaping. The process starts with an excavation machine to find the old line and digging a large trench across the property to uncover it. 

Finally, contractors manually remove and replace the line and backfill the trench. In nearly every case, contractors try the trenchless method first, but this aggressive procedure is warranted if there are inaccessible areas blocking the water line. 

Pipe Material

Photo: SkyLine / Adobe Stock

A primary material cost to consider is the pipes that comprise the water line. Many materials are available, each boasting its own cost range, pros, and cons.

PVC

The most common type of pipe used for water lines is PVC. PVC piping is budget-friendly and easy to install at $0.50 to $5 per linear foot. This is the go-to pipe type for new construction homes, as it boasts a long lifespan with reduced maintenance requirements. 

So what’s the downside? PVC pipes are not as durable as some of the following options and are susceptible to damage from chemicals and nearby root systems. PVC also cracks in cold temperatures, so it’s not a good fit for homes located in extremely frigid climates.

Polyethylene

PEX pipes are a relatively modern option made from high-density cross-linked polyethylene. Replacing or installing PEX pipes cost $0.40 to $2 per linear foot. PEX pipes are extremely flexible, making them easy to install, and boast a high resistance to freezing and bursting, unlike PVC pipes. 

These durable pipes last up to 50 years, though the repair process is more frustrating compared to simple PVC. Plus, when comparing PEX and copper pipes, it’s 20% to 40% less expensive to install.

Cast Iron

Cast iron was the standard for water line pipes for many years, but it’s been supplanted by PVC and PEX. This material costs $2 to $10 per linear foot and offers plenty of bang for your buck. Cast iron is not impacted by heat, cold, or soil type, though it is susceptible to corrosion and rust over time. However, this material is extremely heavy, making for a difficult installation process when compared to other piping types. 

Copper 

Copper is another popular option for water line pipes, costing $2 to $10 per linear foot. This pipe type offers excellent durability, a long lifespan, and resistance to cold weather (won’t freeze until 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If properly maintained, copper pipes last up to 100 years.

On the downside, copper pipes develop leaks over time, as they are susceptible to corrosion. This is especially true if you live in an area with hard water.

Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic

Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) is a composite material made of glass fiber and related materials. In recent years, this type of pipe has found use in water mains due to its superior resistance to corrosion. These pipes resist corrosion even when exposed to acid, alkali, salt, untreated sewage, and chemical wastewater. In other words, it’s a very durable material. 

Fiberglass pipes cost $6 to $10 per linear foot and are easy to install, though these pipes do not like being exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time. 

Labor

Labor will make up an average of 35% to 40% of your total cost. However, that number will be closer to 60% for trenchless projects because they require specialized equipment and skill sets although they take less labor time.

Inspections

Before connecting to the city’s main water line, you’ll need an inspection for between $150 to $500. Certain companies will offer this service for free to ensure your water lines meet all code requirements.

Permits

You’ll most likely need a permit for a main water line replacement, which can go for $100 to $500. Your contractor will typically take care of the permit process for you, or you can contact your local building code enforcement agency directly.

Cost to Replace a Main Water Line by Type

When replacing your home’s main water line, your main choices are trenched and trenchless replacements. Trenchless options are more favored, as these won’t call for digging up your yard, though they’ll cost more in many cases.

Trenched Main Water Lines

Water main line replacement using the trench method goes for around $50 to $250 per linear foot. Digging out and disposing of old lines will drive up this cost.

Pipe Lining Trenchless Water Line Replacement

Trenchless water line replacement using pipe lining costs $75 to $150 per linear foot. This method creates a “new” pipe by pushing an epoxy lining through the old one to fill in any cracks.

Pipe Bursting Trenchless Water Line Replacement

The pipe bursting method of trenchless water line replacement costs $50 to $200 per linear foot. This involves using an auger to drill out the old pipe and “bursting” it while dragging in a new replacement pipe.

Private Main Water Lines

Replacing your private main water line costs up to $2,500. This line runs from the street to your home. For this project, you’ll need to determine whether you or the city is responsible for the portion that goes beyond your property line to the city’s water supply.

Additional Cost Factors to Consider

Labor and materials make up the lion’s share of your expenses here, but some additional cost factors are worth considering. 

Location

When it comes to the water main’s location on your property, the cost is determined by the amount of piping required. Smaller properties will have drastically reduced project prices compared to properties with more acreage and square footage. 

As for geography, areas with severe winters cost slightly more to install a water main line, as the pipes need to go under the frost line, which is often 3 feet or below. This price difference is negligible in the case of a trenchless design, though it adds a few hours of labor when digging a trench to expose the line. 

Obstructions

Rocks and root systems are the main obstructions that slow down this type of project. Roots spread quickly, as they are attracted to the water. You don’t want to dig through the roots, as they are likely attached to trees on your property. Rather, pros dig around roots and rocks to reach the water main, driving up the project cost. 

Fortunately, this is only an issue when digging a legitimate trench that runs the length of the pipe, as trenchless designs are not bothered by these types of obstructions unless they are directly adjacent to the water main or entrance to the home’s plumbing. 

Depth of Installation

A water main is buried anywhere from 1 to 3 feet deep, though they go deeper in areas of extreme cold to get below the frost line to prevent freezing. The deeper you go, the higher your costs because of the increased labor time. 

In the case of a trenchless design, the added work is negligible, as only two small holes are being dug at either end. However, digging a trench to expose the water line is labor-intensive and the increased depth adds anywhere from 2 to 10 hours to the project. Additionally, this part of the process often necessitates specialized equipment, further driving up the cost. 

Cost to Connect to City Water 

The main water line is considered a branch line running from the edge of your property to the water meter at your house. In other words, this line still requires a further connection to access the city or municipal water supply. Running a water line from the edge of your property to the city water pipes costs anywhere from $1,500 to $12,000, depending on the materials and distance required.

Inspection Costs 

This type of project likely requires permits and associated inspections, though these demands vary depending on where you live. In other words, check with a local regulatory agency before finalizing any work plans. If permits and inspections are deemed necessary, count on paying $150 to $500 for an inspection and $100 to $500 for the necessary permits.

Landscaping 

The harder it is for your plumber to reach the pipe, the higher your costs. Pros will have to work around trees, stones, and landscaping fixtures if a trenchless installation is not possible. This not only increases the labor costs, as digging through or around these areas takes time, but adds a landscaping restoration project. Most plumbers are not qualified to adequately restore landscaping materials, so contact a local landscaper for the best results. The average landscaping project costs around $3,500. 

Cost to Replace a Main Water Shut-Off Valve

If your main water shut-off valve is damaged, replacing it along with the water main pipes is a way to save on additional service calls down the line. This valve is located where the water enters your home and, when disabled, shuts off all water entering the property. 

Replacing a main water shut-off valve costs $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on factors like age, accessibility, and the materials comprising the valve and related pipes. Also, the valve’s size must change if you upgrade the size of your pipes, increasing the total project cost.

DIY vs. Professional Water Line Replacement Costs

Replacing a main water line is not a DIY-friendly job unless you have plenty of plumbing and excavation experience. Instead, hire a local plumber to estimate the price of your line replacement and make a plan for your project.

The reasons for hiring a pro plumber are twofold. First, it’s hard and time-consuming work that demands expertise to ensure a favorable outcome. Secondly, there are plenty of potential dangers when digging large trenches on your property, such as accidentally damaging pipes, ruining yard fixtures, displacing tree root systems, and more.

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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