Repairing Guides

how much to repair sewer line

by Dr. Abdiel Lakin V Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • 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

The sewer line repair cost varies from $4,000 to $25,000. On average, expect to pay $92 to $238 per foot as a sewer line replacement cost. Traditional replacement methods average a cost of $7,500. Trenchless methods range between $6,000 and $12,000.

Full Answer

What should I pay to replace a sewer line?

When it comes to sewer lines, proper maintenance entails the following:

  • Only letting drain-friendly materials and substances enter the sewer lines. ...
  • Having your sewer lines regularly inspected by a camera. ...
  • Identifying the path of your sewer lines and not placing heavy objects over them. ...
  • Installing barriers to prevent roots from attaching themselves to the pipes. ...

More items...

How much is the average cost of sewer line repair?

The total price of repairs depends on the cause and complexity of the project, the repair options available, and related projects caused by collateral damage. The cost to replace a sewer line ranges from $50 to $250 per foot. Most homeowners pay between $50 to $125 per foot.

How much does it cost to unclog a sewer line?

When it comes to unclogging your main sewer line, there are several different options to consider across a wide range of price points. These include: Chemical drain cleaning treatments typically cost anywhere from $5 to $300. The average cost of snaking a drain is $100 to $250.

Is sewer line repair covered by insurance?

Your standard homeowners’ insurance won’t cover the costs of repairing a sewer line. Paying the extra money to have your sewer line covered is worth it because repairs are expensive in the event of an emergency. Even if you have insurance, you should work to prevent this problem and consult an expert as soon as you notice an issue.

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How do you fix a broken sewer line?

1:1814:05Life of a Plumber - Replacing Broken 2-Way Cleanouts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat I'm going to do is cut it on this end. And I need to make sure that I leave myself enough roomMoreWhat I'm going to do is cut it on this end. And I need to make sure that I leave myself enough room for the shear band to get on there and have you know a good piece of plastic to hold on to it.

What causes a broken sewer line?

Sewer pipe rupture due to shifting soil, settling, increased traffic on the ground above, or use of heavy construction equipment above ground. Corrosion of an older pipe, causing the pipe to break or collapse. Leaking joints where the seals between sections of pipe have broken, allowing water and sewage to escape.

How much does it cost to fix Main Line?

Average Cost to Install or Replace a Water LineNational Average$1,600Typical Range$611 - $2,604Low End - High End$195 - $4,700

How do I unclog my main sewer line?

Hot Water to Loosen Sticking Debris Allow hot water to run through your plumbing system for at least five to 10 minutes. The hot water helps to loosen debris such as deposited grease, oils, or any coatings on the walls of the drains. Doing this several times might best and easiest way to unclog that main sewer line.

What are the signs of a broken sewer pipe?

4 Signs That Your Sewer Line Is BrokenSlow drains. A slow drain in one fixture usually means you have a simple clog that can be resolved with a plunger or drain snake. ... Weird odor or gassy smell. ... Mold and mildew. ... Crawlers and critters. ... Sewer line repair and replacement.

How do you know if your sewer line is bad?

What are the Signs of Sewer Line Repair?Sewage Backup. One of the most common signs of sewer line problems is water backing up in one area of your home. ... Foul Smell. Another sign of disrepair is a bad smell. ... Slow Drains. ... Mold Growth. ... Lush Grass. ... Cracks in Your Foundation. ... Pest Invasion. ... Do Your Research.More items...•

How do you fix a sewer line under a slab?

1:225:12How to Repair a Sewer Pipe Under a Concrete Slab | This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown the cut ahead at the end of the drain snake will scrape the inside of the pipe. And remove theMoreDown the cut ahead at the end of the drain snake will scrape the inside of the pipe. And remove the last of those tree roots to leave a nice clean pipe.

How do I know if there are roots in my sewer line?

Slow Emptying Drains Slowly flowing drains are often the first sign of root damage. If you flush your toilet and it drains very slowly or you hear a gurgling noise, there's a good chance roots have entered the pipes. Note: The risk is especially high in older homes or properties with large trees nearby!

What do most plumbers charge per hour?

between $45 and $200The Cost of Hiring a Plumber Typically, plumbers are subject to an hourly rate, which is often between $45 and $200. Common repairs attract an average rate of $120. Some plumbers prefer a flat rate estimate as the variables involved in plumbing repair make it hard to have an hourly rate.

Can I unclog a sewer line myself?

It is possible to unclog drains yourself, but it can lead to more problems. Therefore, it is a good idea to call a professional plumber. A professional drain contractor can inspect your system and clean it.

Does washing machine drain into sewer line?

This main sewer drain pipe under the yard is connected to the main drain inside the house, which accepts the wastewater from the individual branch drains serving each plumbing fixture, including sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets, as well as the washing machine.

How long does it take to unclog a sewer line?

The acid in these drains destroys the lining of your sewer pipes. That's why smart homeowners choose professional drain cleaners to restore their pipes quickly. Drain cleaning from the professionals just takes a couple of hours. You can expect your cleaning company to finish the task in less than three hours.

How much does it cost to replace a sewer line?

The price of replacing a sewer line is typically $3000 to $6000, without the cost of digging trenches or removing damaged pipes. The price also depends on the connection to the primary sewer system. A new line, extending away from your property, may cost as much as $25,000.

How much does it cost to clean up sewage under a house?

Expect the cost of cleaning up sewage spill under the house to run you between $2,200 to $10,000. This will be influenced by the area affected and the extent of the damage.

How to tell if a sewer line is broken?

Because a broken sewer pipe many have more than a single cause, it is useful to know the warning signs of a problem: 1 Repeated clogs or sewage backup in the toilet can mean a blockage. 2 Utility bills that are higher than average could mean water being lost due to damaged seals at the pipe joints. 3 A strong rotting-eggs smell indicates the presence of sulfide gas, from the decomposition of waste that hasn’t cleared. 4 Pools of water or sewage accumulated in one spot near your home could indicate that tree roots have damaged the pipes.

How much does a CIPP liner cost?

CIPP lining costs $80 to $250 per foot. The average price per project is around $9,000. The plumber places an epoxy-soaked liner through the existing pipes. The diameter is slightly reduced in size. CIPP only needs one access point to be excavated, which limits the damage to your property.

How long do cast iron pipes last?

Cast-iron pipes typically function for 50-75 years before they need to be replaced. With cast-iron lines, the best option is a full replacement. This is because their structure is damaged when repairs are made.

How long does lead pipe last?

Although lead pipes can last up to 100 years, if you even suspect that your pipes are made of lead, they need to be removed and replaced without delay! Lead is now known to be highly toxic and, over time, can lead to people being poisoned.

How much does it cost to repair a patio?

This price has a wide range from $5 to $7,000 or above. It all depends on what you need to replace.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

How much does it cost to replace a sewer line?

Sewer line replacement costs between $50 and $250 per foot, with most people paying between $50 and $125 per foot. The type of pipe you have and the one you want to install will factor into the price. New pipes are usually plastic (PVC or ABS) or cast iron. Plastic pipes are the most common type today.

How much does a sewer line cost?

The sewer main line is the wastewater line from your house to the city connection. The cost of a sewer main averages $2,600. The opposite is a water main that brings fresh water to your home.

How much does trenchless sewer line repair cost?

Trenchless sewer line replacement typically costs $60 to $250 per foot.

How deep is a sewer trench?

The sewer line is buried up to 8 feet deep, so digging the trench can be taxing, but once you know where to dig and have the necessary permission, the only thing you need is a $30 shovel and some time.

Can sewage back up in basement?

Left untreated, sewage can back up in the basement or the yard, and we probably don’t need to tell you why you’d want to avoid that. Thankfully, once a sewer line repair pro takes care of the problem, it should be set for decades, and you can get back to working on the home projects you love. If this is your first time taking on a sewer line ...

Why is sewer line repair so expensive?

Traditional sewer line repair or “spot repair” is expensive because it features excavation and even wall removal to replace the whole pipe. To replace a pipe the traditional way, your yard will have to be dug up in a long trench.

What happens when a sewer line is pinched?

Tree roots can pinch pipes and can also invade them. When a pipe is pinched, it must be replaced to prevent wastewater from contaminating the ground. Trees grow as they age, and their root systems get more expansive.

Why does my sewer line degrade?

One of the biggest causes of sewer line repair is the age of the pipe. PVC and older styles of pipes degrade as they age because of the stress they’re under . As the ground settles and shifts, it can cause pressure to be applied unevenly along the pipe.

Can you get charged more for sewer line repair?

You can get charged more than you should be by an unscrupulous plumbing contractor. The key to getting a reasonable sewer line replacement cost is using a plumber you can trust. Experience in facing sewer line repair or replacement plumbing issues makes resolving these issues faster and more cost-effective.

Can a tree grow near a sewer line?

Trees grow as they age, and their root systems get more expansive. Even if there aren’t any trees near your sewer line, you could still be affected by a root. When roots invade the line itself, the result is the same. The line must be replaced.

Do sewer lines have to be repaired?

If you own your own home or property that has sewer lines, they will have to be repaired . Age and environmental issues will happen regardless of how careful you are with your sewer line.

Can I replace a sewer line from my house to my main?

Replacing a sewer line from house to main will require more money than a smaller replacement or repair. The cost of sewer line repair is also affected by whether you must acquire permits and other regulations. If the sewer line needing repair is under a paved road or public right of way, these costs need factoring.

Sewer Line Replacement Cost Estimate

Sewer line replacement cost involves a lot of variables. These include the placement of the line on your property, type of plumbing as well as the length to be installed or covered.

Sewer Line Repair Costs

Sometimes, a sewer line may only need a few fixes to be functional again.

Sewer Line Removal Cost

So far, we’ve been talking about replacement and repair costs for a sewer line.

Cleanup and Restoration Costs

As discussed above, getting access to your sewer lines may involve tearing down or digging up certain structures.

How much does it cost to repair a sewer line?

The average cost to repair a sewer main is $2,556. You could spend anywhere between $1,073 and $4,054, depending on the kind of damage. Full sewer line replacement ranges from $3,000 to $25,000.

How much does it cost to remove tree roots from a sewer line?

Removing tree roots from a sewer line costs $100 to $600. You may also need to pay for a sewer camera inspection, which averages $350. If the roots shifted or cracked the pipes, your plumber may recommend replacing at least a portion of the line.

How much does trenching cost?

Trenching under a slab often costs an extra $150 to $200 per foot. Ask your plumber if your home is a good candidate for trenchless sewer line replacement, which could limit or eliminate this expense.

How much does a CIPP liner cost?

CIPP lining costs $80 to $250 per foot, averaging about $9,000 for the project. The process creates a new, seamless pipeline inside the current one. The plumber pulls a liner saturated with epoxy through the existing pipes. It's a little smaller in diameter to fit through. CIPP only requires excavation to create one access point, which limits the damage to your property.

What is the best material to replace a trenchless line?

Cast Iron: Repairs often weaken the line, so total replacement is usually a better investment. Orangeburg: Made of a wood pulp that disintegrates easily, but may be a candidate for trenchless lining. Lead or Lead Solder: Leaches toxic substances into your water, requiring a pro trained in lead abatement.

What material should I replace my plumbing line with?

In most cases, your plumber will recommend replacing with a material like PVC. Cast iron is also an option that costs about 2 to 4 times as much as PVC. These common materials often have unique requirements: Cast Iron: Repairs often weaken the line, so total replacement is usually a better investment.

Can sewer lines run underground?

Though the repair may involve a replacement of a short length of pipe or the elimination of overgrown tree roots, the total can quickly rise due to excavation and related project costs. Sewer main lines run entirely underground, which can disrupt lawns, gardens, patios or driveways to fix it.

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