Can you fix a cracked sewer pipe?

Author: Felton Howell Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, July 17, 2025

It is possible to repair the section of broken pipe yourself, by digging down, removing the section of broken pipe, and replacing this with new pipework. However, this is not a job for amateur DIYers as you will need to: Confidently identify where the broken pipe is located.

How much does it cost to fix a cracked waste pipe?

Understanding Regional Repair Costs: Drain Pipe Repair: In London, expect to pay £100-£300 per metre for basic repairs, while areas like Manchester or Leeds might range from £80-£250 per metre. Complex repairs can reach £500 per metre in regions like Bristol or Birmingham.

Does homeowners insurance cover cracked sewer pipe?

Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.

Can a cracked sewer pipe be lined?

The right pipe lining can repair a cracked or leaking pipe. Different types of linings exist for various systems. The right system will resolve your issue and allow your sewer drain pipe to continue to work without a complete replacement.

Can a cracked drain pipe be repaired?

On some occasions, the best option for drainage repair is to fix drain using trenchless technologies such as patch repairs, which are cheaper, less time-consuming and cause less destruction, while other instances will necessitate full excavation and even drain replacement.

How to Repair a Sewer Pipe Under a Concrete Slab | This Old House

How serious is a cracked sewer pipe?

Sewer pipe cracks are serious problems that can lead to property damage, soil pollution, and mold-related health issues. Sewer gas leaks can also cause people to experience headaches, dizziness, sinus infections, and more.

Are crack pipes covered by insurance?

Homeowners insurance generally provides coverage for sudden, accidental plumbing issues. These include common issues like burst pipes, failed water heaters or a compromised washing machine hose. If the leak was sudden and unexpected, appliance leaks are typically covered by homeowners insurance.

Is relining sewer pipe worth it?

Cost-Effective: Pipe relining is generally more cost effective than traditional pipe replacement, as it eliminates the need for extensive excavation and landscaping restoration.

How long does it take to fix a cracked sewer pipe?

How Long Does It Take to Fix a Cracked or Collapsed Pipe? Some trenchless sewer repairs can take less than a day. Depending on the scope of the work, sewer line repair generally takes one to three days to complete. However, if the damage is extensive or the pipe is hard to access, the repair can take up to a week.

How do plumbers fix cracked pipes?

Some common methods include relining the pipe, adhesive tapes, or using a chemical or epoxy-based solution to seal the damaged area.

How much to replace a main sewer line?

Sewer line replacement costs stem from labor, permits, materials, excavation, and landscaping restoration, potentially running from $4,000 to $25,000. Trenchless sewer replacement methods can save long-term costs by minimizing disruption and avoiding extensive excavation, despite higher initial charges.

How many years does a sewer line last?

Generally speaking, you're going to find that most main sewer lines will only last somewhere between 50 and 100 years before you need to do a main sewer line replacement. You could very well have a broken sewer line on your hands right now and not even realize it.

Are local governments responsible for paying for sewer line repairs?

Sewer laterals are the underground pipes that connect your home wastewater to the main sewer line in the street. Homeowners are responsible for their sewer laterals, while problems with the public sewer main line are managed by the city or municipality.

Why is sewer line replacement so expensive?

One of the primary reasons for the high cost of sewer line replacement is the labor-intensive nature of the job. Replacing a sewer line involves excavating the ground to access the damaged pipe, removing the old pipe, and installing a new one.

Will plumbers putty fix a cracked pipe?

Apply the epoxy putty to the cracked plumbing pipe and press it around until it creates a flattened surface that conforms. You must do this quickly as epoxy putty typically starts drying within 1-2 minutes. Once in place, you will need to let the putty sit for approximately 1 hour as it cures and hardens.

How much does a plumber charge for a busted pipe?

The national average cost of burst pipe repair is between $200 and $1,000, with most people paying around $500 for a moderate repair with a new section of pipe added. At the low end of the spectrum, for a minor repair that doesn't involve pipe replacement, you can expect to pay $150.

Can you patch a cracked sewer pipe?

For minor damage

If the CCTV inspection highlights a few damaged areas, they can sometimes be fixed with trenchless technology using a process called patch lining.

Does insurance cover broken sewer line?

Ultimately, it boils down to what caused the damage. If your sewer line was damaged by something your policy covers, like a fire, your insurance policy should help you out. But for things like wear and tear, corrosion, floods, earthquakes, you'll need additional coverage.

Can you replace a main sewer line yourself?

As we mentioned above, it's certainly possible for a homeowner to perform sewer line replacement or sewer line repair. However, it's definitely not an easy job. When you replace the sewer line yourself you run the risk of causing even more damage.

What is the disadvantage of pipe relining?

That's not even to mention the longevity of a 50 year lifespan for pipe relining, which when all added up, will cost you much more than relining the cracked or broken pipe. The only other notable disadvantage to no dig pipe relining is that it can't always be performed.

How much does pipe relining cost?

So you've had a pipe video inspection done and the plumbers say that your cast iron pipe have to be replaced. Then you did some research and found out by pipe lining and that it could save you a lot of money. The question is how much money? Under houses pipe relining can range from $100 to $300 per linear foot .

What is the difference between pipe bursting and relining?

Pipe bursting provides you with a completely new line, while pipe lining only addresses the flaws present in the pipes. Overall, pipe bursting offers better results than pipe lining in the long run. However, if cost is an issue or the issues are minor, pipe lining is enough to restore your line to good working order.

Does insurance cover cracked pipes?

Homeowners insurance may cover sudden damage due to a burst pipe or leaking pipe, assuming the failure was unexpected, and pay to repair or replace damaged items. This can include walls, floors, carpeting, furnishings, and electronic equipment.

How much is sewer insurance?

Sewer backup coverage can be added as an endorsement to most homeowners insurance policies and typically runs from around $50 to $250 extra a year. Your cost will be determined by a number of factors in your area, including your local weather and the coverage limits that you choose.

Is a sewer line covered by a home warranty?

Clogs and Blockages: If a blockage occurs in an interior sewer line (e.g., in the basement or within walls),the warranty often covers the cost of clearing it. Leaks or Breaks: Coverage typically extends to repairing leaks or breaks caused by normal wear and tear.

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