How do you fix a broken main sewer line?

Author: Precious Brakus IV  |  Last update: Monday, June 15, 2026

If you're looking for an affordable way to fix your sewer line issue, a trench option might be for you. Your plumber will dig up your old line and repair portions of it or replace it. They will then make sure all the proper connections are secured by running a camera through the line.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer lines?

In most cases, home insurance will cover sewer line damage from specific events. This includes extreme weather (excluding earthquakes and floods), vandalism, fire, and damage from vehicles or falling objects.

How much does it cost to repair a main line?

Main Water Line Repair by Type of Repair Needed

A cracked pipe can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000, while a broken pipe runs between $500 and $5,000. Corroded pipe repair costs from $600 to $5,000.

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 cheapest way to replace a sewer line?

Trenchless sewer repairs, such as pipe lining or pipe bursting, are typically 30-40% less expensive than traditional excavation and less invasive. Traditional excavation, which involves digging a trench to access the damaged pipe, is usually more expensive and can cause significant damage to your yard.

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

How to fix a broken main sewer line?

Pipe lining—If the damage to your sewage pipe is minimal, pipe lining can be used to insert an inflatable tube covered in epoxy into your sewer line. From there, the tube is inflated, pressing against the existing line. While it's up against the existing sewage line, the epoxy cures and hardens, repairing the leak.

What is the difference between a main line and a sewer line?

Main drains are located in the walls and floors of your home, while sewer line drains are located outside underground. Each drain pipe in your home is connected to a different household fixture on one end, including toilets, sinks and bathtubs, and the other end is connected to the main sewer line.

Can a sewer line be replaced without digging?

Pipe bursting is a method of repairing or replacing our sewer lines without digging trenches in the ground and wreaking havoc on your yard. It is not the only trenchless method, but it is one of the most popular options that avoid digging up the yard.

How much does it cost to auger a main sewer line?

Plumber Drain Snaking Costs

Simple sink, shower, or toilet clogs – $100 to $250 per drain. Kitchen sink or laundry drain cleanout – $150 to $275 average cost. Main sewer line augering – $200 to $500 per cleaning.

Why is sewer line replacement so expensive?

Sewer work is expensive because of the labor-intensive process involved, which includes excavation, pipe removal, and installation of a new one. It requires significant manual labor and expertise, driving up the overall cost.

How long does it take to fix a main sewer line?

Sewer repair times vary, but patching a minor crack or clearing a clog may only take a few hours. Trenchless sewer line replacement can take around two business days, while traditional replacement can take three or more.

Does homeowners insurance cover main water line repair?

If these are damaged or break, the homeowner might be responsible for the repair. A standard homeowners policy does not cover the service lines running into the home—unless you've added service line coverage.

How much does it cost to fix one break line?

In most cases, the cost to replace brake lines is between $150 and $300 per brake line, including installation. If you replace all four brake lines, costs can quickly add up. Here's a brake line cost breakdown by type of vehicle. You'll notice there's a big range.

How much is sewer line insurance?

Sewer line coverage varies in cost but can generally be obtained for $5 to $15 per month, depending on your property size and the area in which you live. Because sewer line incidents often cost upwards of $10,000 to repair, many homeowners consider sewer line coverage a good investment.

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.

How much does it cost to roto rooter a sewer line?

Roto-Rooter sewer main line unclog service prices in 2024 may range from $400 to $600.

How deep are sewer lines buried?

For instance, residential sewer line depth ranges from 18 to 30 inches. However, city sewer line depths are different. Your city's sewer lines must always be deeper than the deepest residential pipe to allow waste to flow downhill. As such, these lines can go as deep as needed.

How to know if a sewer line is broken?

7 Warning Signs Your Sewer Line Needs to Be Replaced
  1. There's a Spike in Your Water Bill. ...
  2. You Hear Gurgling Coming from the Pipes. ...
  3. The Water Is Slowly Draining. ...
  4. Your Yard is Soggy. ...
  5. The Smell of Sewage Lingers. ...
  6. Pests Are Attracted to Your Yard. ...
  7. The Toilet Bowl Water Level Is Up and Down.

Can you fix a sewer line yourself?

While it's certainly possible for a homeowner to replace the sewer line from the house to the street, it's not going to be an easy job. It's going to require both knowledge and manpower because it needs to be done right, or it won't work properly.

What happens if your sewer line breaks?

If your sewer line develops a problem under your home, it could lead to some serious foundation issues if left unchecked. If you're noticing cracks in your foundation, your broken sewer line has to be repaired as soon as possible. Left alone, it could cause further problems, such as sinkholes and home settling.

Should you repair or replace your sewer line?

Sewer line repair is recommended when there are cracks or holes in your sewer line. If damage is severe, replacement of the line is recommended. A pipe leak test must be performed, then there are two ways to proceed. The first is with trenchless repair.

How much does it cost to fix a clogged sewer line?

You will likely pay around $350 to $650 to have a plumber unclog a main sewer line unless you have complications like serious damage to the line.

What is the main sewer line in a house called?

Simply put, your mainline is your sewer line. And all your drains connect to your main line. Your main line is also the line that goes from your house to the city connection or your septic tank.

Does the main sewer line always have water in it?

The second answer is NO: If you notice that drains are overflowing or making a gurgling noise or even sucking the water seal dry it would most likely point towards a fault in the drainage system.

Previous article
Is Dawn dish soap safe for vinyl siding?
Next article
How long does it take to diagnose car AC problems?