How do you fix a broken sewer pipe under your house?

Author: Pablo Heaney  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Option 1: Trench 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.

How to fix a broken sewer line under a house?

With the foundation cut or broken open, or the driveway trenched under you can see the sewer line and find the break. You then cut out and remove the damaged section of the sewer line and replace it. With replacing or working with the sewer line, it is important to remember to keep the original drain slope.

How much does it cost to replace a sewer line under a house?

On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $3000 and $25000 for sewer line replacement. A typical range might be around $6000 to $15000. It's advisable to get multiple quotes from licensed plumbers or contractors to get a more accurate estimate for your specific situation.

Does homeowners insurance cover broken sewer pipes?

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.

How much does it cost to fix a broken pipe under the house?

To fix a broken water pipe, homeowners can expect varying costs depending on the damage's severity and location. Minor DIY repairs might cost between $10-$50, while professional services range from $50 to $600, escalating in emergencies. For extensive damage, such as pipes under a foundation, costs can be $500-$4,000.

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

How do plumbers fix pipes under house?

As we mentioned, the new pipe is pulled through the old pipe, bursting it in place with a new HDPE sewer pipe. Once the new pipe is inserted, the plumber ensures everything works correctly and does a camera inspection. We then backfill the access holes. Unfortunately, there is no way to remove the old pipe.

What to do if a pipe bursts under your house?

Here are five tips from Consumer Reports:
  1. Shut off the water. Turn off the water main (or main water valve) to your home, to minimize water damage.
  2. Open your faucets up. ...
  3. Call a plumber. ...
  4. Begin getting rid of the water. ...
  5. Contact your insurance provider.

How much does insurance pay for sewer backup?

The average cost of water backup and sewer coverage may range from $50 to $250 per year, with limits of coverage from $5,000 to the full replacement cost of your home. Talk to your independent insurance agent to find the level of coverage that is right for you.

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.

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.

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 do you know if you have a broken sewer line under your house?

An obvious sign of a sewer issue is if you see sewage pooling in your yard. A lingering foul smell and puddles that don't dry up indicate you might have a cracked main sewer line. Pest Invasion. A damaged sewer line can also invite unwanted pests into your home.

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

Snake Main Sewer Line

The cost to snake a main sewer line is $100 to $500, depending on if you will use a regular snake or an auger.

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 long does it take to fix a broken sewer pipe?

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.

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.

How do you fix a broken underground sewer pipe?

One method of trenchless sewer line repairs is a process called epoxy pipe lining. Epoxy pipe lining allows for fixing damaged pipes without removing the existing pipe. Instead, it creates a new, durable pipe within the old pipe by coating the inside with an epoxy resin that sets and seals any holes or leaks.

Can a broken sewer line cause a sinkhole?

If you have ever looked at a house and noticed a depression or a trench in the front lawn, chances are the sewer is running directly below that depression. A sewer line that is not sealed properly can cause the ground to erode over time, leading to your sewer causing sinkholes.

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.

Does homeowners insurance cover broken pipes under foundation?

If your slab cracks due to a covered hazard, like a pipe burst, homeowners insurance will likely cover the cost of tearing out and pouring new slab, but pipe repairs will likely not be covered. Slab and plumbing issues resulting from age or normal wear and tear are not covered by home insurance.

How to fix a sewer backup?

Quick Fixes for Sewer Backups
  1. Use a Plunger – the easiest and most available drain opener around. ...
  2. Buy a Liquid Drain Cleaner – to unclog a sink or bathtub. ...
  3. Release Pressure - by turning off the water at the main supply first. ...
  4. Chemical Drain Cleaning – help with tree roots blockages.

Can homeowners obtain $10,000 coverage for sewage and drain backup damage?

Sewer and Water Backup coverage is an endorsement on homeowners' policies. It usually comes in different coverage increments: $5,000. $10,000.

How do you fix a broken pipe under the house?

One popular technique used by professional plumbers for repairing a broken underground pipe is trenchless pipe repair. This technique involves locating the access point of the pipe and inserting a resin or acrylic patching material and maneuvering it into the place where the crack or damage is located.

How much is a burst pipe repair?

On average, burst water pipe repair costs between $150 and $250 per linear foot for labor and materials. Keep in mind that replacing the pipe alone—before labor—only costs between $0.50 and $30 per linear foot.

Who is liable for burst pipes?

Owners are responsible for the repairs to damage within their units. In the event that the burst pipe was caused by a unit owner's negligence, then the ultimate responsibility for all the damage may belong to the owner.

Previous article
What is the best stain remover for unknown stains?
Next article
What does a bad car AC smell like?