How does a plumber fix a main sewer line?

Author: Prof. Alessandro Jaskolski DVM  |  Last update: Monday, July 28, 2025

Sewer Line Repair Options Interior repairs usually involve tearing out drywall and flooring to reach hidden sewer lines. Exterior repairs require digging a trench to access buried sewer lines. Repairs can take several days to complete depending on the amount of excavation that is needed.

How to fix the main sewer line?

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 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.

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 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.

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

How much does it cost to fix a main sewer line clog?

People usually spend $376 on sewer line clog repair, but it can range from $186 to $566. A pro will need to assess the clog severity, pipe accessibility, and the method of removal.

What is the life expectancy of a sewer line?

This pipe, which lies buried under the soil of your yard, can last anywhere from 50-100 years or more, depending on the material from which the pipe is made and the conditions under which it is used.

How do I know if my sewer line is broken?

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

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.

Is sewer line replacement tax deductible?

As a general rule, sewer line repairs are considered to be standard home maintenance expenses, which means you are not eligible for a tax break on your personal income tax returns.

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.

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 do plumbers unclog main sewer line?

With the main sewer line clogged, you need a professional plumber to snake or hydro-jet the pipe that connects drains in your home to the municipal sewer line. Hydro jetting is a complex process that entails using high-pressure jets through the drain pipes to break up blockages and get rid of all debris.

Is Roto Rooter more expensive than other plumbers?

Roto-Rooter is a national service available in every U.S. state, including Alaska and Hawaii. Flat-rate pricing might be slightly higher in states with a higher cost of living, such as California or New York, but most plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour.

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.

Is sewer line damage covered by homeowners insurance?

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.

Why is sewer fee so expensive?

The water released by the treatment facility is usually cleaner than the drinking water's receiving stream. Typically, the advanced systems are expensive to build and operate, increasing the overall cost of wastewater treatment. So, it is logical that sewer bills are higher than water bills.

Does home insurance cover underground pipes?

Homeowners are legally responsible for maintaining service lines from their home to their property line. And, standard homeowners policies don't cover service line damage, which means you are on the hook financially for any damaged lines between the street and your house.

Do plumbers check sewer lines?

Professional plumbers can use various camera styles to inspect the sewer line, such as: Remote-controlled crawler cameras. Pole or fixed zoom cameras. Push rod cameras.

How do I fix my main sewer line?

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog
  1. Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. ...
  2. Allow any sewer buildup to come out of the drain. ...
  3. Gently feed the auger cable into the main line drain. ...
  4. Run the auger until the clog is broken up. ...
  5. Hose out leftover debris. ...
  6. Pull the auger cable back out of the main line drain.

Can sewer pipes be repaired without digging?

Roto-Rooter's Zero-Dig Pipe Restoration Services can bring most old sewers and drainpipes back to life without digging trenches to repair or replace them. Little to no digging is required and some trenchless services can be completed in as... Fast, Friendly and Professional Service.

How long does it take to fix a sewer line?

The process might take hours to a day for straightforward repairs like fixing minor cracks or small blockages. However, the replacement could take days to complete (one to three days) if extensive damage has occurred , such as a collapsed line, a significant root intrusion or another plumbing emergency.

How do you tell if your sewer line needs to be replaced?

The Top 10 Most Common Signs of Broken Sewer Lines
  1. Sewer Smell. Usually, one of the first signs of a sewer line is a bad odor. ...
  2. Gurgling Toilet. ...
  3. Pests in Your Home. ...
  4. Slow Drains. ...
  5. Sewage Backup in Your Toilet or Tub. ...
  6. Mold or Mildew On Your Ceilings or Walls. ...
  7. Cracks in Your Walls. ...
  8. Unusually Green Patches on Your Lawn.

How often should home sewer lines be cleaned?

Most people should have their sewer lines cleaned every 18 to 22 months or every year and a half to two years.

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