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

Author: Burdette Shields  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

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 long does a sewer line repair take?

Typically, to replace a sewer line it can take anywhere from 1 to 2 days, to 3 to 5 days. In some rare cases, it may even be as quick as one day. Generally, the estimated time frame will depend on the layout of your property, your home's piping system, and the depth required to excavate.

Does insurance cover a broken sewer line?

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 long do plumbers take to fix pipes?

Typically, fixing a burst pipe takes anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Factors like damage severity, pipe accessibility, and material type affect the time needed.

How long does it take to dig up a sewer line?

For a trenchless sewer line repair method, the work can often be completed in as little as two days. For the traditional sewer line replacement method, homeowners can expect the process to last several days. Homeowners depend on a fully-functional sewer line to transport liquid and solid waste away from their homes.

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

How much does it cost to dig a new sewer line?

Contractors typically charge per linear foot for both the removal and installation of the new sewer line. In California, that cost can equal anywhere between $50-$250 per linear foot, with an average of around $150.

How often do sewer lines break?

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.

How much do plumbers charge to replace a pipe?

Pipe replacement averages $1,252 and ranges from $371 to $2,133. Your plumbing repair pro can assess your home and estimate the overall cost. Pipes are the circulatory system of your house. They deliver drinking water, clean dishes, fill the bathtub, and send wastewater on its way.

How long is a plumber liable?

In most cases, a plumber will be liable for any damage they cause for up to six years.

What to do if sewer line breaks?

If you have a mainline or sewer line break, it is best to let the professionals fix it.

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.

Does homeowners insurance pay for broken pipes?

Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing repairs? Homeowners insurance may cover water damage from a sudden accidental plumbing problem such as a burst pipe. However, it generally won't cover repairs to the pipe. The exception is if pipes are damaged by a fire, storm or another event your policy covers.

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 you know if your main sewer line is broken?

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

How long does it take to replace a sewer line under a concrete slab?

There are many benefits to the trenchless method, most notably that it takes just 1 – 3 days to complete the job. You won't have a plumbing crew invading your home for weeks. Call Before You Dig Up That Concrete Slab!

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.

What do most plumbers charge per hour?

The average plumbing contractor hourly rate will greatly depend on the level of expertise you're hiring.
  • Master plumber: $90 to $200 per hour.
  • Journeyman plumber: $70 to $120 per hour.
  • Apprentice plumber: $45 to $90 per hour.

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.

Can a handyman fix a broken pipe?

Minor leaks from pipes under sinks or from the base of a faucet are often within a handyman's ability to repair. They can apply the right sealant or replace a section of piping without overhauling the entire system.

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.

How do you tell if a drain pipe is broken underground?

The telltale signs of a broken sewer pipe under your house include:
  1. Poor drainage/backed up water in the sinks, toilets, and the bath.
  2. A foul smell, as sewer gases find their way back up the line toward your property.

What happens if you have a broken sewer pipe?

Sewer pipe cracks are serious problems that can lead to property damage, soil pollution, and mold-related health issues.

Can I replace a sewer line myself?

Traditional sewer line work involves digging a trench around the line to expose it. If you do the repairs yourself, you'll usually have to go this route, which means you may end up damaging your whole lawn. However, some professionals offer trenchless sewer line repair methods.

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