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

Author: Sid Simonis  |  Last update: Sunday, February 1, 2026

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.

How long does it take to replace sewer lines?

Once again, how long it takes to replace a sewer line depends on a number of factors, but most residential sewer line placements take between one to three days. If you know what you're doing and have the proper equipment to get the job done, the job can hopefully get finished quickly and efficiently.

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

Cost Estimates

As we mentioned earlier, in the state of California, the cost of sewer line replacement can amount to anywhere between $50-$250 per linear foot, with an average of around $150.

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!

How do you know if your main sewer line is broken and how do you fix it?

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.

How to replace a main sewer line for ONLY $490

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.

Can you replace 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.

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 life expectancy of a concrete sewer pipe?

Occasionally the question arises as to how long concrete pipe will last. It is a generally accepted fact that concrete pipe will last at least 100 years and probably several centuries.

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 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 replacing sewer line increase home value?

If your sewer line is damaged, it could delay or even halt a possible sale. Even if you do sell the property, you could have to accept a lower price or make concessions. However, getting trenchless sewer line repair done can improve the value of your place.

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.

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

Clearing a clogged sewer line can take an hour to a few hours, depending on the blockage. If your lines are severely blocked, a video inspection and more advanced techniques may be necessary to find and address the clog.

How do you replace a sewer line without digging?

4 Types of Trenchless Sewer Repairs
  1. CIPP. Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology relines damaged pipes by inserting a fiberglass tube coated with epoxy resin into the damaged pipe and then blowing it up like a balloon. ...
  2. Pipe Bursting. ...
  3. Spray Lining/Brush Coating. ...
  4. Slip Lining.

How long does pipe installation take?

On average, traditional dig-and-replace pipe installation methods typically take around five days more or less, but no-dig pipe installation projects can be done in a couple of hours or a whole day at most.

Can you pour concrete over sewer pipe?

You can, but it would be wise to bury the pipe in sand or pea-gravel under the slab to be poured. Not a great idea to embed the PVC pipe directly in the concrete, because of the old (and well established reliable) saw “concrete cracks”.

How do I know if my sewer pipe is broken?

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 many years does PVC pipe last underground?

Dig-up test results in the U.S. and around the world indicate that PVC pipe can be expected to provide reliable service in excess of 100 years.

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.

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

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.

How do I know when my sewer line needs replacing?

10 Warning Signs You Need Sewer Repair/Replacement
  1. Unwelcome Visitors. ...
  2. Higher than Normal Water Bill. ...
  3. Noticeable Wet Spots on Landscape. ...
  4. Foul Smelling Standing Water. ...
  5. Various Plumbing Fixtures Clogged. ...
  6. Unexplained Gurgling Noise Coming from Drain. ...
  7. Varying Levels of Toilet Water. ...
  8. Intrusion of Tree Roots.

How does a plumber fix a main sewer line?

For traditional sewer line repairs, the existing pipe is removed and replaced with a new one. This involves gaining access to existing sewer lines. 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.

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 long do cast iron sewer lines last?

Cast iron pipes, despite their durability, aren't invincible. Most last anywhere from 50 to 100 years, but issues can crop up much earlier. Homeowners sometimes need to replace pipes before 50 years, especially if tough conditions have exposed them.

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