How much does it cost per foot to install a sewer line?

Author: Delphine Windler  |  Last update: Sunday, July 6, 2025

Sewer Line Cost per Linear Foot The average cost to install a sewer line ranges from $50 to $250 per linear foot. Sewer line pipes are typically about 5 inches in diameter and run underneath your yard from your house to the main sewer drain.

How much does it cost to install a sewer line?

The price of a new sewer line installation ranges between $1,425 and $5,755, with an average cost of $3,469. Once the plumber places the line, you may need to pay an additional $500 to $20,000 for hookup to the city sewer. Cities set prices depending on local water resources and the current setup on the street.

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 much does it cost to replace a $50 foot sewer line in California?

Per Foot Cost

The cost per linear foot for sewer line replacement varies between $50 and $250. For 50 feet, this translates to a total estimate of $2,500 to $12,500.

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 much does it cost to replace my sewer line? - Pricing Breakdown and Analysis

How much should I charge to install drainage?

Typical labour costs for drainage system installation: Hourly Rate for Tradespeople: £15 - £30 per hour. Total Labour Cost Estimate for Medium-sized Projects: £600 - £1,400.

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.

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 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.

What is the life expectancy of a sewer line?

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.

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.

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 replace an underground drain pipe?

Average Cost:

Repairing or replacing a small section of drain pipe can typically run between $250 and $1,250. Repairing larger sections or breaks can run between $400 and $1,500, with that cost going higher based on complexity of the repair.

How long do septic tanks last?

The average lifespan of a septic system is 15 to 40 years, but it can last longer if properly maintained! Think at the sink. Consider what you put into your toilet and sink and the impact it may have on your system. Many common household items can either clog your system or kill the microbes that treat the wastewater.

How do you install a sewer line?

The Process of Installation of Residential Sewer Line
  1. Determine the Pipe's Depth. Always begin by deciding the elevation of each pipe. ...
  2. Compute the Slope. ...
  3. Dig the trench and Lay the Bleeding. ...
  4. Install the Pipe. ...
  5. Back Fill the Trench.

What is Roto-Rooter's hourly rate?

Average Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup hourly pay ranges from approximately $14.54 per hour for Maintenance Technician to $28.39 per hour for Manager.

Does insurance cover Roto-Rooter?

Most insurance companies will cover unexpected water damage. However, damage caused by an ongoing issue or structural problem may not be covered. Roto-Rooter makes the water damage insurance process as easy as possible by working directly with your insurance company.

Why do plumbers charge so much money?

Plumbing Requires Experience and Expertise

We could cut expenses (and therefore costs to you) by hiring less-knowledgeable team members, but that's simply not our model. Rather, we hire only the most skilled technicians—plumbers who will treat your home like their own and do their absolute best work, every time.

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.

How often should a sewer line be cleaned?

Expert Recommendations for Sewer Line Cleaning

We recommend homeowners schedule sewer line cleaning every 18 to 24 months to prevent buildup and clogs. Regular cleanings help avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your plumbing system.

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 much does a new sewer line cost?

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. Depth and Accessibility.

How much does drain installation cost per foot?

The average cost to install a trench drain is $30 to $150 per linear foot, depending on the grate and channel material (plastic, metal, or concrete).

How much does it cost to connect to the mains sewer?

Connecting directly to the public sewer will cost £279.00. Connecting to an existing private pipe, the cost is £107.00 as no inspection from Anglian Water will be required. Two other fees may also be payable.

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