How much does it cost to fix a collapsed drain?

Author: Karina Block  |  Last update: Thursday, December 18, 2025

Drain Repair Costs The actual range goes from about $210 to around $1,200. This is not to say that you won't possibly have to pay more, sometimes you'll need to pay more cause not all contractors include into price other options like sewer drain inspection.

How much does a collapsed drain cost to fix?

On a “per metre” basis, you should expect to pay between £75 to £115 for a collapsed drain repair and between £300 to £770 for a collapsed drain excavation replacement. This is obviously a significant cost, so it will be worth contacting a few drainage companies and trying to get a free quote wherever possible.

Can you repair a collapsed drain?

As a collapsed drain is one of the most serious issues that can occur with drainage systems, once you have identified it as a problem, it needs to be rectified as soon as possible – this usually involves an excavation by drainage experts to ensure that the full extent of the damage is properly repaired.

How much does it cost to fix a collapsed sewer line?

Most homeowners end up paying around $150 per linear foot. Since the average cost for replacing a sewer line is between $1,300 and $4,900, this means the average length of repairs is between nine and 33 linear feet.

Who is responsible for a collapsed drain?

The drains which carry household waste are normally the property owner's (or the landlord's) responsibility up until the boundary of the property where they connect to public sewers. There will often be a company maintained manhole at that point.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Collapsed Drain? - LearnToDIY360.com

Does homeowners insurance cover a collapsed drain?

You won't be surprised to learn that insurance policies differ from company to company. The first thing to do is to check what's written in your home insurance policy in relation to drainage. As a rule of thumb, most providers will cover a collapsed drain which has been caused by accidental damage.

Are collapsed drains common?

Most drain systems have existed for more than 20 years and are usually made from earthenware pipes which are vulnerable to cracking and other types of damage. A very common problem that occurs is having a collapsed drain. A collapsed drain can become a very serious problem.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line repair?

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 does it take to fix a collapsed 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.

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.

Can a drain be repaired without digging up?

A blockage can usually be tackled with either drain rods or high-pressure jets, so there's no digging required. Dealing with physical damage, however, is less simple. It involves the structural integrity of the drain, making it harder to fix than just pushing an obstruction out.

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 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.

Who pays for drain repairs?

If you have a private or unadopted sewer, and own a property, you are responsible for the cost of maintaining and repairing it. If the sewer serves a number of properties, all the owners are jointly responsible for these costs.

How do I know if my drain line is collapsed?

How do you know if you have a collapsed drain?
  • A strong smell of sewage. If there's damage to a pipe or a collapsed drain, then you'll regularly notice the smell of sewage in or around the home. ...
  • The presence of rodents or other unwanted visitors. ...
  • New damp patches and mould appearing. ...
  • Slow drainage.

How do plumbers fix drains?

Manual Drain Snakes and Augers

This tool has a long cable wound onto a spool with a metal corkscrew on the end designed to grab globs of hair and other blockages. Manual augers have a hand crank that the plumber uses to feed the cable into the drain, maneuver it through the pipe, and break up the debris inside.

Is a collapsed pipe covered by insurance?

Homeowners insurance generally covers damage due to broken pipes if their collapse is sudden and unforeseen. However, water damage that occurs gradually due to a leaky or rusty pipe is generally not covered.

How much does it cost to fix a backed up sewer line?

Opting for a traditional sewer line repair method requires digging a long, deep trench(es) to remove the old sewer pipes and install new ones. On average, this method can cost $50-$250+ per foot. This estimate depends on the length and depth of the existing sewer pipes, ease of access to the pipes, and more.

What is the life expectancy of a sewer pipe?

Life Expectancy of a Sewer Pipe

Old homes, or homes built prior to 1980, will most likely have clay sewer pipes. Clay sewer pipe life expectancy is approximately 50 years. PVC pipe, which became more prominent after 1980, typically lasts longer – approximately 100 years.

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 much is sewer insurance?

Sewer backup coverage can be added as an endorsement to most homeowners insurance policies and typically runs from around $50 to $250 extra a year. Your cost will be determined by a number of factors in your area, including your local weather and the coverage limits that you choose.

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.

Can you fix a collapsed drain without digging?

How does no-dig drain repair work? The “no dig” method involves inserting a liner impregnated with resin into the damaged pipeline. Once in position, the liner is inflated to create a strong layer inside the pipe. This gives a water tight repair, sealing and protecting the pipe from further deterioration.

What happens when you have too much slope in drain pipe?

“Over sloped pipes (greater than ½ in. per ft.) are as likely to clog as under sloped ones because the liquids move too fast and leave the solids behind.” Why it's costly: Without the proper slope, drain lines may clog more frequently.

How do you fix a collapsed sewer line?

Your plumber will then go through these steps:
  1. Mix an epoxy resin.
  2. Measure and cut a cloth pipe liner.
  3. Fill the liner with epoxy.
  4. Insert the liner into your old pipe with a special machine.
  5. Cure the epoxy with hot water.
  6. Remove the liner.
  7. Run a camera through the line to make sure all holes are entirely covered.

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