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

Author: Pearlie Kemmer  |  Last update: Friday, July 18, 2025

Sewer line replacement costs $3,319, but can range between $1,388 and $5,323, depending on pipe material. Sewer line replacement costs $3,319 on average, with ranges falling between $225 and $10,000.

How much to replace a collapsed sewer line?

Although the cost can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $150 per foot to $250 per foot of pipe replaced, with the average sewer lateral at about 50 feet long.

Does homeowners insurance cover collapsed sewer lines?

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 do you fix a collapsed sewer line?

3 Ways To Fix Cracked or Collapsed Sewer Pipes: Excavate, Reroute, or Go Trenchless.
  1. Excavate: Tear Up Your Yard and Foundation. ...
  2. Reroute The Cracked or Collapsed Pipe. ...
  3. Trenchless Sewer Pipe Relining.

How much does it cost to dig up a 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 Much Does Sewer Line Maintenance and Repair 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.

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.

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.

Who is responsible for collapsed drains?

Homeowner's responsibility

You're responsible for all waste drainage pipes (such as gullies, gutters and drains) within your property boundary, so long as they serve just your property.

How much does it cost to replace a collapsed drain?

Replacing: For extensive damage or collapsed drains, expect to pay £400-£500 per metre on average for new pipes.

How much does sewer line insurance cost?

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.

Are local governments responsible for paying for sewer line repairs?

Sewer laterals are the underground pipes that connect your home wastewater to the main sewer line in the street. Homeowners are responsible for their sewer laterals, while problems with the public sewer main line are managed by the city or municipality.

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.

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.

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 fix a collapsed drain?

Q: How long does drain excavation and repair take? A: The length of time required for drain excavation and repair depends on the extent of the damage and the accessibility of the excavation site. In general, it can take several days to complete the process.

How do you know if your sewer line has collapsed?

Signs of a Collapsed Sewer Line
  • Toilet Backup. ...
  • Gurgling Sounds. ...
  • Universally Malfunctioning or Slow Drains. ...
  • Standing Water. ...
  • Foul Odors. ...
  • Tree Root Infiltration. ...
  • Sinkholes in Your Yard. ...
  • Mold and Mildew Growth.

How much does it cost to unblock a sewage drain?

Cost Factors of Cleaning and Unclogging Drains

The overall cost of drain unclogging will depend on the blockage type, for instance, a small blockage in a toilet or sink is normally only priced at around £50 to £70. However, a more extensive blockage deep in your drains could end up costing you around £150 to £200.

How much to fix a collapsed 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.

How long does it take to replace a sewer line?

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.

Should you repair or replace your sewer line?

Sewer line repair is recommended when there are cracks or holes in your sewer line. If damage is severe, replacement of the line is recommended. A pipe leak test must be performed, then there are two ways to proceed. The first is with trenchless repair.

Does insurance cover broken sewer line?

Ultimately, it boils down to what caused the damage. If your sewer line was damaged by something your policy covers, like a fire, your insurance policy should help you out. But for things like wear and tear, corrosion, floods, earthquakes, you'll need additional coverage.

How to repair 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.

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.

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