Most people pay $3,469 to install a sewer line, but depending on materials and labor costs in your area, you may end up paying between $244 and $10,000. The average cost of sewer line installation is $3,469 and ranges between $1,425 and $5,755.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sewer lines come in a variety of depths. They can range in depth from 12″ to 30″ and can be as deep as 6+ ft. Often, it's only a matter of the environment and climate.
Believe it or not, plumbing pipes under a slab house foundation is typically 12 to 24 inches deep. The pipes are installed into trenches and then buried before the rebar, wire mesh, and concrete slab are poured.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Often Do You Need To Use Hydrojetting For Your Pipes? Whether your drainage system gets clogged easily or not, hydrojetting is recommended every 18 to 22 months to prevent clogs.
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.
Verdict: Both Mr. Rooter and Roto-Rooter offer a standard lineup of plumbing services, including emergency response. However, Mr. Rooter has an edge with more comprehensive water line, well pump, and sewer repair and replacement services.
Hydro jetting costs $475 on average but range from $350 to $600. A plumber can give you a quote and get rid of your sewer clog. Having to keep your plumber on speed dial is no fun for any homeowner. If chronic sewer clogs are giving you issues, it might be time to call in the big guns.
The general rule is 1/4″ of pitch per foot of run.
The depth of sewer lines can vary, but there are general guidelines in place. Typically, the minimum depth for a sewer line trench is around 12 to 16 inches, ensuring adequate protection from surface elements and preventing accidental damage.