On average, the cost of replacing a sewer line can range from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on several factors.
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.
With the foundation cut or broken open, or the driveway trenched under you can see the sewer line and find the break. You then cut out and remove the damaged section of the sewer line and replace it. With replacing or working with the sewer line, it is important to remember to keep the original drain slope.
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.
This pipe, which lies buried under the soil of your yard, can last anywhere from 50-100 years or more, depending on the material from which the pipe is made and the conditions under which it is used.
To fix a broken water pipe, homeowners can expect varying costs depending on the damage's severity and location. Minor DIY repairs might cost between $10-$50, while professional services range from $50 to $600, escalating in emergencies. For extensive damage, such as pipes under a foundation, costs can be $500-$4,000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If the break or hole in pipe occurred within your home's foundation, it may be covered., however, it is not likely that your policy will cover pipe bursts or breaks that occur outside of your home's foundation “footprint”.
Pipe replacement averages $1,252 and ranges from $371 to $2,133. Your plumbing repair pro can assess your home and estimate the overall cost. Pipes are the circulatory system of your house. They deliver drinking water, clean dishes, fill the bathtub, and send wastewater on its way.
The most effective way is to locate the pipes, and break the concrete enough to access them, excavate the soil and gravel, repair the pipes, and backfill, then pour new concrete over the open area, trowel it smooth and repair/replace any floor covering that existed before the work.
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.
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.