How much does it cost to replace underground drain pipe?

Author: Elinore Heller  |  Last update: Saturday, July 26, 2025

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 much does it cost to replace a pipe underground?

Depending on pipe materials, running a new sewer pipe costs $50 to $250 per linear foot, which includes materials and labor. Your sewer pipes run from the house to a street-adjacent city hookup. This distance varies depending on the design of your house and neighborhood.

How do you fix a broken underground sewer pipe?

Sewer lines can be repaired by slip lining where another liner pipe is inserted into the broken line to pass the point of the break. There is also a company that can reline a sewer pipe in place called Insituform.

How often do drain pipes need to be replaced?

Regardless of the material, each of these plumbing products have a life span that you should know so you can gauge whether you need an upgrade. Brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel have a life span of 80 to 100 years, copper lasts 70 to 80 years, and PVC piping only survives for 24 to 50 years.

How much does it cost to install a new drain line?

The average drain pipe replacement costs $696, but it can range between $225 , depending on factors like type and location. The average cost to replace a drain pipe is $696, though most homeowners spend between $225 and $1,169.

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

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 deep should drain lines be 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.

How long does it take a plumber to replace a pipe?

On average, a small-scale pipe replacement could take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Just a Few Hours: For minor pipe damage or replacement of easily accessible pipe sections, professional plumbers could complete the job in just a few hours.

How long do underground drain pipes last?

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.

What is the main drain pipe in a house called?

Simply put, your mainline is your sewer line. And all your drains connect to your main line. Your main line is also the line that goes from your house to the city connection or your septic tank. Before leaving your home, all of your drains dump into your mainline.

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.

Do plumbers fix underground pipes?

Usually, underground water leaks in your yard are difficult to repair for the simple reason that it is difficult to get to them. Professional plumbers will either have to do precision excavation or replace the line entirely. To do either, the plumber must first locate the water leak using a water leak detector.

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.

Does homeowners insurance cover underground pipes?

Homeowners are legally responsible for maintaining service lines from their home to their property line. And, standard homeowners policies don't cover service line damage, which means you are on the hook financially for any damaged lines between the street and your house.

How much do plumbers charge to replace a pipe?

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.

How long does it take to fix a pipe underground?

When it comes to fixing pipes located in exposed areas, the process could range from as brief as 30 minutes to just a few hours. Repairing those embedded within walls or buried underground might necessitate an extended timeframe spanning several hours up to an entire day due to issues related to access.

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.

How much does it cost to replace an underground water pipe?

Average water line replacement cost

Main water line replacement costs $2,000 to $5,000 on average for labor and materials. An underground trenched water line replacement costs $50 to $200 per linear foot installed. Trenchless water line replacement costs $70 to $250 per linear foot for parts and labor.

How long will black pipe last underground?

If protected against moisture, the durable nature of metal will prove useful as it can last more than 10 years underground. But without protection, it won't last that long. They can withstand up to 150 PSI of pressure and high temperatures. Like all pipes, black iron pipes also have their pressure limits.

What is the lifespan of a drain pipe?

PVC drain pipes are known to last between 25to 40 years, however, with recent advancements, they could possibly last as long as 70 years or more. While PVC pipes don't last as long as metal versions, they're a good choice for homeowners because they don't rust or corrode.

Do drain pipes need to be replaced?

Your main drain line rarely needs a complete replacement. Typically, a plumber can repair it without the expense of digging up and replacing the whole line. However, a replacement is warranted if the cast iron or tile pipes have collapsed completely.

Do you need gravel under a drain pipe?

All drainage pipes should be placed on the gravel bed in the trench. PVC drainpipe, if used, should be placed in the trench with the holes facing down.

How deep does a water line need to be to not freeze?

The IPC and IRC also state that all water and sewer lines must be at least 6 inches below the typical frost level for the area to help ensure that the pipe can't freeze.

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