How to fix a broken sewer line under a house?

Author: Geoffrey Simonis Sr.  |  Last update: Sunday, October 12, 2025

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.

How to fix a broken sewer pipe under a house?

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.

How much does it cost to replace a sewer line under a house?

On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $3000 and $25000 for sewer line replacement. A typical range might be around $6000 to $15000. It's advisable to get multiple quotes from licensed plumbers or contractors to get a more accurate estimate for your specific situation.

Does homeowners insurance cover broken sewer pipes?

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 much does it cost to fix a broken pipe under the house?

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.

How to Repair a Sewer Pipe Under a Concrete Slab | This Old House

How do plumbers fix pipes under house?

As we mentioned, the new pipe is pulled through the old pipe, bursting it in place with a new HDPE sewer pipe. Once the new pipe is inserted, the plumber ensures everything works correctly and does a camera inspection. We then backfill the access holes. Unfortunately, there is no way to remove the old pipe.

How to fix busted pipe under house?

One popular technique used by professional plumbers for repairing a broken underground pipe is trenchless pipe repair. This technique involves locating the access point of the pipe and inserting a resin or acrylic patching material and maneuvering it into the place where the crack or damage is located.

What happens if your sewer line breaks?

If your sewer line develops a problem under your home, it could lead to some serious foundation issues if left unchecked. If you're noticing cracks in your foundation, your broken sewer line has to be repaired as soon as possible. Left alone, it could cause further problems, such as sinkholes and home settling.

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.

How much does insurance pay for sewer backup?

The average cost of water backup and sewer coverage may range from $50 to $250 per year, with limits of coverage from $5,000 to the full replacement cost of your home. Talk to your independent insurance agent to find the level of coverage that is right for you.

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.

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.

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 serious is a cracked sewer pipe?

Sewer pipe cracks are serious problems that can lead to property damage, soil pollution, and mold-related health issues. Sewer gas leaks can also cause people to experience headaches, dizziness, sinus infections, and more.

How do you unclog a main sewer line under your house?

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog
  1. Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. ...
  2. Allow any sewer buildup to come out of the drain. ...
  3. Gently feed the auger cable into the main line drain. ...
  4. Run the auger until the clog is broken up. ...
  5. Hose out leftover debris. ...
  6. Pull the auger cable back out of the main line drain.

How to fix a broken 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.

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.

Who covers sewer lines?

Homeowners insurance may help cover sewer line replacement costs under certain circumstances. To ensure you've got the coverage you need, you may want to pick up additional service line coverage, which includes sewer and other service line protection.

Does homeowners insurance cover collapsed sewer lines?

Key takeaways. Homeowners insurance may cover sewer line damage if it stems from something already included in your policy, like a fire or windstorm. Sewer line damage that is the result of wear and tear is excluded from home insurance coverage.

How do you know if you have a broken sewer line under your house?

An obvious sign of a sewer issue is if you see sewage pooling in your yard. A lingering foul smell and puddles that don't dry up indicate you might have a cracked main sewer line. Pest Invasion. A damaged sewer line can also invite unwanted pests into your home.

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 pipe under house?

Homeowners insurance typically covers losses resulting from a sudden malfunction, such as a pipe bursting unexpectedly. However, a homeowners policy won't cover slow, constant leaks or other plumbing problems resulting from neglect or improper maintenance.

How much does it cost to repair a broken pipe under the house?

On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $2,000 for a simple pipe repair. However, if the pipe is under a concrete slab or in a hard-to-reach location, the cost can skyrocket to between $500 and $4,000 or more.

What causes pipes to burst under house?

Cold weather

Since crawl spaces are usually less insulated than the rest of the home, the pipes within them are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. When the water inside of pipes in your crawl space freezes, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst.

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