What is the average cost of a new sewer line?

Author: Kimberly Langosh Sr.  |  Last update: Thursday, January 1, 2026

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.

How much does it cost to have a new sewer line installed?

On average, the cost of replacing a sewer line can range from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on several factors. The material type used in the replacement pipe is the most significant factor in determining the price.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line replacement?

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.

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 often do sewer lines need to be replaced?

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.

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

How do you tell if your sewer line needs to be replaced?

7 Warning Signs Your Sewer Line Needs to Be Replaced
  1. There's a Spike in Your Water Bill. ...
  2. You Hear Gurgling Coming from the Pipes. ...
  3. The Water Is Slowly Draining. ...
  4. Your Yard is Soggy. ...
  5. The Smell of Sewage Lingers. ...
  6. Pests Are Attracted to Your Yard. ...
  7. The Toilet Bowl Water Level Is Up and Down.

Does replacing sewer line increase home value?

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.

What is the life expectancy of a sewer line?

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.

How much does it cost to replace a cast iron sewer pipe?

Lets talk a little about average or possible cost of replacing your cast iron sewer pipes. The overwhelming majority of our estimates range from 15,000 to 25,000. Sometimes but not often we see estimates ranging from 25,000 to 35,000 and although it happens it is extremely rare to see an estimate over 35,000.

What is the difference between a sewer line and a sewer main?

Main drains are located in the walls and floors of your home, while sewer line drains are located outside underground. Each drain pipe in your home is connected to a different household fixture on one end, including toilets, sinks and bathtubs, and the other end is connected to the main sewer line.

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.

How much is sewer line insurance?

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.

Does a sewer line belly need to be replaced?

Whether a bellied sewer line needs to be replaced depends on the extent of the sag and the problems it causes. Minor bellies that don't impede the flow significantly may not require replacement.

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 deep are sewer lines 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 much does it cost to replace an underground drain pipe?

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.

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 do I know if my cast iron sewer pipe is bad?

Signs of Cast Iron Pipe Failure

Water-stained carpet, rug, or mat. Cracked, raised, or loose floor tiles. Stained or discolored tile (or tile grout) Slow drains or drain/toilet backups.

How much should pipe relining cost?

Average Pipe Relining Costs in Sydney

If you have a damaged pipe under your bathroom that is difficult to fix, it could cost you approximately $5,000 to $10,000 to fix. Even though the average cost to reline a metre of pipe is between $500 and $800, an on-site inspection is always needed to give an exact price.

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.

How do I know if my sewer line needs to be replaced?

Recurring Clogs in Your Plumbing System

Recurring clogs in your home's plumbing system are a telltale sign that your sewer line needs replacing. While clogged pipes are commonplace and usually easily solved with standard plumbing solutions, frequent blockages usually indicate a more serious underlying problem.

Does insurance cover cast iron pipes?

If you had no previous knowledge that your pipes could deteriorate because they are made of cast iron, then you could have a claim. However, insurance companies are notorious for giving lower reimbursements for cast iron claims, so be very careful. Sometimes the insurance company can take years to pay you your claim.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer lines?

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.

How much does it cost to run a new sewer line?

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.

Does home warranty cover broken sewer line?

Many warranty providers will offer coverage for outside valves, spigots, and showers. Coverage for exterior drain pipes and sewer pipes is standard, though it may limited to within a specific distance of the home or access point.

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