Sewer Line Replacement Cost

Traditional Process: $5,000-$15,000

Sliplining Process:$8,000-$17,000

Typical costs:

Replacing a too-small, broken, aging or root-ruined sewer line using the traditional dig-and-replace method averages about $50 -$60 a foot, or $5,000 -$6,000 for a 100-foot sewer pipe, but can go as high as $7,000 -$15,000 or more depending on how deep the existing pipes are, how difficult it is to access, how long the trenches must be and what must be removed in terms of landscaping or structures.
There are several trenchless options that require relatively minimal digging. Costs are about $40 -$80 a foot or $4,000 -$8,000 for installing a new 100-foot pipe using the pipe-bursting method, in which a machine breaks and pushes out the old pipe while pulling through and installing a new pipe in its place.
Prices run $80 -$170 a foot or $8,000 -$17,000 for a 100-foot line using the sliplining process, in which a new, smaller-diameter pipe is secured inside the existing sewer line. And it can run $18 -$65 a foot or $1,800 -$6,500 to install a new liner inside a 100-foot sewer. Either sliplining or adding a new liner will reduce the overall diameter of the sewer line, but they can be effective methods in situations were extensive excavation is difficult or impossible (such as underneath buildings or other underground utility lines).
There's often a minimum charge of $750 -$1,000 for smaller projects. Large, complex jobs can run as high as $15,000 -$25,000.

What should be included:

Traditional sewer line replacement can require a lot of invasive digging; the Environmental Protection Agency gives a detailed overview of trenchless sewer replacement methods.
Sewer pipe installation or replacement generally requires a permit; check with your local building department or make sure your contractor is handling all needed government approvals and paperwork.

Additional costs:

Many companies first do a video camera inspection of the sewer pipes at a cost of $150 -$350; often this amount will be deducted from the final bill if you use the same contractor to replace the sewer line.
Replacing landscaping (lawn, trees, shrubs, flower beds) removed by traditional trench digging can cost $500 -$5,000 or more depending on how much is involved.

Discounts:

Often sewer problems can run in a neighborhood; check with your neighbors to see if they need similar work done and want to try for a group rate by using the same contractor.

Shopping for sewer line replacement:

Check with your sewer department to see if it maintains a list of local contractors. Both plumbers and sewer contractors do this type of work, as can any general contractor. Try to get bids from a variety of companies, as there may be a difference in both cost and convenience. The City of Portland, Oregon, provides an overview for installing a private sewer line.
Ask for a detailed bid (not just an estimate) in writing, clearly describing all the work to be done and the materials to be used, who is paying for and obtaining required building permits, the total price for the project and the estimated start and finish dates.
Ask about training and experience; request (and check) references; confirm that the company is properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state; and see if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
Referrals are available through the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association.

Article updated July 2008

Sewer Line Replacement

Amount: $500.00

Posted by: Wally Jackson in Camp Hill, PA.	Posted: February 25th, 2009 12:02PM
Type: main line replacement	Length: 40ft

I had a local company called Pronto Plumbing replace my sewer line for a low cost and there work was great