| |
|
 |  | Traditional Process: $50-$250+ per foot |  | Trenchless Process: $60-$250+ per foot |
|
|
Typical costs: | - The traditional dig-up-and-replace method requires excavating a long, deep trench or trenches to remove the old pipes and install new ones. This method can cost $50-$250 or more a foot, depending on the length and depth of the existing pipes, local rates and the ease of access. Replacing an average sewer line from the house to where it connects to the public sewer system typically costs $3,000-$6,000. However, if the project is complex and/or if the connection to the public system is in the middle of the street it can cost $7,000-$25,000 or more. CostHelper readers report paying $4,500-$13,000, or $50-$100 per foot traditional replacement of 50'-100' of sewer line, for an average cost of $7,493 or $106 per foot.
- Trenchless sewer replacement uses minimal digging with one of several methods -- pipe-bursting, in which a machine breaks and pushes out the old pipe while pulling through and installing a new pipe in its place. Expect to pay about $60-$200 per foot, or $3,500-$20,000 for an average household sewer line depending on the type, length and depth of the existing pipe, plus the cost of any required permits or sidewalk repairs. The trenchless slip-lining method (in which a new, smaller-diameter is installed inside the existing sewer line) or relining (both of which reduce the overall interior diameter of the sewer line) typically cost $80-$250 or more a foot, or $4,000-$25,000 or more for a typical household sewer. CostHelper readers report paying $6,000-$12,000 or about $92-$238 per foot for trenchless sewer repair, with an average cost of $8,900 ($162 per foot).
- Smaller projects generally cost more per foot. To replace sewer lines less than 50' long, CostHelper readers paid $5,500-$6,800 or $148-$550 per foot for traditional trenching projects, at an average cost of $6,167 or $232 per foot.
Related articles: Septic System, Septic Tank Cleaning, Replacing Copper Pipes, Unclogging a Toilet
| |
What should be included: | - Traditional dig-and-replace sewer work can require a lot of invasive excavation and result in a patched-up yard, but can be a relatively simple project; an excavator digs up the old pipes, new ones are installed and the trench is refilled. A California plumber provides a video of replacing old clay piping using traditional methods[1] .
- Trenchless methods are usually faster than the traditional approach, but require at least some digging, usually at each end of the existing pipe and anywhere in-between where it bends or turns. A video by the manufacturer US Trenchless illustrates the pipe-bursting process[2] while one by a New Hampshire plumbing company explains sewer pipe relining[3] .
- Sewer pipe installation or replacement generally requires a permit; check with the local building department or make sure the contractor is handling all needed government approvals and paperwork.
Additional costs: | - Many companies first do a video camera inspection of the pipes at a cost of $100-$800 but with an average price of $250-$550, depending on local rates and the total length of the pipes; often this amount will be deducted from the final bill if the same contractor replaces the sewer line.
- Ask detailed questions about what condition the yard will be in when the project is completed. Replacing (lawn, trees, shrubs, flower beds) displaced or damaged by traditional trench digging can cost $50-$5,000 or more, depending on how much is involved.
Shopping for sewer line replacement: | - Replacing a private sewer line can be done by a plumber, sewer contractor or general contractor; get a variety of quotes because they may differ in both price and available equipment. The City of Portland, OR, provides an overview for installing a private sewer line[4] .
- Check with the sewer department to see if it maintains a list of local contractors or, for larger projects, search for local members of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association[5] .
- Ask about training and experience; request (and check) references; confirm that the company is properly bonded, insured and licensed.
- Request 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.
|
| |
|
|
|
CostHelper News
| 
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
| | 
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
Page 3 of 3 - << Previous 1 2 3
|
| Posted by: Steve in 2022 in Los Angeles, CA. | Posted: March 24th, 2022 07:03AM |
| Type: Abs and spray liner | Length: 100' |
Numerous breaks in 90 year old cast iron and also in the clay pipe. replaced with 4" schedule 40 ABS to the curb and then liner in the clay pipe to the city sewer. 3 days, removed all old pipe and sent the camera down to verify all new work.Not cheap but a lot of digging. |
|
|
| Posted by: Den Ver in West Covina, CA. | Posted: March 13th, 2022 01:03AM |
| Type: Hdpe | Length: 55 ft |
Replaced main sewer line from existing clean out in front yard to connect to city pipe, about 60 feet using pipe burst method. Clean out included at city pipe due to surrounding trees. |
|
|
| Posted by: Anita Ramos in Centreville, VA. | Posted: December 8th, 2021 11:12AM |
| Type: Led to PVC | Length: 100 ft |
About ready to replace a pipe in yard-60-65 yrs old
Just also replaced Sewer line under house (crawl space-5ft high, graveled) for $2,400, 2 months ago-it was collapsed. May need to replace water line too-same age or older for another $1500. About what others have noted as to price range. Camera showed bellies and roots (trees gone for 6+ years).Good News: Replacement will out live me |
|
|
| Posted by: Rick P in Sunnyvale, CA. | Posted: February 26th, 2020 07:02PM |
| Type: ABS | Length: 80 feet |
A cast iron 4 inch drain had roots in it and needed snaking 2x year. Finally had it replaced with 4" ABS. The trench was 4' deep, 80 feet long. The company I used does work on an hourly basis. I was leary of hourly but found out that it is half the cost of those who have a flat rate. |
|
|
| Posted by: Bryan clarke in Tustin, CA. | Posted: July 7th, 2019 07:07PM |
| Type: ABS piping | Length: From All Points of drain inside the hous |
A liner for 57 ft from Foundation to clean out by sidewalk |
|
|
| Posted by: Larry Jones in Pamona, CA. | Posted: January 7th, 2019 02:01PM |
| Type: Pcvp waist pipe | Length: 27 |
|
|
| Posted by: JaneD in Houston, TX. | Posted: August 12th, 2018 06:08AM |
| Type: Cast iron sewer pipes | Length: 150' |
Hired a company to camera the sewer line that ran the complete length of the middle of our house. Multiple failures. We chose a complete reroute from under the house since putting pipes somewhere inaccessible (again!) sounded like a horrible idea. We chose the least invasive and most future-accessible reroute so our trenching linear footage was pretty high, plus two large tunnels/pits to access the two baths. Now we have cleanouts periodically around the house, and the under-slab pipes were capped.
The majority of postwar homes around here have under-slab cast iron piping that has an average life span of ~50 years, so it was too shocking that it needed to be done, but at about $115/linear ft for trenching and $5k each for the bath tunnels/connects, it hurt (for reference - each price included parts, labor, permits/fees, inspections). |
|
|
| Posted by: Sheila and Brad in Encino, CA. | Posted: September 13th, 2017 06:09PM |
| Type: Sewer Line under House | Length: ??? |
We have a concrete slab foundation. A crack formed on wall outside that clued us into something going on. Turned out sewer line was probably broken for years. They had to jackhammer the bathroom, front porch, and entire length of kitchen. Sewer line was busted in three places. Tremendous erosion occurred under the house (caused the crack outside). They had to back-fill in all three places, plus jackhammer in the garage to correct the foundation. I don't think the cost was outrageous after reading these other comments. Too bad we couldn't take legal action against the seller. The statue had passed. And we got to deal with cockroaches in the back yard a couple of months later. I think we're done with this fiasco! |
|
|
| Posted by: Mmurray87 in Buffalo, NY. | Posted: September 9th, 2017 07:09AM |
| Type: Replacement | Length: 25 feet |
Called roto rooter to do a visual inspection of drain tile on a house I was considering buying - was discovered there was a crack in the pipe resulting the same water to be recycled by my sump pump! They stated they would break up concrete sidewalk, about 3ft by 4ft and 4 feet deep to the break and repair it for 1800! I bought the house and had them repair it - upon digging down, they said there was 25 ft of corrugated hope that was the real issue and now its costs 4400 to replace it and that's not including putinf cement back down!
Overall, I've been happy with there service and promptness - could I find someone to do it cheaper? Prolly but I just don't care anymore and want it replaced and fixed so I don't have t lo worry everything t rains that my sump pump will burn out and flood the basement! |
|
|
| Posted by: Betrayed_in_LA in Los Angeles area, CA. | Posted: August 1st, 2017 08:08PM |
| Type: lining (20\') and replacement (4\') | Length: 25\' |
$750 to hydro-jet and examine with camera turned into $3700 for 4-foot pipe replacement (camera showed pipes out of alignment), which became an additional 32,000 job to line old clay piping running out to main. "Emergency" "Has to be done now" kept us from shopping around. Plumber I've used for many years happily for small jobs, so I trusted the company. Estimated distance 25 feet. |
|
|
| Posted by: Ohio Sewer in Hillsboro, OH. | Posted: July 29th, 2017 06:07AM |
| Type: PVC | Length: 110' |
Replaced 100 feet of clay tile that was root clogged with 100 feet of pvc. Total cost including excavating and clean up was 2800.00. Municipal manhole was behind the curb so no street work was needed. |
|
|
| Posted by: cartemd in Opelika, AL. | Posted: July 18th, 2017 09:07PM |
| Type: Sewer & Water Line Replaced | Length: 85\' |
Replaced my old PVC/Orangeburg pipe from cleanout to city cleanout. The Orangeburg pipe was busted causing backups. Used Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Great experience. |
|
|
| Posted by: a user in Los Angeles, CA. | Posted: June 29th, 2017 02:06PM |
| Type: Lateral | Length: 40' |
Never had major plumbing issues once every three years it backs up this time I called my neighbor who is a licensed plumber to take a look at it he first quoted us $35OO he'd have it done in a day he had all the fancy tools camera, locater after digging and breaking the clay pipe and going in to clear the line then ran the camera again to let us know that the roots were cutting into the lateral that ran into the street and if it ever did bust we are looking at thousands upon thousands of dollars of repair work since the city would need to get involved and we'd need to get permits and city inspectors well after his spiel said we’d need to get a liner from the clog point to the street since it was also misaligned were it linked up to the city’s line he then said that would be another $11,500 on top of the $3,500 I nearly passed out I was in tears in shock I didn’t even know what to do but cry he saw me tear up and said he’d try and cut us a better deal on the liner so he made a call and |
|
|
| Posted by: roro in Little Rock, AR. | Posted: April 11th, 2017 07:04PM |
| Type: Replacement | Length: 70\' |
Little Rock offers a sewer line replacement program for owners with Old Orangeburg pipes. They will pay up to $2,500 to replace if you qualify. You must pay $400 street cut to the city plus cost to plumber to replace or do it yourself and get reimbursed. So total cost to me should be about $900 if all goes as expected once I receive refund. |
|
|
| Posted by: William Freeman in Colorado Springs, CO. | Posted: April 10th, 2017 05:04AM |
| Type: plastic pvc 4" line | Length: about 35-40' |
In 2005 I was living in Colorado Springs and experienced a sewerage back-up and had to replace my sewer line because of clogged invasive roots in the cracked sewer line preventing proper drainage. Rotorooter was employed with no luck; could not break through the roots. City permit was very expensive ($6,000.00)to cut into and repair the street. Took three days. |
|
|
| Posted by: unhappy camper in santa cruz, CA. | Posted: February 25th, 2017 04:02PM |
| Type: PVC | Length: 15 ft. |
i was quoted (verbal only) $2,500 and waited 3 weeks for the plumber to schedule my job. the old ceramic pipe was about 3' deep, running under a recent copper water pipe and alongside a birch tree with 2 large roots crossing above it that were excised (and will likely kill the tree). excavation took 2 unskilled workers a couple of hours. a clean-out was installed in the replacement section, sticking up 10" above the ground in the center of my flat, postage-stamp yard. a shrub was removed unnecessarily and no clean-up was performed. i am an older single woman and i feel ripped off! the entire job took 5.5 hours. afterward, i spent 2 hours cleaning the cobbled driveway and strategically re-installing the shrub to conceal the clean-out eyesore (although the shrub is also likely a goner). i was offered a $600 discount for paying in cash and waiving an invoice or receipt. which means i am paying $600 for the home repairs deduction on my 2017 taxes. |
|
|
| Posted by: #IFEELTAKEN in Baton Rouge, LA. | Posted: February 13th, 2017 01:02PM |
| Type: PVC | Length: 20 feet |
After Roto-Rooter inspected the drain line which could not get passed 35 feet from the cleanout, serviceman suggested for a new cleanout to be installed near the area where the camera could not pass, this at a cost of $1,450. Once they broke up the cement and dug in about 2 feet they realized the old tar-rolled pipe had collapsed.
Since this had to be repaired they gave me an estimate of $8,500 to breakup the length of the drive (about 70 feet), lay down new PVC (quarter inch think), install a new cleanout and poor cement back on the drive. After further analysis we decided to tie into a newer drain line from an in-laws suit cutting the cement breakup and poor from 70+ feet to only 20 feet and the PVC pipe from 80+ feet to 20 feet. With these reductions I imagined my cost would go down by at least 40 percent of the $8,500 initial estimate but the serviceman stood his ground and said the best he could do is $7,600. I feel this repair should not been more than $4600. |
|
|
| Posted by: Clara Jimerson in Blue Springs, MO. | Posted: January 27th, 2017 12:01PM |
| Type: Replace sewer line from house to city's | Length: 80' |
Had several plumbers clean out line over 16 months but back-up recurred several times. Finally called Rotorooter and a nice young man came to house at 11:00pm to clean out so we could use bathrooms. Next day a cameraman came to inspect entire line. Within 2 days the 40 year old cast iron line was replaced and all is working well. The workers were excellent and did as little damage as possible to our front yard. Could not be happier that this company solved an annoying problem so quickly that other plumbers failed to do. Could not be happier! |
|
|
| Posted by: Yourshitismybreadandbutter in Chandler, AZ. | Posted: December 20th, 2016 07:12PM |
| Type: Camera | Length: |
Parker and sons did a free camera inspection for me. Great place. |
|
|
| Posted by: Mr Proactive in San Francisco, CA. | Posted: September 20th, 2016 01:09PM |
| Type: Replacement -Cast Iron | Length: 30 |
Replaced 80 year old clay lateral with 4 inch diam. cast iron. Trench was 5 feet deep at the main sewer line connection. Installed two new clean outs and brought up to code. Witnessed too many neighbors paying $8K + to replace theirs, so I spent some time researching and got a company to do it for $5K. I thought I'd be proactive and just get it done before it fails. There was no rush so I was able to get a good price. |
|
|
| Posted by: VA girl in Falls Church, VA. | Posted: July 21st, 2016 04:07AM |
| Type: Main sewage line replacement | Length: 50 feet |
We had a main sewage line (50 ft) replacement done from the front door of the house to the county sidewalk using traditional trenching method as the Orangeburg pipe was collapsed at one point. They installed 2 clean out holes: 1 by the house and 1 by the sidewalk. They had to tunnel under our front porch for about 3 ft. |
|
|
| Posted by: RMartinez09 in Glendale, AZ in Glendale, AZ. | Posted: April 21st, 2016 01:04PM |
| Type: Orangeburg | Length: 50ft |
So I live in a family owned house that was built back in the late 1950'S. Before I was ever brought into this world as I am only 31 years of age, my parents used to tell me that they would always have plumbing issues. Fast forward to 60+ years later and now the pipe finally gave out. I called a company called Option One and they came out to see if they can try to salvage my pipe line. When they did dig to the pipe the pipe line was completely gone! There was NO PIPE at all. It was completely gone where two of the pipes connect. They originally quoted me at $11,000 but was able to knock it down to $8700. When I continued to stress the price they then lowered it an additional $400 which brought the price down to $8300. Still not the best price but the work needed to be done. So they started to dig where my old clean out was at to replace that portion. They also had to make another dig to where the old pipe connected to the clay piping. They then used Trenchless Technology. Quick repair |
|
|
| Posted by: Debra Boitano in Campbell, CA. | Posted: January 18th, 2016 04:01PM |
| Type: Clay | Length: 40 to 50 ft |
Replaced galvanized pipes with copper 2015. Cottage had leak in bathroom and while plumber was out noticed backup at opening. Could not get past 40 to 50 feet, using a snake.Was to check with camera and give estimate. |
|
|
| Posted by: fool in ventura in Ventura, CA. | Posted: January 12th, 2016 08:01AM |
| Type: January 11, 2016 | Length: 17' |
Well I am a chump. Cast iron pipe under the slab was corroded and created cracks through which mud accumulated and created a blockage in the line. So they:
1-snaked
2-determined where the block was thru the vent in the roof
3-dug a hole in the front of the house to access the main line under the house
4-"supervisor" said they'd have to cut up the slab
5-They hydro cleaned the pipe to show the rust-it cleared the mud
6-They put a camera on the rest of the sewer lines and down to the street; also hydro cleaned them
7-17' of trenchless pipe in original problem area
So the original snake bill was $250. To locate, scope and do new clean out-$2500. Then when I said to do the hydroclean they added $1100. Trenchless now is $12,000 to which they added $1100 for total of 13,100. This is $588/linear foot, at least double. I considered getting a 2nd proposal; my past experience with residential is that when a big company is involved, the prices don't vary much & are obscene. |
|
|
| Posted by: Nab33 in Marcus Hook, PA. | Posted: October 13th, 2015 05:10AM |
| Type: Cast Iron from 1976 | Length: 60 feet |
Horizon came out and used camera which showed 2 large bellies in 20 fee of line just outside main house. Line is 8 feet down under dirt and a walkway.
I agreed to replace this section with PVC.
I also elected to 'line' the remaining 40 feet of cast iron with PVC and remove a trap which are no longer used today. The 8 foot vertical stack pipe also got replaced. Horizon guarantees the work FOR LIFE for 'ANYTHING' that goes wrong. Great company but very expensive.
This work gets done TODAY. |
|
|
| Posted by: Zopkios in Bellingham, WA. | Posted: August 26th, 2015 04:08AM |
| Type: Orangeburg | Length: 70 feet |
Home built 1953. No problems until this year when sewage backed up into bathtub. Roto Rooter unclogged with blow bag. Then, 6 weeks later, couldn't get beyond obstruction at 25 feet. We then went with a different plumbing firm, deciding to replace the line up to the obstruction but upon excavation discovered we were a victim of an Orangeburg installation. And that the original contractor had tied the stormwater drain into sewer line. So we replaced everything with 4 inch ABS. This new installation included an outside access cleanout which we didn't have before. |
|
|
| Posted by: Barb Roth in Fair Lawn, NJ. | Posted: August 23rd, 2015 06:08PM |
| Type: clay broken pipes | Length: 50 |
I hope someone out there can help me! I have 2 main questions. I need to start this work as soon as possible.
1. Does anyone know how to tell where the lateral sewer pipe connects to the street pipe? No one will tell me that they can know. Workers are giving me the impression that they just dig all around to find out. Makes a big difference where it is.
2. How can I find a sample contract or bid to even begin to know what to ask these workers?
I have recently discovered that there is a break and significant misalignment in our lateral sewer pipe. There was a back up that was cleared, but we were told it it was only a matter of time until that small area got blocked again. The break has been located twice with cameras (which did not agree with each other). One said the break is under the sidewalk and one said under the second up of the abutting steps. They were both using transmitters from cameras. We know there are lots of roots in the pipes also.
I have had 2 sewer plumbers, |
|
|
| Posted by: Billy Don Turner in Houston, TX. | Posted: August 5th, 2015 09:08PM |
| Type: Sewer repair | Length: 7 feet |
Had roots in the sewer line 6 feet deep. They replaced about 4 feet of pipe and covered it up. Fair charge considering I had estimates that were all double what I got charged by theses guys. |
|
|
| Posted by: Greg Summers in Yorba Linda, CA. | Posted: July 6th, 2015 12:07AM |
| Type: PermaLiner | Length: 63 |
We have had issues since 1998 with main line back ups. Originally it would back up ever 2 years. In 2007 we remodeled our house. At that time we were told that if we wanted to replace our clay line it would cost $ 10,000.00. We had already gone over our initial budget so we held off. Six months later our first back up. Cleared for 150.00. Then every year after that 2-3 times at 50.00 to 100.00 to clear. Fast forward to 2015 3 times in the last 6 months. We had free camera inspections twice with the plumbers telling us they would have to Hydro-jet to clear the all roots at 350.00 we choose just the basis snaking. They warned that our line could collapse if that happened it would cost $11,000.00 to repair. I started researching options. We have a few mature trees that we did want to cut down or destroy our landscape so on July 3rd I hired ProPowerPlumbing. Five guys worked from 2-6 hours each completing the job in one day. We got Perma-Liner with a 50 year transferrable warranty. |
|
|
Page 3 of 3 - << Previous 1 2 3
|
|
|
|
|
External Resources: | - www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch3WFVPWxQE
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeHodiqHcx4
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=emxd7H1E5-4
- www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/article/298475
- www.phccweb.org/applications/ContractorReferral/search.cfm?navItemNumber=532&ewebT...
More Home and Garden Topics
|
Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com
|
|
| |
| Today's Featured Cost Articles |
|
|
|
|
Post
