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Sewer Line Replacement Cost


How Much Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost?


low cost Traditional Process: $5,000-$15,000
low cost Sliplining Process:$8,000-$17,000

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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
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Recent Posts

Amount: $500.00 Sewer Line Replacement
Posted by: Wally Jackson in Camp Hill, PA.Purchased: January, 2009
Type: main line replacementLength: 40ft
I had a local company called Pronto Plumbing replace my sewer line for a low cost and there work was great
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Amount: $4,500.00 Sewer Line Replacement
Posted by: Joe Tatum in Atlanta, GA.Purchased: March, 2009
Type: Clay main lineLength: 100 feet
I had Atlantis Plumbing replace my sewer line. They did a nice job a put straw down in the yard when completed. I got 4 quotes and they were the second lowest. I felt comfortable with their plumbers and they had some good references.
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Amount: $10,000.00 rip off
Posted by: kathyb in winter haven, FL.Purchased: January, 2004
Type: cityLength: 80
After living in my house for 9 yr. started having sewer problems. This has continued for 6 yrs. now. After trying to fix the problem about 100 times(snaking,flushing,cleaning)and paying sewer charges over 9000.Started to replace all. Only to find out that the sewer line went no where. just pipe thrown in the ground.and covered.CHECK THE WORK, AS IT IS BEING DONE!!!!!
The 80+ yr.old lady actually paid for this to be connected in 1992.
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Amount: $0.00 Need to find out how much does it cost
Posted by: SDAS in Silver Spring, MD.Purchased: 2010
Type: New Sewer LineLength: 300 Ft
We are looking into a vacant lot and we cannot build Septic tank due to City rule. Only option i sto bring the sewr line to the property> The main sewer line is 300 ft from the propert does any one has any estimate how much it is going to cost? The property sits on a major road but still they caall it RC zone means Rural Clusture although there is a big subdivision across the street
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