Owning a home means understanding things can go wrong at any time, from leaks in your roof after a bad storm to your heating system tanking in the middle of winter. Sewer lines, too, can experience problems such as clogs and backups that may necessitate repair or replacement. It’s important not to ignore these issues, as your sewer line is a critical part of your home’s infrastructure.

There are two main ways to replace a sewer line: traditional sewer line replacement that involves digging up the ground around pipes and removing them; and trenchless sewer line replacement that uses cameras and special equipment to get the job done. Neither one is cheap, although the trenchless option is generally more affordable.

Here at Honest Sewer & Drain, we offer both traditional sewer line replacement and trenchless sewer line replacement. We understand replacing your sewer line, no matter which method is used, can get quite costly due to the labor, time, equipment, and materials involved. Let’s take a look at the factors that play into the expense of a sewer line replacement.

Cost Considerations

The final price tag to the homeowner in regards to the cost of sewer line replacement will depend on several factors, including accessibility, location, length, permits or approvals that need to be secured, and the replacement method chosen.

Traditional vs. Trenchless Replacement Costs

Traditional sewer line replacement methods, which involve physical excavation and replacement, can be time consuming and expensive. Trenchless methods, on the other hand, are less disruptive and less expensive.

  • Traditional sewer line replacement: Excavation and replacement can cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per linear foot, with the final cost depending on the length of the line, location, accessibility, and location.
  • Trenchless sewer line replacement: Pipe lining method costs between $80 and $250 per linear foot, with pip bursting fixes costing between $60 and $200 per linear foot. Again, cost will depend on the length of the line, location, and accessibility.

These are just estimates: to get a better idea of cost for your unique situation, get a quote from a qualified plumber in Sacramento.

There are a few ways you can keep costs down when it comes to sewer line replacement, such as financing and assistance programs that may be offered, or scheduling work during off-peak times. Ultimately, choosing a reputable contractor can help you save cash because they can suggest the most cost-effective method.

Average Costs

In the end, the average sewer line replacement cost can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $25,000. Why so expensive? Depending on method used, this procedure requires a lot of expensive equipment, a lot of manpower, and landscape restoration after the fact.

If you go with traditional sewer line replacement, be aware that this will involve excavating parts of your property. It may also involve the removal of flooring and drywall in order for the plumbers to reach the sewer line, which could be buried anywhere from a foot to five feet beneath the ground’s surface. It’s possible to reach shallow lines with a shovel, but excavating equipment will be needed to access deeper sewer lines.

On top of the actual service, you will have to budget some money to restore your landscaping after the job is done.

Excavating equipment costs more than $1,000 dollars per day to rent in many areas, but in addition to excavators, there are other types of equipment and machinery involved, including construction equipment to lift up and transport those large, heavy pipes.

One side note: if you have a complex sewer system and have multiple lines connected to the main sewer line to the street, tie-ins may cost extra.

The other half of the equation is the cost of labor. Certainly not a one-person job, sewer line replacement requires a team, especially with traditional methods, to properly handle the work. The knowledge, training, and expertise of these technicians comes at a higher cost.

And lastly, there are miscellaneous costs to factor into the mix, such as the cost to secure permits and approvals. Your plumber should be able to get approval from local authorities before beginning work, but it takes time and administrative work, which will also be reflected in your final bill.

A Note About Trenchless

With traditional sewer line replacement, the digging and excavating makes up a bulk of the final cost to the customer. But if no actual digging is involved due to the use of minimally-invasive techniques, you can save time and money on the job, particularly in regards to landscape restoration after the fact.

Get a Free Quote on Sewer Line Replacement Today

Honest Sewer & Drain tries to keep costs reasonable for our customers. Start off with a free quote on our sewer line replacement services when you contact us at (916) 690-5858 or fill out our online form.