The typical cost for sewer line installation is $1,300 to $5,100
If your home is connected to a sewer system, it enables you to do the dishes, wash your hands, take a shower, or even just flush the toilet. Sewer lines connect to the main sewer drain and are a homeowner’s responsibility to install, repair, or replace when necessary. The average cost of sewer line installation is about $3,200.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Sewer Line by Linear Foot?
The average cost to install a sewer line ranges from $50 to $250 per linear foot. Sewer line pipes are typically about 5 inches in diameter and run underneath your yard from your house to the main sewer drain.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Sewer Line Near You?
The cost to install a sewer line varies slightly by location since different cities set prices depending on local water resources and the current setup on your street.
Here are a few examples of what it might cost to install a sewer line in areas across the country:
Boston: $2,420
Miami: $1,760
Chicago: $2,310
New Orleans: $1,600
DetroitI: $3,420
New York: $3,400
Portland: $4,160
Houston: $2,940
Los Angeles: $4,130
Dallas: $1,630
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Sewer Line Yourself?
You should always hire a plumber with good reviews to install your sewer line. This task takes specialized knowledge and experience that the average homeowner just doesn’t have. Since a malfunctioning sewer line can mean backed-up drains and costly repairs, this is one home project that it’s best to leave to the professionals.
Sewer Line Installation Cost Breakdown
The main factors that affect the cost of sewer line installation are materials, labor, trenching, and permits and regulations.
Materials
To install a sewer line, you’ll need to purchase the pipes that connect the main sewer drain to your home. New pipes cost approximately $3 to $20 per linear foot.
Labor
You’ll also need to pay a licensed plumber to install the sewer line. While it might be tempting to cut costs, you should always leave projects like sewer line installation to the professionals. Labor for sewer line installation costs between $30 and $247 per linear foot.
Trenching
Depending on the state of any existing sewer line, you may also need to pay for trenching. The cost to dig a trench runs about $800 per 100 linear feet. The total expense depends on the length and depth of the trenches needed.
This price usually does not include removing landscaping or hardscaping before digging, so be sure to get a quote from your plumber before you begin. You can save money on landscaping repairs if no-dig trenchless sewer repair is an option.
Permits and regulations
You’ll also need to purchase permits to connect to the city sewer line. These permits range from $400 to $1,600, with an average cost of about $1,000. The price may vary depending on local regulations, and homeowners are usually required to obtain the permits in advance of the project. If your city isn't in control of your installation, ask your plumber what you need to do. In some cases, plumbers or contractors may be able to obtain permits on your behalf.
FAQs About Sewer Lines
What else should I consider when getting a sewer line installed?
When installing a sewer line, you should consider other potential costs before starting your project. You should determine whether the work will require tree removal, driveway repair, or patio resurfacing.
Before you commit to these extra costs, you should ask your plumber if there’s any way you can avoid them.
How much does sewer line replacement or repair cost?
If there’s something wrong with your sewer lines or if you’re experiencing a clog or blockage, you may need to get your sewer line repaired or replaced. Depending on the issue, sewer line replacement or repair costs are between $1,400 and $4,100.
Do I really need to replace my sewer line?
While the answer to whether or not you need to replace your sewer line depends on your specific situation, it’s usually wise to be proactive when it comes to your plumbing.
Unfortunately, many sewer line issues only get worse over time. However, if there’s a specific problem pertaining to your sewer line, like impinging tree roots, you may be able to put off the problem with a temporary fix.
How much does it cost to install a two-way cleanout for a sewer line?
The cost to install a two-way cleanout for a sewer line ranges from around $500 to $2,000. Two-way cleanouts provide plumbers with outside access to your sewer and can make it easier to clear out clogs and blockages.
