Cost to Install a Sewer Line and Connections by Location
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:
| City | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Boston | $2,420 |
| Miami | $1,760 |
| Chicago | $2,310 |
| New Orleans | $1,600 |
| Detroit | $3,420 |
| New York | $3,400 |
| Portland | $4,160 |
| Houston | $2,940 |
| Los Angeles | $4,130 |
| Dallas | $1,630 |
Cost to Hook Up to City Water and Sewer
Hooking your sewer connection up to the city’s water and sewer line costs anywhere from $500 to $20,000. The price varies greatly depending on local requirements. If you need to make any changes to your property to accommodate the hookup, there’s a good chance that you’re responsible for the cost of those improvements.
In some cases, your local municipality subsidizes some of the cost to connect to the public water and sewer lines. This assistance also depends on regional regulations and the complexity of the project. To know just how much you’ll pay, contact your local municipality.
Sewer Line Installation Cost Breakdown
The main factors that affect the cost of sewer line installation are materials, labor, trenching, permits, and regulations.
Sewer Line Length
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.
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. Factor in the type of piping material to gain a closer estimate as to how much you’ll pay per linear foot by referencing the following chart:
| Piping Material Type | Average Cost Range (Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| Cast-iron | $2 – $10 |
| Copper | $20 – $30 |
| PEX | $2 – $5 |
| PVC | $0.50 – $5 |
Cast-Iron Piping
Cast-iron pipes cost between $2 and $10 per linear foot on average. If you have an older home, there’s a chance that you have cast-iron pipes. This piping material is a little on the outdated side due to its susceptibility to corrosion—newer materials like PVC and PEX piping are more popular in newer homes.
Copper Piping
Copper piping costs between $20 and $30 per linear foot on average. While copper piping sports the highest price tag of all of the piping materials, its history as one of the longest-standing piping materials in homes makes it one of the more popular piping materials.
Polyethylene Piping
You’ll pay between $2 and $5 per linear foot to install polyethylene (PEX) piping. PEX pipes offer an affordable alternative to copper and more heat and cold resistance than PVC piping, giving you the best of both worlds.
PVC Piping
The most cost-friendly piping material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which costs between $0.50 and $5 per linear foot to install. PVC piping is both durable and budget-friendly, making it an economical material for your sewer hookups.
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.
Backflow Preventer
To prevent backflow into your basement, you may need to install an overhead sewer, which costs between $8,000 and $10,000 on average. These pipes run above the ground to ensure that no waste flows in the wrong direction.
Sewer Cleanout
A sewer cleanout can cost between $500 and $2,000. Sewer cleanouts are access points for cleaning out clogs or inspecting the lines through the use of a camera. A two-way sewer cleanout costs up to $3,500 and requires more work—especially if you need major excavation work done to install the cleanout.
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.
Housing Type
Your housing type impacts how much the sewer line installation will cost you. Here’s a breakdown of the different housing types and the amount of coverage you may or may not have:
Single-family: You are responsible for the total cost of the sewer line installation.
Twin home: Both owners must negotiate who will cover the cost of the installation.
Duplex: The property owner covers the costs.
Townhome or condo: Your HOA may cover the expenses, but this coverage may include increased HOA fees.
Additional Costs to Consider
Additional costs may sneak up that could affect the total cost to install a sewer line on your property. Keep the following in mind as you budget for the installation.
Obstacles
Obstacles can make navigating a sewer line installation akin to following a winding—and costly— labyrinth. From tree removal services to driveway reparations, some obstacles are pricier than others. Here's a list of some of the most common hurdles you may face when installing a sewer line and the costs that come with such obstacles.
Boulder removal cost: $650 to $1,200 per boulder
Tree removal cost: $200 to $2,000 per tree
Pavement removal cost: $8 to $15 per square foot
Landscaping
The cost to landscape your yard after a sewer line installation can range anywhere from $200 to $13,000. This wide cost range boils down to the size of your yard, the extent of the sewer line, your landscaping design, and the landscaping materials.
Repairs
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.
Cost to Switch from Septic to Sewer
Switching from a septic system to a sewer system costs around $6,000 on average. You have to factor in several components to arrive at a cost estimate when you're making this switch, including:
Permits: $1,000
Decommission septic tank: $500 to $1,000
Install new sewer line: $2,900
Trench under foundation: $150 to $200 per foot
New pipes inside home: $1,050
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
You should always hire a local 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.
Margaret Wack contributed to this piece.
