Cost to Install a Sewer Line in Los Angeles
Most people pay $4,540 to install a sewer line in Los Angeles, California, but depending on materials and labor costs in your area, you may end up paying between $3,000 and $14,000.
Los Angeles soil varies from sandy variations on the coast to dense inland clay, so your exact location will impact digging methods and costs.
Earthquake-resistant pipe materials can increase your cost by 20% to 30%, but they offer added protection against seismic activity.
The city’s extensive root systems from large trees often damage existing sewer lines and make new installations more complicated.
Since tearing up and replacing concrete can be costly, Los Angeles sewer line companies may recommend trenchless installation.
From earthquakes and varied soil types to mature trees, concrete, and extensive landscaping, installing a new sewer line in Los Angeles can be more complicated than in many other cities. For these reasons, most homeowners spend an average of $4,540 on the cost to install a sewer line in Los Angeles, but your project could range from $3,000 to $14,000.
Let’s explore the factors that influence the wide range and where you’ll need to budget for your project.
Sewer Line Installation Cost Factors
Every neighborhood presents its own set of challenges for replacing a sewer line, whether it's mature landscaping in more established areas or the tightly packed utilities and concrete you'll find throughout Los Angeles, California. Here are the main cost factors to keep in mind.
Sewer Line Cost per Linear Foot
The average cost to install a sewer line in Los Angeles ranges from $75 to $400 per linear foot, with most jobs costing around $165 per linear foot. This cost is higher in LA than in other areas due to the need for earthquake-resistant materials, varied soils that call for specialized digging equipment, and increased labor costs.
Depending on the type of sewer pipe you choose, most are about 5 inches in diameter and run underneath your yard from your house to the main sewer drain. In Los Angeles, sewer lines are buried 4 to 5 feet deep, depending on your specific location.
| Length (Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 25 | $1,870–$10,000 |
| 50 | $3,750–$20,000 |
| 75 | $5,625–$30,000 |
| 100 | $7,500–$40,000 |
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 about $5 to $35 per linear foot, which is higher than in other locations. That’s mostly because pipe materials must be compatible with seismic safety, varied soil conditions, and old sewer systems.
Factor in the type of piping material to estimate how much you’ll pay per linear foot by referencing the following chart:
| Piping Material | Pros | Cons | Average Cost (Per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | Lightweight, affordable, compatible with most LA soil types | Not ideal for high seismic zones without proper installation | $5–$16 |
| ABS | Stronger than PVC, flexible, handles temperature changes | Limited availability, not to code in some areas | $7–$20 |
| Cast iron | Traditional choice, durable | Heavier material requires more labor to install, can crack during seismic events | $18–$35 |
| HDPE | Excellent flexibility, resistant to earthquakes and tree roots | Higher material and installation costs | $12–$28 |
| Earthquake-resistant ductile iron | Specifically designed for seismic areas, used for critical infrastructure | High cost, specialized installation required | $25–$35 |
Demolition and Prep
Sewer line installation in LA involves more than digging a trench—there is a whole list of preparation steps your pro needs to take. From underground obstacles to mature landscaping, get ready to pay for prep work to help the installation go smoothly.
Trenching cost: Expect to spend about $1,200–$3,500 per 100 linear feet to dig the trench for your new sewer line. Standard excavation is on the lower end, and digging in rocky ground will cost more. If your contractor strikes dense clay, it can take longer.
Boulder removal cost: Rocks and limestone slabs underground can raise the bill—budget $1,000–$2,200 per boulder.
Tree removal cost: If your contractor needs to remove mature trees because they’re over your sewer line or their roots are interfering with pipes, expect to spend $800–$4,000 per tree to remove the hazard.
Pavement removal cost: Before you dig, breaking up driveway or patio slabs costs about $12–$20 per square foot. Replacing them will add more to the cost.
Root barrier installation: This barrier provides long-term protection against tree roots, which can save money over time. Budget $300–$800 per project.
Utility line relocation: If your new sewer line crosses paths with utility lines, you’ll need to have those lines moved. Expect to pay $600–$2,500 per line.
Sewer Line Installation Pro Costs
Installing a sewer line isn’t a DIY project—the complicated nature of the job and the detailed regulations around utility services and infrastructure mean this is a job to leave to the pros. In a city like Los Angeles, where seismic shifts, diverse soil types, and tough permitting standards make the work more difficult, having a pro who is familiar with local conditions is all the more important. Here’s how those factors influence cost.
Permits and Regulations
Only a licensed, bonded sewer line contractor can apply for a sewer line permit through the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. For most jobs, you’ll need to set aside $400 to $1,200 for permits and fees, depending on where your home is located and how complex the project is.
As part of the job, your contractor will have to apply for permits covering plumbing, digging, work on public streets, environmental reviews, and seismic compliance. They’ll also need to coordinate inspections before, during, and after the work. Each inspection will cost between $125 and $200.
Sewer line replacement costs depend on where your home is located. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA), you will likely have to get approval from the HOA and pay the associated fees. Likewise, some historic areas require additional review processes to make sure the work won’t negatively impact the look of the neighborhood. And if your home is located on a hill, expect to provide geological reports and special digging techniques that protect the safety of your home.
Labor
The competitive construction industry and specialized techniques required by the unique geological features impact the labor costs for a sewer line installation in LA. While sewer line repair pros in Los Angeles, California, will most likely bid the job as an entire package, labor makes up a significant part of that total. Hiring a pro costs $65 to $110 per hour for skilled labor, with most projects taking over four to seven days with three to five workers.
If your job is particularly large or complex—if it’s on a hill, in a dense neighborhood, or requires specialized equipment—it will take more time than average, increasing labor costs.
Does Sewer Line Installation Increase Home Value?
When buyers are weighing their options, a recent sewer line replacement can give them peace of mind and help sway their decision. In a city like Los Angeles, with a competitive housing market, your home could sell faster and with fewer hiccups. Here are a few reasons why LA buyers value new sewer lines:
Safer during seismic activity: When the ground shakes, pipes can break. But modern sewer lines made of flexible, seismic-resistant materials can give buyers more confidence that their system will survive moving ground.
Resists roots: New pipes with root barriers are far better at resisting root intrusions. This can prevent leaks, backups, and expensive emergency repairs.
Complies with codes: Some types of old pipes don’t meet current seismic and environmental standards. New pipes in an upgraded system will be up to code, which is beneficial for your property and the environment as a whole.
Less maintenance: Clay and cast-iron sewer pipes require more maintenance than updated materials like PVC, ABS, and HDPE.
Lower insurance premiums: Your home insurer may offer discounts for upgrading your sewer line, especially if your current pipe is old, outdated, has a history of leaks, or isn’t earthquake-resistant.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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