Septic tank service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
In San Francisco, homeowners are responsible for repairs and maintenance to the upper lateral—the sewer line between the house and the trap.
Homeowners are also responsible for lower lateral maintenance—the sewer line between the trap or curb and the municipal sewer main—but the city handles repairs or replacement.
Multiple permits are required to replace a sewer lateral, but a sewer repair pro can help you through the process.
The cost to install a sewer line in San Francisco averages $5,088, with a range between $3,234 and $7,774. Prices can vary due to the older homes and legendary hills throughout the city. To get an accurate estimate, a sewer service will assess your property, sewer material, pipe length, and labor costs.
Let’s explore the cost factors for sewer line installation in San Francisco, California, in detail as you start budgeting for your project.
The average cost to install a sewer line ranges from $50 to $250 per linear foot. Sewer line pipes are about 5 inches in diameter and run underneath your yard from your house to the main sewer drain.
See the table below for a cost breakdown based on the linear footage.
| Length (Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 25 | $1,250–$6,250 |
| 50 | $2,500–$12,500 |
| 75 | $3,750–$18,750 |
| 100 | $5,000–$25,000 |
To install a sewer line, you’ll need to purchase the pipes that connect the main sewer drain to your home. New pipes cost around $3 to $20 per linear foot. Factor in the type of piping material, the pros and cons, and the cost per linear foot.
| Type of Pipe | Average Cost (Per Linear Foot) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay | $50–$60 | Durable, resistant to corrosion and damage from chemicals, long-lasting | Common in older homes, likely needs to be replaced, prone to cracking and tree root intrusion |
| PVC | $0.50–$5 | Most affordable, smooth interior allows for faster flow and reduced blockages | Can collapse under heavy loads without proper installation, susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures |
| Cast iron | $2–$10 | Highly durable, performs well in areas with heavy surface traffic | Prone to rust and corrosion, heavy material makes labor more intensive |
| Copper | $20–$30 | High quality, long-lasting, lightweight, fire-resistant | High cost |
| HDPE | $4–$6 | Used with trenchless methods, resistant to corrosion, tree root intrusion, and chemical damage | Flammable, higher cost for skilled labor and specialized techniques |
Demolition and site prep are essential steps in the sewer line installation process, so be prepared for these costs:
Trenching: $800 per 100 linear feet
Boulder removal cost: $650–$1,200 per boulder
Tree removal cost: $200–$2,000 per tree
Pavement removal cost: $8–$15 per square foot
Beyond materials and site prep, there are a few other costs to factor in when installing a sewer line in San Francisco. You’ll have to obtain the correct permits and account for labor costs as well as cover the cost of inspections.
Sewer lateral installation in San Francisco requires a Category 1P permit, which covers sewer replacement and costs about $210. For homes with fewer than six dwelling units, you may need a Category 2PB permit that costs around $515 and covers plumbing installation for residential construction and underground plumbing.
Additional permits are also required for work on the lower lateral that runs under the public right-of-way. A Side Sewer permit and a General Excavation permit allow for a contractor with the appropriate license to complete this work.
In San Francisco, the sewer pipe that runs from the sewer main to your home is called the sewer lateral. The upper lateral runs from your home to the curb, and the lower lateral continues under the public right-of-way until it reaches the sewer main. Homeowners are responsible for maintenance, repairs, and replacement associated with the upper lateral. The lower lateral is also your private property, and you’re responsible for maintenance, but for repairs, contact the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
Labor costs to install a sewer line in San Francisco vary based on various factors, including the sewer pipe material and the length of the pipe. These costs fall between $30 and $250 per lateral foot. This is a wide range, which is why it’s important to discuss the project with a sewer line repair pro in San Francisco, California, who can give you an accurate estimate. These installations can also be complex due to the hills in the city and older homes, which adds to labor costs.
Installing a sewer lateral at your San Francisco home doesn’t necessarily increase home value. However, sewer line issues can be a deterrent for potential buyers and result in a decreased home value when you try to sell. Keeping your sewer line clear and up-to-date on maintenance is the best way to prevent a malfunctioning system from negatively impacting your home value.
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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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