Cost to Install a Sewer Line in Denver
Most people pay $5,029 to install a sewer line in Denver, Colorado, but depending on materials and labor costs in your area, you may end up paying between $2,922 and $7,201.
Denver has clay soil and low frost lines that increase the amount of time needed to excavate and dig for a sewer line.
Permit fees and inspection requirements vary by neighborhood, especially in established areas of Denver.
Rocky Mountain soil contains boulders, gnarly tree roots, and other hazards that increase labor costs.
Expect to pay more to install a sewer line if your home is far from Denver’s city mains or located on steep terrain.
Sewer line replacement or installation might appear simple at first glance—just dig a hole and put in a pipe. But it’s a much bigger job that calls for planning, precision, and the help of a pro, particularly when working with conditions in Colorado. The cost to install a sewer line in Denver is about $5,029 on average, but it can range from $2,922 to $7,201.
Overall, each job’s price tag is different and depends on the pipe material you choose, the type of soil in your yard, and more. Let’s explore the unique factors that will impact the total cost of your project.
Sewer Line Installation Cost Factors
Like other big home improvement projects, sewer line costs vary greatly from one home to another, especially in a large metropolitan area like Denver. Whether you’re dealing with a property that has a high clay content, a sloping yard, or century-old plumbing, there are various factors that go into the final bill. Sewer line repair pros in Denver, Colorado, can help you understand the cost factors for your project.
Sewer Line Cost per Linear Foot
The average cost to install a sewer line in Denver 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.
| Length (Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 25 | $1,250–$6,250 |
| 50 | $2,500–$12,500 |
| 75 | $3,750–$18,750 |
| 100 | $5,000–$25,000 |
Materials
To install a sewer line, you’ll need to purchase the pipes connecting the main sewer drain to your home. Factor in the type of piping and the cost per linear foot needed (for the material alone). New pipes cost about $3 to $20 per linear foot.
| Pipe Material | Pros | Cons | Average Cost (Per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | Lightweight, inexpensive, resists corrosion | Brittle in extreme cold, like winter in Denver | $2.50–$9 |
| ABS | Stronger than PVC, resists warping and impact | More expensive, not to code in some areas | $5–12 |
| Cast iron | Durable, quieter than other options | Heavy, expensive, prone to rusting in Denver’s damp soil | $12–$20 |
| HDPE | Flexible, seamless, resists cracking, ideal for trenchless pipe applications | Requires specialized installation equipment, which increases labor costs | $3–$8 |
Demolition and Prep
Before your sewer line pro installs the first pipe, they’ll need to do some demolition or prep work—especially in established Denver neighborhoods with mature trees and old pipes or new construction in areas with uneven ground and clay soil.
Anytime a contractor has to dig, expect the unexpected. Here are the average costs for demolition and prep work related to the cost of replacing a sewer line in Denver.
Trenching: Denver’s dense clay soil can slow excavation and increase labor costs. Expect to spend about $950 per 100 linear feet to dig the trench for your new sewer line.
Boulder removal cost: If your yard hides a Rocky Mountain surprise underground, you’ll pay extra to break up and haul away large rocks or buried boulders. This cost averages $650–$1,200 per boulder.
Tree removal cost: Mature trees can get in the way of a new sewer line trench, and thick root systems can tangle with pipes. If your sewer pipe installer needs to remove trees, plan to spend $200–$2,000 per tree.
Pavement removal cost: Whether you’re replacing or installing new, it can cost $8–$15 per square foot to remove driveways or sidewalks that run above sewer lines.
Sewer Line Installation Pro Costs
Even if you’re an experienced DIYer, sewer line installation is one project you should pass on to the pros. Tackling this job yourself can end in code violations, fines, leaks, and having to pay to redo the job. Here’s what to budget for sewer line replacement costs:
Permits and Regulations
Denver requires permits for sewer work, and costs vary based on your neighborhood and the scope of your project.
Permit cost: Expect to pay $150–$13,500 for permits, depending on the length of the line, whether you’re connecting to the city main, and whether it’s a repair or new installation. If your home or city infrastructure is older, access can be tricky, which increases permit requirements and cost.
Inspections: These may include trench inspections and final inspections. Some areas of Denver require joint reviews by the water utility and wastewater management service, which adds more inspections.
HOA considerations: Homes in planned communities or developments with homeowners associations (HOAs) may require additional approval before the work can begin. This might include paperwork, reviews, and delays if you have to wait for board meeting votes.
Added fees: Tap fees, utility impact fees, and plan review charges may apply, especially if you’re installing a sewer line for a new build, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or an infill lot. The city of Denver sets these fees, and they can add $1,000 or more to the budget.
Most contractors pull permits and add permit fees to their total cost, but others tack them on top. Talk with your contractor about how they handle fees for permits before starting work.
Labor
Labor costs for sewer line installation in Denver, Colorado, range between $150 and $500 per hour. However, costs will depend on the experience of the crew and the specifics of your job, including:
Soil conditions: Denver’s clay soil can slow down work, adding to labor costs.
Depth of frost line: Frost lines in Denver are deeper than those in warmer areas, so installers have to spend more time digging.
Traffic and access: Travel time may increase the cost, depending on where in Denver you live and where your sewer line installer is coming from. Likewise, prices can rise if it’s challenging for contractors to access your property or the work area.
You might be able to save by hiring a sewer line contractor that offers pipe lining, pipe bursting, or trenchless sewer pipe replacement.
Does Sewer Line Installation Increase Home Value?
A sewer line replacement may not sound as exciting as a kitchen or bathroom remodel, but it will give potential buyers peace of mind. That’s because inspectors will note the upgrades, and lenders may be more willing to approve funds for homes with recent improvements. In Denver’s competitive housing market, those benefits can go a long way.
Here are some top reasons a sewer line installation could be worth it:
Safety: New sewer lines prevent backups and leaks. If you live in a historic home or area of Denver, your home may have outdated clay or fiber pipes. Replacing them will bring the plumbing up to code and can stop leaks before they happen.
Efficiency: Newer sewer lines flow faster and handle greater capacity. That’s a big deal in larger homes and rental properties. If you or the next owner wants to add on or build an ADU, a new sewer line will ensure the plumbing system can handle the higher flow.
Functionality: Denver has a deep frost line at about 36 inches, and clay soil can stress sewer lines. New lines withstand harsh conditions and are more reliable. Plus, lines that meet local building codes will make future upgrades easier and less expensive.
Peace of mind: Modern pipes can help keep homeowners from worrying about issues like a clogged sewer line, which could be worthwhile in a competitive housing market like Denver. Since buyers are wary of big-ticket repairs, a recent sewer line replacement can be a selling point and may justify a higher asking price.
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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