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Cost to Install a Sewer Line in Washington, D.C.
Normal Range: $2,428 - $6,507
Most people pay $4,296 to install a sewer line in Washington, D.C., but depending on materials and labor costs in your area, you may end up paying between $2,428 and $6,507.
How we get this data
Ursula Page / Adobe Stock Photography
Ursula Page / Adobe Stock Photography
Highlights
Washington, D.C., homeowners are responsible for the costs of installing a sewer line from their home to the public sewer system.
The Permit Wizard system will help you determine the appropriate permits and associated costs.
To do this project, you’ll need a licensed master or journey-level plumber registered with WSSC Water.
The cost to install a sewer line in Washington, D.C., ranges from $2,428 to $6,507, with most homeowners paying $4,296. The final cost will depend on the complexity of the project, including whether your sewer pipes are older and if your sewer line pro has to dig into streets or sidewalks. A pro can walk you through the costs to connect your home to the municipal sewer system in Washington, D.C.
Sewer Line Installation Cost Factors
Installing a sewer line in Washington, D.C., is necessary to remove wastewater from your home, and a range of factors will significantly impact the cost. The length of the line, pipe materials, plus demolition and site prep, should be considered when estimating the project cost.
Sewer Line Cost per Linear Foot
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 |
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 around $3 to $20 per linear foot. Factor in the type of piping material to determine the pros and cons compared to the cost per linear foot.
| Type of Pipe Material | Average Cost (Per Linear Foot) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay | $50–$60 | Durable and 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 | Prone to corrosion, can freeze in cold temperatures |
| 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 Prep
Installing a sewer line takes a substantial amount of excavation work as well as the removal of trees, pavement, or boulders in the way of where the line will run. Costs for demolition and site prep will vary, but they’ll likely fall within the following ranges:
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
Sewer Line Installation Pro Costs
Sewer line installation pro costs include labor, permits, and additional fees required by the city when undertaking a sewer line project.
Permits and Regulations
Washington, D.C.’s Permit Wizard service walks applicants through a series of questions to determine the permits they need for their project and gives an estimated cost. It will also explain anticipated plan reviews, required documentation, and inspections. To access the Permit Wizard, you’ll need an Access DC account through the DC Department of Buildings. Permit costs for sewer line replacement in Washington, D.C., and surrounding counties range from $30 to $500.
Labor
In D.C., labor costs range from $4,000 to $25,000. They can also be estimated by linear footage and average $30 to $250 per linear foot. Sewer line projects in D.C. can be complex due to older pipes and challenging digging access. A sewer line repair pro in Washington, D.C., will be able to provide an estimate that details labor costs.
Licensing
If you’re installing a sewer line in Washington, D.C., you have to hire a master or journey-level plumber licensed through the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). They also have to be individually registered or work with a registered firm, and you should request proof of their license before you get quotes for the installation.
Does Sewer Line Installation Increase Home Value?
Installing a sewer line is a necessity when you build a new home or your existing sewer line fails beyond repair. Unlike other home upgrades, like a garage door replacement or kitchen renovation, installing a sewer line doesn’t directly increase your home’s value in Washington, D.C.
However, a damaged sewer line can lower your home value as prospective buyers will have to take on the cost of repairs. Regular maintenance and preventative repairs are the best way to keep your sewer line in good condition and avoid losing value.
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.
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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