The cost of converting a cesspool to a septic system depends on factors like labor, complexity, and materials. Use our guide to estimate your budget.
Cost to Install a Sewer Line in Tampa
Normal Range: $1,732 - $4,586
Most people pay $3,118 to install a sewer line in Tampa, Florida, but depending on materials and labor costs in your area, you may end up paying between $1,732 and $4,586.
How we get this data
Ursula Page / Adobe Stock Photography
Ursula Page / Adobe Stock Photography
Highlights
Plumbers must hold a plumbing contractor license to install sewer lines in Tampa.
Converting a septic system to the county wastewater system comes with additional fees.
Labor costs in Tampa depend on soil conditions, excavation, the depth of the pipe, and tree root removal.
Installing a sewer line in Tampa means you’ll be connected to the county wastewater system. Whether you’re installing a sewer line in new construction or replacing an outdated or damaged one, expect to pay an average of $3,118. Depending on specifics like the length of the pipe, material, demolition, site prep, and labor, the cost ranges between $1,732 and $4,586 for most homeowners. This isn’t a job you can DIY, and a sewer pro can help you plan for the cost factors involved.
Sewer Line Installation Cost Factors
Installing a sewer line in Tampa means accounting for the cost of demolition, excavation, or tree removal to prepare the site and the pipe materials to complete the job.
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.
| Installation Size (Linear Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 | $500–$750 |
| 20 | $1,000–$1,500 |
| 40 | $2,000–$3,000 |
| 60 | $3,000–$4,500 |
| 80 | $4,000–$6,000 |
| 100 | $5,000–$7,500 |
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 $3 to $20 per linear foot. Factor in the type of piping material for a closer estimate and consider the pros and cons of each option.
| Type of Pipe | Average Cost (Per Linear Foot) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay | $50–$60 | Durable, resistant to corrosion and damage from chemicals, long-lasting | 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 | Weaker than cast iron, may collapse under heavy loads without proper installation, susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures |
| Cast iron | $2–$10 | Highly durable, effective for areas with heavy surface traffic | Prone to rust and corrosion, more labor-intensive due to weight |
| Copper | $20–$30 | Long-lasting, lightweight, fire-resistant | Most expensive |
| HDPE | $4–$6 | Used with trenchless methods, resists corrosion, tree root intrusion, and chemical damage | Higher cost |
Demolition and Prep
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
Installing a sewer line in Tampa requires adhering to local regulations and hiring a qualified pro to complete the excavation, site prep, and installation.
Permits and Regulations
Before installing a sewer line in Tampa, you’ll need to obtain the proper permits from Hillsborough County. Fees include:
Permits: $100–$1,000
Inspections: $200–$800
Soil or groundwater testing: $300–$1,500
If you’re converting your septic system to the county wastewater system, you’ll need to hire a licensed plumber who can estimate the cost. A connection contract from Water Resources is required, and you’ll need a plumbing permit for approval. There is a one-time account setup fee of $25, and the fees for initiating the connection are based on location:
North: $2,951
South or Central: $3,651
Fees may vary for a low-pressure sewer system.
Labor
Labor costs to install a sewer line in Tampa range from $45 to $125 per hour, and the type of labor needed will impact the cost. Your sewer line repair pro in Tampa, Florida, will break down the amount of labor needed and provide the exact hourly rate.
All contractors in Tampa must be licensed by their local jurisdiction or the State of Florida, depending on the type of work they do. A plumber is required to have the following permits:
Mechanical
Miscellaneous Activity
Plumbing and Gas
Tree Removal and Site Clearing.
Does Sewer Line Installation Increase Home Value?
Sewer line installation in Tampa doesn’t necessarily affect home value. However, a poorly maintained sewer line can decrease the value because prospective buyers will have to factor the cost of repairing or replacing the sewer line into their offer.
If you need to repair your sewer line to make your home more marketable, you can consider trenchless sewer line repair. This method reduces the amount of excavation necessary, keeping labor costs lower than a traditional repair.
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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