Septic tank service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Sewer systems in Indianapolis are older, so sewer line replacements are common.
If you have old cast-iron pipes, switch to PVC or ABS, which can better handle Indiana’s soil conditions and weather.
You’ll need to hire a licensed contractor to take on this major project.
Homes with septic tanks impacted by the Citizen Energy Group’s STEP program are required to connect to the public sewers.
Many sewer lines in and around Indianapolis, Indiana, were installed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. With age comes a whole host of issues like root intrusion, corrosion, leaks, and sewage backups—eventually, all plumbing needs an update. If you’re dealing with this issue, the cost to install a sewer line in Indianapolis is $3,956 on average, with most homeowners spending between $1,703 and $6,342.
A significant portion of Indianapolis, Indiana, uses a combined sewer system that processes stormwater and wastewater. Coupled with the aging infrastructure, this can lead to issues like sewage backups when it rains. The city has been working to upgrade the public sewer system, but an old sewer line in your home could also be an issue.
Sewer line replacement costs depend on several factors, such as the type of pipes, size of the job, and land prep.
The average cost to install a sewer line in Indianapolis ranges from $50 to $65 per linear foot, but it’s not uncommon for costs to rise to $250 per square foot if the installation is complex. Sewer line pipes are about 5 inches in diameter and run underneath your yard from your house to the main sewer drain.
| Installation Size (Linear Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 | $500–$650 |
| 20 | $1,000–$1,300 |
| 40 | $2,000–$3,000 |
| 60 | $3,000–$3,900 |
| 80 | $4,000–$5,200 |
| 100 | $5,000–$6,500 |
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, but you could spend more if you buy a specialized sewer pipe. In addition to the linear footage, factor in the type of piping material to get a closer estimate of your costs.
Many homes built before the 1980s in Indiana have cast-iron sewer pipes. Indiana’s soil's chemical composition, along with the freeze-thaw cycle in the winter and humidity in the summer, can corrode these pipes more quickly. While you can replace damaged sections of pipe, your sewer pro may recommend replacing the whole line with PVC or ABS, which are used more in modern construction.
| Type of Pipe | Cost per Linear Foot (Material Only) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | $3–$10 | Affordable material and installation, resistant to corrosion and tree root intrusion | Can become brittle and freeze in cold temperatures, not as strong as metal piping |
| ABS | $5–$11 | Performs well in freezing temperatures, affordable, resistant to tree root intrusion | Contains BPA that can leech into water, noisier than PVC pipe |
| Cast-iron | $20–$75 | High strength, durability, and sound insulation | Prone to premature corrosion, costly repairs |
| Clay | $50–$60 | Resists chemical degradation, eco-friendly, durable | Vulnerable to tree roots, heavy and hard to install, prone to cracks, high cost |
Land prep is one of the biggest factors that determine the cost of your sewer line installation. If you’re replacing your sewer line, you may want to opt for a trenchless installation, which helps you save on excavation and demolition costs. Excavation can be particularly tricky with Indianapolis’ high water table, which increases costs. Land prep costs are as follows:
Trenching: $4–$12 per linear foot
Old pipe removal (replacement only): $250
Boulder removal cost: $650–$1,200 per boulder
Tree removal cost: $100–$600 per tree
Pavement removal cost: $8–$15 per square foot
Since your sewer line installation will connect to a public utility, there are stringent regulations on who can perform the work and how. In Indianapolis, you’ll need to hire a licensed contractor. Here are what labor costs look like.
A permit for a sewer connection costs about $250. If you’re swapping from a septic system or installing a sewer line in new construction, you’ll need to pay a $2,530 connection fee. When the job is done, you’ll need to pass an inspection.
Most sewer line repair pros in Indianapolis charge $60 to $80 per hour for their labor. They must be listed, insured, and bonded with the City of Indianapolis before taking on this kind of job.
A sewer line doesn’t have an impact on your home value as long as it’s working and in good condition. The only exception is if you live in an area that’s part of the Citizen Energy Group’s Septic Tank Elimination Program (STEP). This program requires homeowners with septic systems to connect to the public sewer, which comes at a cost that potential buyers may not want to shoulder.
Additionally, if you have an older sewer line that’s causing problems, you may not be able to command the full value of your home while it needs a potentially costly repair. In this case, call a pro and make sure your plumbing is good to go. Your issue could be as simple as cleaning the line, or you might need to invest $1,400 to $3,500 for the cost of installing a sewer cleanout. Depending on the condition of your system, your pro could recommend a full replacement.
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I was scammed by the plumber Rex.He lied about modifications he needed to do and charged me for them. Once I caught him not doing those modifications he said he upgraded my extension tank so that is why he still needed 400 dollars. He took my 4.5 gallon tank and replaced it with a 2 gallon...
I thought I needed a part replaced on my water heater due to to the gas igniter not working. I am getting a little older and thought I would call someone this time rather than try to find parts on a Saturday afternoon and then not solve the problem... The Water Heater King was on a job, but...
Terry did a great job ... and it was difficult and in very close quarters. I asked for and was given several different warranty options so I could decide what would work best for me financially. I chose the full package with a 12 yr tank & parts warranty, along with the service plan. Terry...
Service Plus Heating Cooling PlumbingThey were delayed because a prior job took longer than they thought. When they got here, they were fast and efficient. He took me downstairs and explained why my tank needed to be replaced. He then went above and beyond by installing two new, more efficient lines from the well to the tank....
They said to expect my sewer scope report the same day and I didn't receive until the following week, despite notifying them that I needed it asap to use as proof of a septic in the process of buying a new home.
Pristine PlumbingMatt and his team were great. I needed to excavate an Underground oil tank, about 300 gallons in size and roughly 7 feet underground. The tank was up a steep hill, inside a courtyard fence and under a paver patio. Matt quoted quickly and was very responsive to all questions. The work was...
Wharff Excavating LLCI hired Efficient Systems to deal with my water heater in the house I rent out near Garfield Park. The pilot light kept winking out when the burner would quit at the end of a heating cycle. I had pulled my hair out and spent most of three days trying to diagnose and repair the thing myself....
Efficient Systems-Heat|Cool|Electrical|PlumbingJim went above and beyond. We were on a short timeline because of inspection deadlines. I called on Friday evening expecting to leave a message, but Jim picked up and talked o me at length about our issues and options. He made room in his schedule to come out as soon as the utilities were...
Knox Septic Sewer ServiceI went to Airtron first because they had done our heating and cooling system. It was in the same ballpark, but he was really pushing for a bigger tank than we really needed, and didn't really give us any options but saying you know, you don't really need this. The prices were comparable,...
Smart Home Solutions by AirtronBrandon arrived as predicted at 2:00 on August 31. He fixed both toilet tanks and then worked on the faucet handle. He worked with his home office and a plumbing supply store to identify the stem in the handle. However, he could not find the correct part, so he adjusted the hot water handle...
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