Cost to Install a Sewer Line in Charlotte [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $1,006 - $3,971

Most people pay $2,489 to install a sewer line in Charlotte, North Carolina, but depending on materials and labor costs in your area, you may end up paying between $1,006 and $3,971.

How we get this data
Modern cottage home exterior
Ursula Page / Adobe Stock Photography
Modern cottage home exterior
Ursula Page / Adobe Stock Photography
Highlights
  • Charlotte’s hot summers and mild winters mean that PVC is a viable material for a sewer line. 

  • Mecklenburg County requires a permit for changes to plumbing. 

  • Charlotte residents may be eligible for the Residential Street Main Extension Program, which can help with the costs.

For homes connected to a public sewer system, homeowners shoulder the responsibility of maintaining, repairing, and replacing the sewer line that runs from the home to the existing public sewer main. The cost to install a sewer line in Charlotte averages $2,489, but costs range from $1,006 to $3,971 depending on materials, linear footage, labor, and more.

Sewer Line Installation Cost Factors 

In addition to factors like sewer line length and the type of pipe, the cost of demolition and site prep impacts the total. 

Sewer Line Cost per Linear Foot

City sewer system from house illustrated, with the sewer lateral pipes running to the sewer main line

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, pros and cons, and cost per linear foot.

Type of Pipe Average Cost (Per Linear Foot)ProsCons
Clay$50–$60Durable, resistant to corrosion, long-lastingCommon in older homes, likely needs to be replaced, prone to cracking
PVC$0.50–$5Most affordable, good fit in mild temperaturesDoesn’t stand up well in extreme cold
Cast iron$2–$10Highly durable, performs well in areas with heavy surface trafficProne to rust and corrosion, heavy material makes labor more intensive
Copper$20–$30High quality, long-lastingProne to corrosion, can freeze in cold temperatures
HDPE$4–$6Used with trenchless methods, resistant to corrosion, tree root intrusion, and chemical damageFlammable, higher cost for skilled labor and specialized techniques

Demolition and Prep 

Sewer Line Installation Pro Costs

Sewer line installation pro costs include permits and the labor to install the line.

Permits and Regulations

Installing a sewer line in Charlotte involves adding to or changing a plumbing system and requires a permit. If you’re acting as your own contractor, you may be eligible for Homeowner Internet Permitting (HIP). You can contact the Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement department to determine your permitting needs or discuss the process with your sewer service contractor.

A connection to the existing public sewer main in Charlotte can take up to eight weeks, so it’s contact your local water company, like Charlotte Water, to schedule sewer line installation and hookup as soon as possible. 

Labor 

Labor to install a sewer line costs between $30 and $247 per linear foot. Some sewer line installation companies charge around $70 per hour. Talk with your sewer line repair pro in Charlotte, North Carolina, to determine how labor will affect the total cost of the project. 

Does Sewer Line Installation Increase Home Value?

Installing a new sewer line doesn’t increase home value on its own. Because it’s a necessity, it’s not thought of as an upgrade or desirable feature, like a bathroom remodel or new windows. However, a damaged or outdated sewer line can decrease a home’s value, as the next owner will have to take over repairs or replacement. 

Maintaining your system and staying alert to signs of a sewer line clog or other issues that could spell trouble, like gurgling noises or bad smells, will allow you to conduct repairs as soon as possible and keep the sewer line in good condition. You may be eligible for the Residential Street Main Extension Program, which can help eligible homeowners with the cost of the extension. 

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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