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Cost to Install a Sewer Line in Portland [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $2,046 - $7,146
Most people pay $4,478 to install a sewer line in Portland, Oregon, but depending on materials and labor costs in your area, you may end up paying between $2,046 and $7,146.
How we get this data
Ursula Page / Adobe Stock Photography
Ursula Page / Adobe Stock Photography
Highlights
The soil in Portland ranges between expansive and stable, so the type of sewer pipe you can use depends on the soil on your property.
General contractors can make sewer connections in Portland, but hiring a master plumber ensures a high-quality installation.
Sewer line installation doesn’t increase your Portland home’s value, but a well-maintained sewer line is key to appealing to buyers.
When building a home in Portland, sewer line installation is one of the first tasks on your to-do list. From the local soil, plumbing codes, and more, different factors affect the total costs. As you budget for the project, know that the cost to install a sewer line in Portland is about 25% more expensive than the national average, with most homeowners paying $4,478. Costs range between $2,046 and $7,146 depending on the sewer line length, materials, labor, and permits. Estimate how much you’ll pay for your sewer line installation based on key factors.
Sewer Line Installation Cost Factors
These are the main cost factors that determine the scope of your project and affect your sewer line installation costs in Portland, Oregon.
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.
| Piping Length (Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 30 | $1,900–$9,400 |
| 40 | $2,500–$12,550 |
| 60 | $3,775–$18,800 |
| 80 | $5,025–$25,100 |
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 gain a closer estimate as to how much you’ll pay per linear foot by referencing the following chart:
| Type of Pipe | Average Cost (Per Linear Foot) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast iron | $2.50–$12.50 | Durable, long-lasting | Corrodes in acidic soil, likely needs to be replaced |
| Copper | $25–$37.50 | Durable against the acidic soil, long-lasting | High cost, required maintenance prevents rust and leaks |
| PEX | $2.50–$6 | Works in expansive soil found in alluvial deposits and well-draining volcanic soils | Not recyclable |
| PVC | $0.50–$6.25 | Corrosion-resistant, affordable | Less durable under heavy loads |
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
Factor in these significant costs associated with hiring a sewer service company near you to repair or install a sewer line.
Permits and Regulations
Permits and fees are required to install a sewer line in Portland. Your sewer line contractor will secure the necessary permits, which means less paperwork for you to deal with. The first required fee is the Sewer System Development Charge, which costs $575 to $1,300 per drainage fixture unit. Secondly, a sewer connection permit application costs $350 to $625, depending on whether you need a manhole installed.
Labor
Labor costs make up a majority of the project costs, ranging from $40 to $300 per linear foot. Unlike other cities, Portland doesn’t require hiring a master or journey-level plumber to complete the job, which allows general contractors to take on the project if it’s on private land.
Furthermore, Portland allows private homeowners to DIY some sewer line connections if the work is all on private property. However, DIYing a complex installation like a sewer line comes with risks, like costly repairs for mistakes. Unless you have years of experience doing similar work, it’s best to hand the job off to the pros.
Does Sewer Line Installation Increase Home Value?
Your sewer line installation won’t increase your home’s value in Portland. However, if you have a home with a failing sewer line, your home value can decrease. Whether you’re planning to sell or want to continue living there for years to come, completing necessary repairs is key to a healthy home. If you opt to leave the sewer line as-is, you might have to lower your asking price and wait for the right buyer.
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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