Caring for your septic system is crucial to ensuring its long life. But how much does it cost to pump a septic tank? We explore the different cost factors.
What Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,388 - $5,323
Sewer line replacement costs $3,319 on average, but it can range between $1,388 and $5,323, depending on pipe material.
How we get this data
Photo: John Keeble / Moment / Getty Images
Photo: John Keeble / Moment / Getty Images
Cost Insights
Sewer line replacement costs $60 to $250 per linear foot, depending on pipe material, length, and replacement type.
Labor ranges from $45 to $200 per hour, with excavation, yard repair, and post-work cleanup adding extra costs.
Trenchless methods reduce disruption but cost the same per linear foot, while traditional excavation may add $4 to $12 per foot plus concrete or landscaping repairs.
Sewer line replacement costs $3,319 on average, though it often ranges between $225 and $10,000, depending on material, pipe length, and more. While it’s not the most glamorous home improvement project, repairing or replacing your sewer line is a top-priority fix. If left untreated, sewage can back up in the basement or the yard.
Pipe Material
The three most common pipes used for sewer lines are PVC (the most budget-friendly option), ABS (the mid-range option), and copper (the most expensive). Each has its own cost range and preferred use case scenario. In rarer cases, cast iron is used as a sewer pipe material.
Here’s how sewer line replacement costs are affected by pipe material:
| Pipe Material | Average Cost per Linear Foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PVC | $4.50 | Lightweight, easy to install |
| ABS | $6 | Easy to install, more durable than PVC |
| Copper | $85 | Extremely durable, easy to replace |
| Cast iron | $50 | Most durable, longest lifespan |
Length of Pipe
The cost of running a new sewer pipe ranges from $50 to $250 per linear foot, with an average price of $150 per linear foot, which includes both materials and labor. Your sewer pipes extend from the house to a street-adjacent city hookup, and the distance depends on your specific neighborhood and property. The further your house is from the hookup, the longer the sewer pipes and the higher the costs.
Of course, the entire length of the pipe may not require replacement, so discuss options with your pro.
From one homeowner to another
I had an extremely positive experience with Fresno Plumbing. Six and one half years after I purchased my brand new home I had a sewer backup problem. I called the builder to see if there was any warrantly coverage and they referred me to the original plumber for my home, Fresno Plumbing and Heating. Fresno Plumbing and Heating said very rarely there are pipe connection problems and they would investigate. They videoed my sewer line, discovered a flaw in the pipe connection, used their sophisticated diagnostic equipment to determine the exact location of the problem, got all the necessary permits, identified all the nearby utility lines, and took responsibility for fixing the pipe at no charge to me. They could have said I was out of the warranty period, but they felt the problem could have dated to the original construction. They took my problem seriously and investigated. If I had to pay for this myself it would have cost thousands. I am very grateful for their honesty, for the repairs they made, and for the way they treated me in this situation. They were a strong advocate for me in dealing with the various player to get the repairs made at no charge to me.
Review of Fresno Plumbing & Heating Inc, in Clovis, CA
Type of Replacement
A partial replacement will be the most affordable option, with complete replacement and replacing burst pipes ranging from $60 to $250 per linear foot. Here’s how costs break down by type of sewer line replacement:
| Replacement Type | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Complete | $60–$250 |
| Partial | $50 |
| CIPP lining | $90–$250 |
| Burst pipes | $60–$200 |
Cost by Location
Where you reside can make all the difference in your total replacement cost. For example, if you live in Austin, Texas, you may spend around $2,000 on average, whereas residents in Los Angeles may spend closer to $4,000 for the same project. Costs will correspond to the cost of living, competitive labor rates, and material prices.
Additional Cost Factors for Sewer Line Replacement
Photo: Piman Khrutmuang / Adobe Stock
Sewer line replacement costs will vary based on the pipe location, the extent of the damage, labor rates, and any required yard work or excavation. Here’s what to expect.
Labor
Labor costs to hire a plumber for your sewer line replacement range from $45 to $200 per hour, depending on your location, the plumber’s experience, and the complexity of the replacement. After you vet local plumbers, it’s a good idea to ask for a quote to compare prices.
Pipe Location
Where the pipe starts in your home and the path it takes to the local hookup both impact the overall cost, as any hurdles increase labor time and require more materials.
For instance, accessing a pipe located underneath a driveway or behind a concrete wall requires professional excavation. The cost of excavation alone might range from $50 to $200 per linear foot, depending on the soil type, depth, and accessibility. If repairs require breaking up and restoring a concrete slab, the cost for that specific section can balloon to $300 to $350 per linear foot.
Yard or Driveway Repair
If you need to repair your landscape or hardscape, expect to spend between $1 and $25 per square foot, depending on the type of repair. Here are some of the most common yard or driveway repair costs to factor into your budget:
Landscaping cost: $4.50–$12 per square foot
Yard leveling cost: $1–$2 per square foot
Concrete driveway repair cost: $1–$25 per square foot
Asphalt driveway repair cost: $1–$15 per square foot
Deck repair cost: $30–$60 per square foot
Inspection
Most sewer line projects require a video inspection, which costs between $100 and $500. Although you may be tempted to skip this step to save on the cost of your replacement, a video inspection is crucial for an accurate diagnosis, replacement plan, and total price estimate.
Cause of Damage
Sewer line damage can stem from various factors that affect the replacement cost. If you have a clog, tree roots, a collapsed pipe, or a combination of these issues, anticipate spending between $80 and $1,000 to address the problem.
Trench vs. Trenchless
Trenchless replacement methods cost $60 to $250 per linear foot, including materials and labor. These methods require minimal digging, reducing disruption to your yard and driveway. That said, trenchless methods aren't suitable for pipes that have major problems, such as collapse or improper sloping. For these issues, you may need traditional excavation. Trenching alone costs an additional $4 to $12 per linear foot, in addition to the cost of sewer line replacement.
Why You Should Hire a Sewer Line Replacement Pro
Hiring a local sewer line replacement pro costs more upfront, but you benefit from faster results, proper system installation, and reduced risk of costly damage. Pros bring specialized equipment and experience, making the process smoother and often saving you money on repairs and future backups.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a sewer line replacement specialist
Replacing a sewer line is a complex project that requires plumbing expertise, knowledge of local codes, and specialized machinery. Here are some of the top reasons to work with a pro:
Sewer line pros ensure existing plumbing, landscaping, driveways, and foundations aren’t damaged during the replacement process.
They have the tools and materials needed to remove and install sewer lines safely and effectively, including trenchless methods when appropriate.
Working with a pro ensures your sewer system functions properly, preventing costly backups, leaks, and potential environmental hazards.
Bundling sewer line replacement with services like drain inspection, pipe cleaning, or sump pump upgrades can reduce long-term maintenance costs and improve overall system reliability.
Sewer Line Repair vs. Replacement
The decision to repair or replace a sewer line depends on the extent of the problem, the age of the pipe, and the material it’s made from.
You might choose to repair when the damage is minor and the pipe is structurally sound. Here are some common sewer line repairs, along with their prices:
Cracked pipe spot repair: $600–$1,050
Sewer trap replacement: $1,500–$3,000
Cured-in-place pipes: $80–$250 per linear foot
Root removal: $100–$600
Replacement might be necessary when the pipe's integrity is compromised, the damage is widespread, or the pipe is no longer functioning correctly. Here are some signs you might need sewer line replacement:
Major structural failure (pipe is collapsed, severely shifted, or has an improper slope)
Extensive damage
Frequent backups despite cleaning and minor repairs
Old or outdated piping materials
How to Save on Sewer Line Replacement Costs
Replacing a sewer line is costly and often unavoidable. Fortunately, there are some tips worth considering to save a few bucks.
Go trenchless: If possible for your specific issue, choose a trenchless replacement method to save some money. Trenchless pipe replacement does not disturb the lawn, the driveway, or anything else on your property. In other words, your post-job costs are minimal or non-existent.
Consider a repair: Depending on the extent of the damage and the specific issue, you may be able to repair small sections initially as you set aside money for a full replacement. Consult with your professional and ask if this approach is suitable.
Remember annual inspections: All sewer lines eventually require replacement, but extending their lifespan is possible by conducting yearly inspections, performing regular cleanings, and staying on top of maintenance tasks.
Look into insurance endorsements: Adding an endorsement clause to your homeowner’s insurance policy to cover sewer line damage is a great way to save money in the long run.
Gather several estimates: Replacing damaged sewer pipes is a serious job that can be pricey, so don’t go with the first estimate you come across. Talk to about three pros to find the best company for your budget.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Sewer Line Pro
Be ready to provide details about your existing sewer line, including its age, material, and any history of backups or leaks, as this will help your pro determine the best replacement method.
If your budget allows, ask your pro about optional upgrades like trenchless replacement, pipe material improvements, or installing a backflow prevention system.
Be prepared for unexpected costs, such as discovering tree root intrusion, collapsed pipes, or additional plumbing repairs that may be required once the line is exposed.
Discuss your timeline and accessibility with your pro, as factors like yard landscaping, driveways, and underground obstacles can affect how long the replacement takes.
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’ve surveyed thousands of 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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