How Much Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost in San Francisco? [2025 Data]

Average sewer line replacements in San Francisco range from $2,288 to $5,800, with most homeowners spending an average of $4,044. With San Francisco’s cost of living sitting 65% above the national average, both sewer line materials and replacement labor are more expensive here than in other parts of the U.S. 

The main factors impacting the cost of homeowners’ sewer line replacement in San Francisco are project complexity, pipe material, pipe length, and labor.

Sewer Line Replacement Cost Factors 

How much you’ll pay for a sewer line replacement in San Francisco, California, depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a closer look at how your total breaks down. 

Pipe Material

The most common pipes used for sewer lines are PVC (the most budget-friendly option), ABS (the mid-range option), cast iron (higher-end), and copper (the most expensive). Each has its own cost range and preferred use case scenario; however, in San Francisco, PVC pipes are the most popular option for their affordability and ease of installation. Heavier cast-iron pipes are not commonly used in new homes, but are still found in older properties throughout the Bay Area.

Here’s how sewer line replacement costs are affected by pipe material:

Pipe Length

The cost of running a new sewer pipe ranges from $80 to $120 per linear foot, with an average price of $100 per linear foot, which includes both materials and labor. When replacing the sewer line from your house to the main, the distance depends on your specific neighborhood and property, but an average of 40 feet is a reasonable estimate to help you determine your budget. 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 need to be replaced, so discuss options with your pro to get answers to all your sewer questions. 

Type of Replacement

A partial replacement will be the most affordable option, with complete replacement and burst-pipe replacement ranging from $60 to $180 per linear foot. Knowing how often to clean your sewer drain can help prevent premature full replacements. Here’s how costs break down by type of sewer line replacement:

Sewer Line Replacement Pro Costs

In addition to the materials needed for your sewer line replacement, San Francisco homeowners should consider professional labor-related costs that impact the project’s total. Here’s a closer look at the professional expenses to add to your budget.

Labor

On average, labor accounts for 50% of your total sewer line replacement costs, which includes work completed by licensed plumbers, equipment operators, general contractors, and excavation specialists. You can expect to pay between $100 and $250 per hour, depending on the San Francisco sewer repair pros you hire and your project’s complexity. 

Permits

The city of San Francisco requires permits for sewer line replacements from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI). Here’s a breakdown of the permit costs that you should build into your budget:

• Plumbing permit: $205

• General excavation permit: $136

• Excavation inspection fee: $640

You may also need a $400 traffic permit, depending on your project's location. Your sewer line pro can usually handle the permitting for you, but it’s always wise to confirm this before starting your project.

Taxes

Sales tax in San Francisco is 8.625%, but you won’t be charged a separate sales tax line item on your invoice. Labor is not taxable, and contractors are considered consumers of the materials they install. Under California tax law, when a contractor buys materials, they are responsible for paying the sales tax on those materials. Your contractor will likely pass those costs on to you on your bill, built into your total. 

Before starting your project, ask your contractor how they structure their fees so you can budget accordingly and avoid surprises on your final invoice. 

Does Sewer Line Replacement Increase Home Value?

Replacing your sewer line doesn’t offer a direct financial return on investment (ROI), but it still adds value to your home by avoiding future damage costs, preventing signs of a clogged sewer line, and providing peace of mind. Many prospective homeowners value a well-maintained property, and an old or failing sewer line can negatively impact your home’s resale value. To weigh your project’s value, consider your own reduced risk of damage while living in your home, and the appeal of a well-functioning sewer line to potential buyers.

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. 

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