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How Much Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost in Chicago? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,618 - $4,154
Sewer line replacement in Chicago, IL costs $2,886 on average, but it can range between $1,618 and $4,154, depending on pipe material.
How we get this data
Photo: zhihao / Moment / Getty Images
Photo: zhihao / Moment / Getty Images
Cost Insights
Sewer replacement costs in Chicago range between $80 and $300 per linear foot, depending on the material you choose.
PVC sewer pipes are the most popular choice among Chicago homeowners, ranging from $80 to $160 per linear foot, including installation.
Budget $45 to $200 per hour for hiring professionals for your sewer line project, with labor accounting for 50% of your total cost.
Chicago homeowners should plan on spending $300 to $900 or more on sewer line replacement permits.
Average sewer line replacements in Chicago range from $1,618 to $4,154, with most homeowners spending an average of $2,886. With Chicago’s cost of living sitting 16% above the national average, both sewer line materials and replacement labor tend to be more expensive here than in other parts of the U.S.
The main factors impacting the cost of homeowners’ sewer line replacement in Chicago 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 Chicago, Illinois, 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 Chicago, PVC pipes are the most popular option for their affordability and ease of installation. Heavier cast-iron pipes are not commonly used in new Chicago homes, but are still found in older properties throughout the city.
Here’s how sewer line replacement costs are affected by pipe material:
| Pipe Material | Average Cost per Linear Foot (Installed) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | $80–$160 | Most common choice in Chicago; easy to install; widely available; corrosion-resistant; 50–100 year lifespan | Not as impact-resistant; can crack from ground movement |
| ABS | $90–$180 | Good impact resistance; stronger than PVC for similar price; 50–70 year lifespan | Not as universally accepted; less thermal stability than PVC |
| Cast iron | $120–$260 | High-load bearing capacity; durable; 50–100 years | Not common in new Chicago homes; can rust; more expensive option; can become blocked by mineral buildup; heavy |
| Copper | $150–$300 | Durable; corrosion-resistant; 50+ year lifespan | Most expensive option; not as commonly used for sewer laterals |
Pipe Length
The cost of running a new sewer pipe ranges from $60 to $350 per linear foot, with an average price of $140 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 $250 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:
| Replacement Type | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Complete | $60–$250 |
| Partial | $50 |
| CIPP lining | $90–$250 |
| Burst pipes | $60–$200 |
Sewer Line Replacement Pro Costs
In addition to the materials needed for your sewer line replacement, Chicago 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 $45 and $200 per hour, depending on the Chicago sewer repair pros you hire and the complexity of your project.
Permits
The city of Chicago requires permits for sewer line replacements, costing $300 to $400 for smaller sewer lateral replacements and reaching $900 or more for complex projects. You may also require a right-of-way permit if your project involves digging into the city sidewalk or street. Your sewer line pro can usually handle the permitting process for you, but it’s always wise to confirm this before starting work on your project.
Taxes
The combined state and local sales tax in Chicago is 10.25%, but you’ll only be required to pay tax on the materials portion of your project. Note that if your contractor purchases materials outside of the city but will use them on a project in the city, you may incur an additional 1% use tax.
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.
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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