How Much Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost in New York, NY? [2025 Data]

Average sewer line replacements in New York City range from $1,285 to $4,472, with most homeowners spending an average of $2,879. With New York’s cost of living sitting at 132% higher than 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 New York City 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 New York, NY, 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 New York City, cast iron pipes are required for sewer lines running from your home to the street.

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 $250 per linear foot, with an average price of $150 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 $80 to $200 or more per linear foot. Knowing how often to clean your sewer drain can help prevent premature full replacements. While costs are presented here for comparison, it’s important to note that CIPP replacement is not permitted in New York City. 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, New York 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. In New York City, you can expect to pay between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on the local sewer service pros you hire and your project’s complexity. Alternatively, some pros charge by length, with an average range of $60 to $90 per linear foot.

Permits

New York City requires permits for sewer line replacements. Here’s a breakdown of the permit costs that you should build into your budget:

• Sewer Certification application fee: $200

• Sewer Connection permit fee: $200

• Building permits: $525 to $3,114, depending on your project’s scope

• Permit expeditor fees: $200 to $1000 (optional for speeding up your permitting process)

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

Sales tax in New York City is 8.875%, but you may only be required to pay tax on a portion of your project’s total, depending on whether it’s considered to be a capital improvement or maintenance and repairs. You don’t have to pay tax on labor for capital improvements (permanent improvements that add value or extend the life of your property), as long as you fill out a Certificate of Capital Improvement. If your project is considered to be maintenance or repairs, you’ll be charged tax on labor. 

Before starting your project, ask your contractor whether it is a capital improvement 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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