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

Average sewer line replacements in Philadelphia range from $1,450 to $4,451, with most homeowners spending an average of $2,862. With Philadelphia’s cost of living sitting 4% above the national average, you can expect both sewer line materials and replacement labor to be on par with, or slightly higher than, prices in other parts of the U.S. 

The main factors impacting the cost of homeowners’ sewer line replacement in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia, PVC pipes are the most popular option for their affordability and ease of installation. Heavier cast-iron pipes are not commonly used in new Philly homes, but are still found in pre-1970s properties throughout the city.

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

Pipe Length

The cost of running a new sewer pipe ranges from $70 to $150 per linear foot, with an average price of $110 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 $70 to $190 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, Philadelphia 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 Philly, you can expect to pay between $45 and $200 per hour, depending on the Philadelphia sewer repair pros you hire and your project’s complexity. 

Permits

The city of Philadelphia requires permits for sewer line replacements from the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). Here’s a breakdown of the permit costs that you should build into your budget:

• Plumbing permit: $30, plus a $100 filing fee

• Sewer connection permit: $375

• Reinspection fee: $95 (if needed)

• Excavation permit: $103, plus a $25 filing fee

• State and city work and site utility permit: $7.50

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

While sales tax in Philadelphia is 8%, you typically won’t be charged tax on permanent construction improvements, like sewer line replacement, as labor is not taxable, and your contractor is responsible for paying the sales tax on the materials. However, you will likely incur a Development Impact Tax from the city, which is 1% of your construction costs. 

Before starting your project, ask your contractor for a detailed cost breakdown 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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