How Much Does Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Cost in Chicago, IL? [2026 Data]

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Cost Insights
  • It costs $2,797 to $19,425 to replace an average-sized trenchless sewer line (50 to 75 linear feet).

  • The amount of prep work your land needs also affects the price of this project. 

  • When replacing a traditional sewer line, you should budget for pipe bursting, which costs $155 to $197 per linear foot.

  • Hiring a sewer line repair pro in Chicago, IL, provides reliable help with the replacement and ensures compliance with local codes.

Trenchless sewer line replacement costs in Chicago, IL, run between $1,968 and $6,216, with the average project costing $3,004. If you’re trying to budget for a trenchless sewer line, you’ll need to consider a few factors, including the sewer line’s length and the current condition of your yard. 

Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Cost Factors 

Here’s how to calculate the cost of sewer line replacement in Chicago, IL, based on the line’s size and other key factors.

Size

Trenchless sewer repair process parts illustrated, including the inversion tank, inversion header, and the new pipe and liner

In Chicago, IL, sewer line replacement costs $3,004 on average for traditional piping methods. However, trenchless systems cost more, and the distance your sewer line needs to travel to get to the street is the greatest cost factor you must consider. Even 10 extra feet could add thousands of dollars to the price you pay.

Sewer line lengths vary greatly, but the average is between 50 and 75 feet. Below, you’ll find price ranges by sewer line length that can help you estimate your costs.

Sewer Line Length in Linear FeetAverage Replacement Cost
25–35$1,554–$9,065
35–45$2,176–$11,655
45–55$2,797–$14,245
55–75$3,419–$19,425
75–100$4,662–$25,900

Excavation and Prep

If you’re replacing an old sewer line that isn’t trenchless, a professional will also need to burst the existing pipe to make room for the new one. (The process doesn’t involve chemicals or anything that would ruin your soil or damage a garden or lawn. The old pipe is simply broken into small pieces.)

Pipe bursting (along with the lining) costs $155 to $197 per linear foot. Any additional labor needed for minor digging or tree root removal will cost anywhere from $62 to $259 per hour.

Sewer Line Pro Costs

Before reaching out to a sewer line pro in Chicago, IL, make sure to factor in these final expenses.

Labor

Labor costs for trenchless sewer line replacement vary based on the difficulty of the project, the current condition of your sewer line, and more. That said, plumbers in Chicago, IL, charge anywhere from $47 to $207 per hour. If your job is particularly complex, prepare for your labor costs to be at the upper end of that range. The same applies if parts of your sewer system are hard to access (which is common in older and densely populated districts of Chicago, IL).

Permits

In Chicago, IL, you need a sewer permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB) to “construct, alter, or repair” a sewer system. These permits cost several hundred dollars and can only be secured by licensed drainlayers with a Sewer and Drain License from the city.

Before hiring a pro, ask about their qualifications and confirm that they’ll handle the permitting process for this project.

Does Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement Increase Home Value?

Installing a new sewer line—whether you take the trenchless or traditional approach—can be a worthwhile investment for your health and safety. Replacing a damaged sewer line can also prevent sewage from backing up and damaging your property. Plus, buyers in Chicago, IL, will expect your house to have a working sewer line (and if it doesn’t, your selling price could take a massive hit).

In terms of return on investment (ROI), trenchless sewer lines have an advantage over traditional ones. Since trenchless lines don’t require digging, your yard will stay intact—and you won’t have to spend more money on landscaping after installing your sewer line.

How Angi Gets Its Local Cost Data 

To help homeowners plan their next project, Angi provides readers with carefully researched cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We start with national average project costs, which we collect by analyzing competitor information, retailer material costs, and input from professional contractors. We then apply local price index data to calculate location-specific estimates that reflect what homeowners typically pay in their local area. To do that, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), including its Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure price differences across cities. This helps us account for differences in labor, materials, and overall cost of living, so estimates in higher- or lower-cost areas better reflect real-world local pricing.

Every estimate undergoes a thorough editorial review to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with observed market conditions.

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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