How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Sewer Line?

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A broken or damaged sewer line can put a sudden stop to your typical daily routine. If you and your family are suffering on a regular basis due to water backups, multiple drain clogs, foul sewer odors, and more, you’ll want to address the issue as fast as humanly possible.

If the damage is extensive and beyond repair, your only option will be to replace your sewer line. Of course, you probably have many questions if you’ve never scheduled one of these services before. For starters, how much does it cost to replace a sewer line?

When it comes down to it, there isn’t one straightforward answer to this question. Fortunately, we’ll go over everything you need to know below.

What Does a Sewer Line Replacement Cost?

Replacing your sewer line is a large project that requires a lot of planning. If the time has finally come for one of these services, you’re probably asking yourself, “How much does it cost to replace a sewer line?” If you ask various plumbers this question, you’re likely to receive a whole range of answers.

All-in-all, sewer line replacements can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000. Now, you’re probably wondering why there is such a large range regarding potential costs. For the most part, the price you end up paying can be influenced by several factors. You’ll have authority over some of these factors, while others are completely beyond your control.

Let’s discuss what you can expect to pay according to your situation.

Method of Replacement

When discussing what can influence sewer line replacement costs, it’s important to mention the types of methods available. Traditional, “open-trench” replacements used to be incredibly common among homeowners, but trenchless methods have become increasingly popular over the years.

For the most part, trenchless sewer replacements are a popular option because they can potentially have lower costs. Since trenchless methods require less labor, you can encounter lower labor costs. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the added expenses of cleaning up your yard and landscaping. Not digging up your yard can help you save money in the long run.

Types of Trenchless Methods

There are many types of trenchless methods to choose from, including pipe bursting and pipe lining. During a pipe bursting service, a new pipe is fed through the old pipe, which eventually “bursts” apart as the new pipe takes its place.

With pipe lining, a new pipe with an epoxy liner is pushed into the existing pipe. Once in the correct location, the epoxy liner will mold to the old pipe, fixing any cracks or gaps that may have appeared. Pipe bursting and pipe lining costs can vary depending on the extent of the repair or replacement needed.

Sewer Pipe Materials

The type of sewer pipe material you use can affect replacement costs. Some of the most common materials include cast iron, copper, and PVC.

How much does it cost to replace a sewer line with each of these materials? All-in-all, you can expect to pay less for PVC than copper. Cast iron tends to fall somewhere in the middle.

Comparing Materials

Cast iron pipes are strong and quiet, while PVC is quick to install and incredibly flexible. Although it tends to have a higher price tag, installing copper pipes can also have many benefits; this material is known for its longevity and durability.

If you’re unsure which material is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to sewer line installation contractors for assistance. Professional plumbers can discuss options with you and help you determine the best solution for your budget and needs.

Sewer Line Length

Sewer line replacement costs can also vary depending on the length of the pipe you’re dealing with. When learning the cost by square foot, you probably won’t be surprised to find out that the longer the length of the sewer line, the higher the expense will be. Homes located in a city tend to have shorter sewer lines, while homes in a rural area are more likely to have longer pipes.

Location of Sewer Pipe

Are your sewer lines in a hard-to-reach place? Or maybe, were they installed in a concrete slab? There are important questions to know the answer to. The location and accessibility of your pipe can affect how much your sewer line replacement costs.

How much does it cost to replace a sewer line that’s in a difficult location? Generally speaking, you can expect the costs to be higher than if your pipe was easy to access. Of course, other factors — such as the pipe material and length — will play into the overall cost you end up paying as well.

Additional Services

Now that we’ve discussed the overarching factors that can impact your replacement costs, it’s important to understand the additional costs and services you may encounter. For example, you may need to pay separately for a sewer camera inspection to understand the extent of the damage or a tree root removal service.

Likewise, you might have to pay to clean up your yard after the replacement has been completed, depending on the service you scheduled. Traditional trench services will require more cleanup.

Schedule an Out-of-This-World Sewer Line Replacement

There are many benefits to sewer line replacements. These services can help keep sewer traps from becoming damaged and prevent repairs, among many other advantages. If it’s time to schedule a sewer line repair or replacement, turn to Gold Star Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Our plumbing experts specialize in sewer installation and repair services. We try to use non-invasive techniques whenever possible and are always transparent when discussing sewer replacement and sewer repair costs.

We’ll have your sewer line repaired in no time so you can get back to feeling confident and content with your home’s plumbing system. Contact us today for more information about our services!