How Much Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost?

Have you ever experienced a clogged or damaged sewer line? It's a common problem that can cause a lot of stress and frustration. Regarding replacing a sewer line, the cost can be a major concern for homeowners. But how much should you expect to pay, and what factors affect the cost?

Sewer line replacement is a necessary expense for many homeowners, but it's not something that many people think about until it's too late. The cost of a sewer line replacement can vary widely depending on several factors, including the length of the line, the materials used, and the sewer line's location.

Mr. Rooter® Plumbing's skilled professionals have experience repairing and re-piping various plumbing systems to fit different property layouts. You can trust that your Mr. Rooter Plumbing plumber knows the process well.

If you're facing the prospect of a sewer line replacement, it's important to understand the potential costs involved. In this guide, we'll look closer at sewer line replacement costs and the factors that can impact them. With this information, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision and plan for the expense of replacing your sewer line.

What Is a Sewer Line Replacement?

A sewer line replacement is a major plumbing job that involves repairing or replacing pipes that bring sewage and other wastewater from your home to a public sanitation system or private septic tank.

Your main sewer line is also called the lateral, and it’s your responsibility to maintain any part of the pipe located on your property; if it cracks, clogs, or leaks, you will need to pay for repairs. These pipes are often buried underground, meaning excavation may be necessary for root damage repairs or full-line replacements.

Some methods allow for fewer land disruptions, such as trenchless repair, which can save time and money on some longer jobs. No matter the method used for repairs, hiring an experienced professional is important, as extensive experience and training are required to complete this type of work successfully.

Cost for Traditional vs. Trenchless

Traditional sewer line repair and replacement are often more expensive than their trenchless counterpart due to the extensive excavation and yard work required before the new lines can be installed. With traditional methods, you’ll need to hire additional laborers for the digging and other associated tasks. The disruption caused by this approach can cost substantially more financially and in terms of noise levels and disruption to your daily routines.

Trenchless sewer line repairs, on the other hand, are a much less invasive and disruptive procedure compared to their traditional counterpart. Using specialized plumbing tools, plumbers can access your damaged pipes without digging into your yard or disrupting concrete structures around it. This can be a major advantage if you have a yard with numerous obstacles or your pipes are encased in concrete, leading to a much lower overall cost than traditional methods would require. Plus, with trenchless repairs usually being completed in one day or less, downtime costs from businesses using such services will also be considerably lower.

Sewer Line Replacement Cost

When it comes to replacing a sewer line, there is no one-size-fits-all. On average, the cost of replacing a sewer line can range from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on several factors. The material type used in the replacement pipe is the most significant factor in determining the price. Additionally, other important factors that can affect the total cost include whether obstacles like root systems and structural elements are present, how long it takes to access the existing pipe, and excavation and backfill expenses.

Cost Factors for Sewer Line Replacement

When it comes to sewer line replacement, many factors determine the overall cost. Distance is one of the most significant factors in determining cost – if your sewer line runs much further than average, you can expect to pay more for its repair. Additionally, geographical location can impact what you end up paying. Labor and installation costs vary from place to place, and local code regulations may stipulate extra steps or services to ensure safe sewage disposal.

No matter what size job you need to be done, however, it's advisable to hire experienced professionals so you can trust them with the safety precautions necessary when dealing with sewage lines within your property boundaries.

Costs for a Sewer Line Trench

Trenching is an important step in replacing a sewer line, but it is often not included in professional sewer line replacement costs. Generally speaking, trenching is quite pricey and can cost between $4 and $12 per linear foot or up to $70 per cubic yard. This figure may seem disproportionate to simply digging a hole and filling it back up afterward, but that's due to work needed to be done before, during, and after the trenching process.

Not only must soil be removed until the sewer line is exposed and then recompacted after installation, but the existing pipe must also be excavated and hauled away to make room for the new pipe. Any hazardous materials must also be taken care of, which adds time and money when compared to traditional excavation methods. Sewer line trenching requires skill, precision, and attention to detail if the job is done correctly with minimal hassle.

Other Sewer Line Repair Costs

Regarding sewer line repair costs, it is cheaper than replacing the entire line. The main purpose of an inspection is to pinpoint any specific problems that may require repairs, such as collapsed pipe, roots invading the pipe, or broken seals. Repairing this type of issue typically involves cleaning out the debris, patching up any breaks, and relining the pipe with an epoxy barrier material. This process is often much less expensive than completely replacing the sewage line.

Other common issues requiring repair involve broken or corroded pipes or fittings. These are usually caused by old age and tree root infiltration but can also result from poor installation and other environmental conditions. Suppose your piping is showing signs like rust discoloration or reduced water flow. In that case, you need a professional plumber to repair and replace these components of your sewer line at additional cost. Allowing these issues to go unresolved could potentially damage your home’s foundation or worse, so a good rule of thumb is to fix them immediately if possible!

How To Save Money on a Sewer Line Replacement

Replacing a sewer line can be a costly and inconvenient endeavor. Fortunately, there are some steps homeowners can take to save money when faced with such an ordeal.

The most significant cost-saving measure is to ask Mr. Rooter Plumbing about trenchless replacement methods. While the cost per linear foot may be the same or more, you will avoid extra yard cleanup and repair charges if eligible for these alternatives.

If you cannot avoid trenching, it is crucial to prepare your yard before any digging takes place properly. Remove sod carefully, keeping it watered while the job is ongoing so it can be re-laid afterward. Plants and shrubs should also be temporarily moved to another spot before beginning work on the line. Depending on what needs to be done, it may also be possible to perform repairs on a section of piping rather than replacing the entire line, which could help reduce costs significantly. Finally, homeowners should look into acquiring additional sewer line coverage from their home insurance company to have peace of mind in case any issues arise later on down the road.

You can avoid septic system problems with regular maintenance, including regular tank pumping and avoiding planting trees on the absorption field. Ask your Mr. Rooter Plumbing service professional about our maintenance plan, called the Advantage Plan®. The plan can save thousands of dollars by helping prevent and quickly diagnose plumbing problems.

DIY vs. Professional Sewer Line Replacement

Reaching and replacing a sewer line involves more than what meets the eye. DIY sewer line repair or replacement is no small task, as you would need to rent heavy machinery to reach deep underground pipes. Once reached, you'd also require special tools for removing and replacing the broken line. For these reasons alone, it's best to leave this type of job to the professionals.

You should never take on your home's sewer line repairs without the right training, experience, and tools that come with hiring experienced professional contractors. Although it can be expensive due to labor costs and equipment rental fees, well-executed repairs are usually covered by warranty, so money spent can provide peace of mind in the long run. Your home would benefit from the quality service that comes with investing in an experienced professional who can properly replace your sewer line.

Our Mr. Rooter Plumbing service professional will arrive promptly at your home and work to contain the backup. We'll then diagnose the main cause of your sewer clog and work to limit any damage to your property. Our plumbing professionals are courteous and extremely efficient. We'll explain the recommended solution and any options and then fix it right the first time.

Choose a Professional Installer - Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today!

Finding a professional installer for your home's sewer line replacement project is important for ensuring the job is done correctly and safely. When you need to fix your septic system backup, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing in Phoenix, AZ. Professional help from our experienced plumbers can help you avoid property contamination and environmental issues.

Ask us about the Mr. Rooter Plumbing Advantage Plan^®. The plan can save homeowners thousands of dollars by helping prevent and quickly diagnose plumbing problems.