1 estimator in this trade.
What drives the price
| Factor | Options | Price effect |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement method | Traditional excavation (trench), Trenchless: pipe bursting, Trenchless: cured-in-place lining (CIPP), Under a concrete slab (break and patch) | Price effect: ×1 to ×2.6 |
| Pipe depth | Shallow (under 4 ft), Typical (4 to 8 ft), Deep (over 8 ft) | Price effect: ×0.9 to ×1.3 |
Price ranges by job
| Job | Low (per unit) | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sewer camera inspection | Low $100 | Typical $300 | High $500 |
| Sewer line replacement (per linear ft) | Low $50/linear ft | Typical $125/linear ft | High $250/linear ft |
| Sewer permit | Low $100 | Typical $200 | High $500 |
Read more about plumbing costs
Traditional excavation digs a trench along the whole run; trenchless methods (pipe bursting or a cured-in-place liner) only need access pits at each end and leave the yard mostly intact, but the equipment costs more per foot. A line that runs under a concrete slab, a driveway or mature trees adds breaking, patching and restoration work, and deeper pipes take longer to reach.
Before anyone quotes a full replacement, ask for a sewer camera inspection: it shows whether the problem is one cracked joint, root intrusion or a collapsed section, and a spot repair can cost far less than replacing the whole line. Ask whether the permit, the city tap fee and restoring the lawn or pavement are included, since those are the lines that most often differ between quotes.
The estimator on this page adds up the camera inspection, the replacement by the foot and the permit from published market data, with a low/typical/high range and labor adjusted to wages in your state. It cannot see your pipe's condition or the soil, so use it to check a plumber's quote, not to replace one.
Frequently asked questions
How much does sewer line replacement cost per foot?
Replacement is sourced at $50 to $250 per linear foot, with a typical $125. Method, depth and what sits above the pipe move the price within that range.
What does a full sewer line replacement cost?
With the estimator's default project the typical total is $5,500, with a range of $2,200 to $11,000. Longer or deeper runs and slab work push it higher.
How much is a sewer camera inspection?
A camera inspection is sourced at $100 to $500, typically $300. It is worth doing first, because it shows whether a spot repair is enough.
Do I need a permit to replace a sewer line?
Usually yes. A sewer permit is sourced at $100 to $500, typically $200, and some cities add inspection or tap fees on top.
Can I replace a sewer line myself?
Not realistically. It involves trenching or trenchless equipment, a city connection and a permit inspection, so hire a licensed plumber or sewer contractor.