How Much Does Sewer Line Repair Cost?
Sewer lines are the lifeblood of many homes, and as such, it is necessary to keep them clear, free of debris, and free of damage. Though this may seem like an easy task, your sewer lines can be breached and damaged without you ever really knowing when it occurred or what the extent of the damage truly is. This is why sewer line repair is so handy.
Repair can help to extend the life of your sewer line and help restore normal function to your sewer line in a very short time. The cost to repair a sewer line can vary considerably and by knowing what sort of repairs and costs to expect you can help prepare for your bill.
These repair costs are influenced by 3 factors, namely:
- nature and extent of the damage
- type of repair
- ease of the job
Nature and Extent Of The Damage
For those that are experiencing something like a minor leak that is caused by a crack when your pipes settle, the cost to repair a sewer line is likely to be on the low end. This type of repair is something that can generally be done in one afternoon, which does not require a large amount of pipe to be replaced or worked on, and that may not require any additional work.
The easiest way to find this type of leak is to put dye into the system and see where it leaks out into your yard. Some plumbers may also use imaging technology that allows them to see into the ground, or just below the surface so that they can determine where the major problems are. The more extensive the damage, the higher the bill. A good example of this is if your sewer line is damaged by something like a tree root, the tree will likely need to be removed, the line inspected, and more.
If you are a capable DIY enthusiast, there are likely to be plenty of tasks that you can confidently handle, and although you may have experience with basic plumbing issues, there are a number of reasons why you should leave your sewer line repair to the professionals. Be sure to compare at least 3 estimates from contractors in your region to ensure you get the best price possible for your locale.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Sewer Line?
A patch job is going to cost far less than having an entire pipe dug up and replaced. Likewise, having one section of a pipe replaced is going to keep the cost to repair a sewer line much lower than having the entire line replaced. The overall cost can also be attributed to the methods that are used to diagnose the problem. The damages you can see are going to be easier to fix than those that require the full length of the sewer line to be pulled up.
- Basic leak and crack repairs involving easy access may only cost $200. The national average for more complicated repairs on a section of pipeline falls in the mid-range price tier - usually about $2,300. Repairing multiple sections of sewer piping may push the cost up into the higher price range of $6,000 or more.
- A more severe sewer line repair will involve digging up and replacing the old pipe. This requires excavation of deep trenches in order to access the old pipe and install a new one. This method can be expensive and generally costs $50 - $250 per ft. This price can fluctuate depending on the pipes depth, ease of access, and local rates.
- Once the problem areas have been reached, replacing the pipe can cost between $50 - $100 per ft. Repairing a 50 ft length of sewer pipeline could cost between $2,500 - $6,500.
- There is also a trenchless sewer line replacement option available. This technique requires minimal digging and on average costs $60 - $250 per ft.
Cleanup After Repair
Often a sewer line repair involves digging up the yard and garden, but sometimes it also requires breaking up a driveway to access the pipeline. In this case, a big portion of your overall cost will be used for rebuilding any part of the home damaged in the repair. If you are building a new home, it would be wise to find out where the sewer line runs ahead of time so you don't end up having to break down any new construction or remove costly landscaping.
Seasonal Effects
Another factor to consider is that jobs which are harder to do and more labor intensive are going to cost more. Also, jobs that are in difficult areas or take place in times of year when the ground is either flooded or frozen can all affect the overall price of a job.
It's never ever pleasant replacing sewer pipes which is why you should consider speaking to a plumber that specializes in sewer line repair. They will have the expertise and equipment to tackle the problem and minimize any extensive costs.
Get a Free Localized Estimate For Your Sewer Line Repair
If you are looking for professional sewer line repair, or would simply like a more accurate quote on the cost to repair a sewer line, you can get in touch with a local professional here. Simply enter your home zip code in the space provided on this page. There's absolutely zero obligation to purchase, hire, or sign any contracts whatsoever.
