How much does sewer line replacement cost?
If you’re asking yourself that question, you’ve got a serious (and smelly!) problem on your hands. While you’ll want to act fast when taking care of a damaged sewer pipe, you also want to ensure you get an affordable and fair price for the job. We’ve put together this guide to help you learn how much you can expect to pay on a replacement.
So let’s get started!
How Much Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost?
The average cost of sewer line replacement will put you back about $2,500. However, depending on the specifics of the job, you might end up spending closer to $5,000.
That’s why it’s difficult to put a price tag on this type of job. Instead, we’ve broken down the cost of replacing your sewer line below so you know where you’re money’s going and how much of it you’ll have to pay.
Pipe Type
There are different types of sewer line materials—the most common of which are cast iron and PVC. Since PVC is the cheapest option out there, it’s a good idea to make the switch to PVC during your replacement if you haven’t already. However, you may need to stick with cast iron or a different material, which can make the price go up.
The size of the pipe will also impact the overall cost of the job.
Most sewer lines are made of 4 inch, 6 inch, or 8 inch pipe, but the bigger the pipe, the more money you’ll have to spend.
If you have a tight budget, you can talk to your plumber about installing a smaller pipe size. However, your home may need a larger size, and installing a smaller size may lead to a host of other problems further down the road.
Extend of the Damage
Depending on the type of damage, you might be able to get by with a simple repair instead of an entire replacement. For example, if tree roots have grown through your pipes, you can remove them for a few hundred dollars (in some cases). But if you have a cracked or collapsed sewer line, you’ll need to get a replacement.
The Location
Where is your sewer line located?
Depending on the severity of the problem, your plumber may need to cut through the floor of your basement or remove the slab covering it outside. If this happens, you can expect to spend more on the replacement.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Sewer Line
You can’t always see your sewer line, so it can be hard to figure out if it needs repairs or a replacement. If you keep an eye out for these warning signs, you’ll be able to take care of the problem before it gets too bad (or too expensive). Make sure you call a plumber right away if you think there’s something wrong with your sewer line.
1. The Water Level in Your Toilet Keeps Rising and Falling
The water level in your toilet should stay the same no matter how many times you flush. If you notice the water in your toilet is extra high one day and almost non-existent the next, something’s not quite right in your pipes.
2. Your Yard Is Starting to Smell
Is your yard (or basement) starting to smell like a dirty toilet? That means something has started leaking somewhere. Always call your plumber as soon as possible if you smell this scent since it can lead to unhealthy living conditions.
3. Your Yard Is Soggy Even Though It Hasn’t Rained
Go outside and walk through your yard. If the ground feels moist or squishy under your feet, your sewer line has likely sprung a leak (this is especially true if it hasn’t rained recently). You may even notice puddles of water in your lawn or dirt.
Most of the time, you won’t have to wonder where this water came from. If you can see it, you can probably smell it. There’s a good chance a high number of pests and animals will flock to your yard as well.
4. The Pipes Are Making Weird Sounds
Can you hear an odd gurgling sound coming from the pipes inside your wall? Do you hear it from your toilet, bathtubs, or sinks? Your pipes should never make this type of noise. It’s a sure sign something’s wrong father down the line.
5. Your Pipes Won’t Drain
If one of your sinks won’t drain, you might have a clog. If all the sinks in your home have trouble draining, your sewer line is the most likely culprit.
Don’t try using drain-cleaning products in this case. It might do more harm than good. Instead, call the plumber and let them take care of the issue.
6. The Water Bill Has Gotten a Lot Higher
Can’t figure out why your water bill has spiked? The extra expense could be due to a leak in your sewer line. Even if you don’t notice any other warning signs, you should talk to your plumber about the raise in your bill so they can find the source of the problem.
Getting Ready for Your Sewer Line Replacement
Now that you know the sewer line replacement cost and the signs that mean you need one, you can start putting together your budget and getting quotes. Remember, don’t just pick the cheapest plumber you can find because they’re “more affordable.” Cheap rates might mean low quality, which can cause you to spend more money on extra repairs in the long run.
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