Sewer line replacement cost
Replacing a main sewer line costs $50 to $250 per linear foot installed, which works out to $2,000 to $10,000 for a typical 40 foot line. The national average is about $6,000. Method, depth and what sits on top of the line decide your total.
Quick answer
$6,000national average, 40 ft line
Most homeowners pay $2,000 to $10,000 to replace a sewer line, or $50 to $250 per foot. Short, shallow lines can cost as little as $500, while long or deep lines under driveways can reach $20,000.
Cost by length of line
Totals below use the typical installed range of $50 to $250 per foot. Your quote depends on depth, soil and access.
| Line length | At $50 per ft | At $250 per ft |
|---|---|---|
| 25 feet | $1,250 | $6,250 |
| 40 feet | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| 60 feet | $3,000 | $15,000 |
| 80 feet | $4,000 | $20,000 |
Trenchless vs. traditional trench
| Method | Per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Traditional trench (digging only) | $5 – $12 |
| Trenchless directional boring | $10 – $30 |
| Pipe bursting (trenchless) | $60 – $200 |
| Spin-cast resin relining | $80 – $250 |
| Cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP) | $90 – $250 |
Trenchless
- One or two small access pits
- Little damage to lawn and driveway
- Often done in a day
- Not possible for collapsed or badly sagging lines
Traditional trench
- Lower cost per foot
- Works for any pipe condition
- Yard, driveway or patio must be dug up
- Restoration adds cost and time
What plumbers charge for this job
Most of the price of a plumbing job is labor. Licensed plumbers in the U.S. typically charge $45 to $150 per hour, and many add a $50 to $200 service call fee that often covers the first hour. Expect evening, weekend and holiday visits to cost noticeably more; emergency hourly rates commonly run $150 to $350. Master plumbers and plumbers in high-cost metro areas sit at the top of these ranges.
Before work starts, ask whether the quote is a flat price for the whole job or an hourly estimate, and whether parts, permits and haul-away are included. See Plumber rates per hour and Emergency plumber cost for the full breakdown.
Restoration after replacement
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Sod installation | $1 – $2 per sq ft |
| Landscaping | $4 – $12 per sq ft |
| Concrete removal | $3 – $8 per sq ft |
| Driveway repair, minor | $100 – $400 |
| Driveway repair, major | $600 – $3,000 |
| Tree removal | $400 – $1,200 |
| Stump removal | $100 – $400 |
When replacement beats repair
- The camera shows damage along much of the line
- The pipe is clay, cast iron or Orangeburg nearing the end of its life
- Roots return after each repair
- The line has collapsed or bellied (sagged)
If only one section is damaged, a spot repair is cheaper. See Sewer line repair cost.
DIY or professional?
Sewer replacement requires excavation or trenchless equipment, permits, inspections and a connection to the public main. It is not a DIY project.
How to save on replacement
- Get a camera inspection and share the video with each bidder.
- Compare trenchless and trench quotes including restoration.
- Ask about city cost-sharing programs for laterals.
- Check if your insurance has a service line add-on.
- Do simple landscaping restoration yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a sewer line per foot?
Typically $50 to $250 per linear foot installed, depending on method and depth.
How long does sewer line replacement take?
Trenchless replacement often takes one day. Traditional trenching takes two to five days, plus restoration.
How long does a new sewer line last?
Modern PVC and HDPE lines can last 50 to 100 years. Lined pipes typically carry warranties of several decades.
Sources
Prices are national estimates for 2026 based on published cost surveys and labor data. Your local price can be higher or lower. FairFix Costs is not a plumbing contractor; read our disclaimer.