How Much Does a Sewer Replacement Cost?

All you need to know about Sewer Line Replacement Cost Estimate

Your home’s sewer system isn’t something you’d normally brag about. But it’s a vital part of your home that enhances its overall value. But you need to keep it properly maintained.

If you’ve ever had plumbing issues, then you know how costly repairs can be. But sewer replacement can be one of the biggest expenses related to your home.

Knowing how to assess the integrity of your sewer can help you avoid the cost of replacing it. The following will help you determine how much a replacement may cost as well as what to consider when deciding on the right solution for your home.

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Can Sewer Camera Scopes Find the Real Problem?

Making sure you know exactly what’s wrong in the first place can help you avoid the cost of replacing your sewer. One of the ways that many homeowners determine their problem is by having a professional perform a sewer scope.

Scoping works by sending a sewer camera into sewer pipes to determine if there are any red flags that indicate more serious problems. The following are a few signs of a compromised sewer system:

• Structural defects

• Roots from nearby trees

• Cracks or other damage

But scoping sewers has become a way for many plumbing repair companies to take advantage of unknowing homeowners. So you want to make sure that the assessment is accurate and clearly outline what’s really going on in your sewer before paying large amounts of money for unnecessary work.

What Other Things Do I Need to Consider?

The cost of a sewer replacement goes beyond the inspection. You’ll also need to consider what permits will be required by your city. This adds to the overall cost of the repair, but it can keep you in line with local regulations and codes.

In some cases, the area that will be repaired may fall within the property of the city. This would result in the city’s obligation to covering the cost for the repair.

So it’s worth it to consult with a professional service company to ensure that you have all the permits in place if necessary.

What Does a Sewer Replacement Cost?

The cost of a sewer line replacement depends on factors like the length of the pipe, repair method, and property conditions. In Denver, homeowners typically pay between $5,000 and $13,000 for traditional excavation and $4,000 to $12,000 for trenchless methods. Costs are often calculated per linear foot, ranging from $50 to $250, depending on the complexity of the project.

Replacing an entire sewer line requires professional sewer line replacement to ensure proper installation and avoid future plumbing issues. If your sewer lines run beneath a driveway, patio, or landscaping, excavation costs may rise due to the added work required to restore these areas.

Trenchless options like pipe bursting or lining can reduce property disruption, but they may not be suitable for all situations.

Additional expenses can include permit fees, inspection costs, and site restoration. If tree roots have damaged your sewer line, removal and reinforcement may be necessary to prevent future blockages.

Before committing to a full replacement, a camera inspection can help determine whether a repair or complete replacement is the best solution.

To minimize the costs, have one of our plumbers evaluate your plumbing in order to avoid unnecessary repairs. A simple drain cleaning may be all you need for a fully functional sewer for your home.

Excavation vs. Trenchless Replacement

When it comes to sewer line replacement, homeowners generally have two options: excavation (traditional methods) or trenchless sewer line replacement. The right choice depends on the condition of your existing sewer line, property layout, and budget.

Excavation is the older, more traditional method. It involves digging up the entire sewer line to remove and replace it. While this method is effective, it comes with higher labor costs, longer timelines, and significant property disruption.

If your sewer line runs under a concrete slab, driveway, or garden, excavation can add thousands to your sewer line replacement costs due to additional restoration work.

Trenchless sewer line replacement is a modern alternative that requires minimal digging. Instead of removing the old pipe, methods like pipe bursting or pipe lining allow a new pipe to be inserted into the existing pipe.

These replacement methods reduce damage to your yard and cut down on sewer line repair costs. However, not all sewer line problems can be fixed with trenchless techniques—if your broken sewer line is severely damaged or collapsed, excavation may still be necessary.

If you’re unsure which option is best for your home, experienced professional contractors can inspect your existing sewer line and recommend the most cost-effective solution. While trenchless is often preferred for convenience, full sewer line replacement may be unavoidable in some cases.

What Else Affects Sewer Line Replacement Costs?

The total sewer line replacement cost depends on more than just the replacement method. Here are some key factors that can affect pricing:

• Length of Sewer Line – The longer the sewer line runs, the higher the overall replacement costs. Prices are often calculated per linear foot, typically between $50 and $250.
• Depth of the Existing Pipe – If the existing sewer line is deep underground, excavation requires more labor and equipment, increasing labor costs.
• Property Features – If the sewer line runs under a concrete slab, driveway, or landscaping, the cost of breaking and restoring these areas will add to the final bill.
• Pipe Material – PVC is generally the most affordable option, while cast iron or copper pipes cost more to install.
• Permits & Additional Fees – Most cities require permits for sewer line repairs, adding anywhere from $100 to $500 to the cost.
• Tree Root Removal – If tree roots have damaged the existing pipe, removal and additional reinforcements may be needed to prevent future issues.
• DIY Sewer Line Replacement vs. Hiring a Contractor – While some homeowners consider a DIY sewer line replacement, this is not recommended due to the complexity of the work. Hiring experienced professional contractors ensures proper installation and avoids costly mistakes.