When you own a piece of property on which your home or small business sits, you are responsible for the maintenance of the water and sewer lines that run from the building to the public utility connection.
If the water or sewer line leading away from your home or small business breaks, leaks or becomes clogged, the sewer line repair cost can average around $2,449 (HomeAdvisor). The cost varies greatly depending on where the line breaks – sometimes it can even break underneath the street outside your home – and a variety of other factors, including the location and length of the problem and the depth of the sewer line.
In most scenarios, the city is only responsible for public service lines. In addition, the repairs to the service lines on your property are not covered by a homeowner’s policy. So, you will be responsible for the total cost of repairs. That’s why it’s important to work with a sewer repair company you trust.
What Does It Cost to Replace a Sewer Line?
Main sewer line clogs or repairs are serious situations that need to be addressed immediately. If you suspect a sewer line issue or you’re currently in the midst of a sewer line emergency, it’s helpful to educate yourself on common sewer line issues and potential costs.
Be advised that any figures discussed below are estimates. Your exact situation will need to be assessed by an expert in order for an accurate cost to be figured.
Here are the most frequently asked questions from homeowners and business owners with sewer line problems:
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Up and Replace a Sewer Line?
Opting for a traditional sewer line repair method requires digging a long, deep trench(es) to remove the old sewer pipes and install new ones. On average, this method can cost $50-$250+ per foot. This estimate depends on the length and depth of the existing sewer pipes, ease of access to the pipes, and more.
The trenchless slip-lining or relining sewer replacement method uses minimal digging – costing you significantly less in yard repair. These methods can range from $50-$200 per foot. Again, this estimate depends on where the existing pipes are located, the ease of accessing these pipes, and more. It should be noted that trenchless repairs can usually be done in one to three days.
What Does a Broken Sewer Line Repair Cost?
The cost to repair a cracked or broken sewer line can vary greatly. Fixing the problem starts by having an expert find exactly where the sewer line is cracked or broken. This crucial first step will save you time and money down the road.
From there, your trusted sewer repair company will recommend the best solution to fix the broken sewer line.
An average broken sewer line repair can cost between $1,300 and $2,700. Of course, this number can fluctuate depending on the severity of your sewer line issue. That’s why it’s best to contact an experienced team right away to get your situation under control and mitigate any further damage.
How Much Does a Sewer Line Belly Repair Cost?
When the slope of the sewer pipe is no longer positive, a bellied sewer line has formed. A bend in the sewer line can cause water to collect in the low area/sag. Over time, water/liquid can get caught and begin to collect solid waste. When too much solid waste or debris accumulates and settles in the sag, a bellied pipeline clog develops.
Once a video pipe inspection has confirmed a bellied sewer line, the most efficient solution will be deployed.
Like most estimates we’ve delivered, a sewer line belly repair cost is very similar. An average sewer pipe repair cost hovers around $2,306, with the average range currently sitting at $1,300 and $2,700.
How Much Does a Collapsed Sewer Line Repair Cost?
Collapsed sewer pipes are commonly caused by tree roots, offset pipe joints, and old, aging pipes. When sewer pipes are left unmaintained and not regularly cleaned, several issues can arise and grow worse as time passes.
Once the structural integrity of the sewer pipe is lost, soil can collapse into the broken sewer pipe and block the flow.
To restore the flow, a collapsed sewer line repair can cost between $1,300 and $2,700.
How Affordable is Trenchless Pipe Lining Compared to Other Repairs?
While many factors need to be taken into account before a true cost estimate can be created, the short answer is trenchless pipe lining is very comparable to other repair methods. At times, it can be the most affordable option.
Below is a basic outline of what you can factor into the total of a traditional or trenchless main sewer line clog repair cost:
Sewer Line Repair Cost Factors
Identifying the problem. If you notice a sewage smell coming from your drains or yard, or have an obvious backup, you’re most likely calling a plumber to uncover what’s responsible. The plumber will come to your home to inspect the line and determine what the problem is – most likely using non-invasive video camera technology. This type of inspection allows the plumber to see the inside of the pipe in real time, identifying blockages, root infiltrations, broken joints and more.
Fixing the problem. As mentioned above, there a number of factors that contribute to the cost of sewer pipe repair, including the length and depth of the line, and the location of the problem. The type of pipe may also affect the cost. For example, many older homes have clay pipes that may be beyond repair and require replacement instead. Lastly, you must consider the amount of time and number of crew members required for the most efficient job.
There are multiple ways in which one problem can be addressed: you can opt for traditional or trenchless sewer repair. Traditional sewer line repair requires digging large trenches, which may affect your landscaping, driveway, deck or patio. Trenchless sewer line repair only requires one or two small access holes.
Cleaning up. Once the sewer pipe repair is complete, there may be additional costs. If the yard, landscaping or driveway was disturbed to repair your main sewer line, then you will have the added cost of replacing or rebuilding those as well. If the basement was flooded from a burst or leaking pipe, you will have the added cost of restoration, which can range from $500 to $10,000 dollars.*
Bottom line, a water or sewer line repair cost cannot be determined without a proper assessment of your situation. Contact Invisible Excavations for a free consultation today: 216-749-3478.
*Source: http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/plumbing/repair-a-sewer-main/