Sewer line replacement is one of the highest-ticket residential plumbing jobs. It's also one of the most variable in terms of pricing, because no two sewer lines are the same. Depth, length, material, access, soil conditions, whether the line runs under a driveway or through a landscaped yard — all of it matters, and all of it changes the price.
For plumbing contractors, sewer work can be extremely profitable or a money pit, depending on how well you estimate. A job that looks straightforward from the surface can turn into a nightmare once you start digging. Let's walk through actual costs and how to price this work so it works for your business.
Sewer line replacement costs by method
| Method | Materials | Labor + Equipment | Total (per linear foot) | Total (50 ft typical run) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional trench (open cut) | $8–$20/ft | $40–$100/ft | $50–$120/ft | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Pipe bursting (trenchless) | $15–$30/ft | $50–$120/ft | $65–$150/ft | $3,250–$7,500 |
| CIPP lining (cured-in-place) | $30–$60/ft | $50–$100/ft | $80–$160/ft | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Spot repair (10–15 ft section) | $100–$300 | $800–$2,500 | — | $900–$2,800 |
Most full sewer line replacements for residential properties fall in the $3,000–$8,000 range for a 40–60 foot run. Complex jobs — deep lines, under driveways, through rocky soil — can push past $15,000.
Full cost breakdown
| Cost Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Camera inspection (pre-work) | $150–$500 |
| Permits | $100–$500 |
| Excavation equipment (mini excavator rental or owned) | $300–$800/day |
| Pipe materials (PVC/ABS, 4") | $3–$12/ft |
| Fittings, couplings, cleanout | $50–$200 |
| Bedding material (gravel/sand) | $100–$400 |
| Backfill and compaction | $200–$800 |
| Surface restoration (lawn, concrete, asphalt) | $300–$3,000+ |
| Labor (2-person crew, 1–3 days) | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Disposal / haul-away | $200–$600 |
Factors that drive the cost
Depth of the existing line
A sewer line at 3 feet deep is a completely different job than one at 8 feet. Deeper lines require shoring (OSHA requires trench protection at 5 feet), larger equipment, and more time. In northern climates where frost lines are deep, sewer lines are commonly 6–10 feet down. In the Southeast, they might be 2–4 feet. Depth is probably the single biggest cost variable.
Line length
The distance from the house to the city main varies widely. A 30-foot run in a small lot is quick. A 100-foot run on a large property is a multi-day project. Always measure — don't estimate length by eye.
Existing pipe material
Orangeburg (bituminous fiber) pipe collapses easily and often requires full replacement rather than lining. Cast iron may have years of buildup that makes pipe bursting difficult. Clay pipe with offset joints is common in older neighborhoods. Knowing what's in the ground before you bid is essential — that's why the camera inspection comes first.
Obstructions and routing
Does the line run under a concrete driveway, sidewalk, or patio? Under a mature tree with massive roots? Through rocky soil? Each of these adds cost. Concrete cutting and replacement for a driveway crossing can add $1,000–$3,000 to the job. Tree root intrusion may require additional cleanout and root barriers.
Surface restoration
This is the cost that gets overlooked. After a traditional dig, you have a trench through someone's yard. Restoring the lawn is the minimum — $300–$800 for grading, topsoil, and seed. If you cut through a driveway or sidewalk, you're looking at concrete work. If there was landscaping in the path, replacement plants and mulch. Some contractors include basic restoration in their bid. Others line-item it separately. Either way, it has to be addressed.
Permits and inspection
Most municipalities require a plumbing permit for sewer line replacement. Some also require a right-of-way permit if you're working near the street or crossing the sidewalk. Fees range from $100 to $500. Inspections typically happen twice — once before backfill (to verify grade and connections) and once after. Schedule around inspection availability to avoid idle days.
Traditional dig vs. trenchless: what to recommend
Trenchless methods (pipe bursting and CIPP lining) cost more per linear foot but avoid the surface disruption. Here's when each makes sense:
Traditional dig is best when:
- The line has collapsed or is severely damaged
- There's a significant grade problem that needs correcting
- Access is easy and the yard can handle equipment
- The customer is budget-constrained and lawn restoration is simple
Trenchless is best when:
- The line runs under a driveway, patio, or hardscaping
- The yard has mature landscaping the customer wants to preserve
- The existing pipe is mostly intact (for lining) or the path is straight (for bursting)
- The customer is willing to pay a premium for minimal disruption
If you're not set up for trenchless work, consider partnering with a trenchless specialist for those situations rather than turning down the job entirely. You can mark up the sub's work 15–20% for your project management.
Regional price variations
| Region | Adjustment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | +15% to +30% | Deep frost lines, older infrastructure, rocky soil common |
| Southeast | -10% to +5% | Shallow lines, sandy soil, easier digging |
| Midwest | +0% to +15% | Clay soil, moderate depth, aging clay pipe prevalent |
| Southwest | -5% to +10% | Caliche soil can be rock-hard, but lines are shallow |
| West Coast | +20% to +35% | High labor costs, seismic requirements in some areas |
What plumbers should charge
Sewer line replacement should deliver 35–50% gross margin. The equipment costs (excavator, camera, trailers) are significant overhead that needs to be recovered across your jobs.
- Camera inspection: Charge $250–$500. Your cost is 30–60 minutes of labor plus equipment amortization. This should be profitable on its own, and it feeds the replacement sale.
- Labor rate: $85–$150/hour for the lead plumber, $50–$80/hour for a laborer. Sewer work is physically demanding and requires specific licensing in most states.
- Equipment charge: If you own a mini excavator, charge $400–$800/day for its use on the job. That covers your depreciation, maintenance, and financing. If you're renting, pass the rental cost through plus 15–20%.
- Materials markup: 30–50% on pipe, fittings, and bedding material.
Use a job cost estimator on every sewer bid. The variables are too many to keep in your head, and one missed line item on a $6,000 job can wipe out half your profit.
Presenting the estimate
Sewer work is a distress purchase — the customer has a problem and needs it fixed. But it's also expensive enough that they'll get multiple quotes. Win the job by being thorough, not cheap. Show the camera footage, explain what's wrong, present options (repair vs. full replacement, dig vs. trenchless), and give them a detailed written estimate. The contractor who shows up with a clipboard and a number loses to the one who shows up with a camera report and a plan.
Common pricing mistakes on sewer jobs
- Not scoping the full run. Camera the entire line, not just the problem area. If you replace 30 feet and the customer has a failure in the remaining 20 feet six months later, that's your reputation on the line.
- Forgetting surface restoration. If you dig up the yard and leave it as a dirt trench, you'll get a bad review. Budget for at least basic restoration — grading, topsoil, and seed.
- Underestimating soil conditions. Rocky soil, high water table, and clay all slow the work dramatically. If you haven't worked in the area before, talk to other contractors or check soil surveys.
- Not including the cleanout. Every sewer line replacement should include a two-way cleanout at the property line or near the house. It's code in most areas, and it makes future maintenance possible.
Estimate sewer jobs with confidence
Free job cost templates and pricing tools built for plumbing contractors.
Download Free →Bottom line
Sewer line replacement in 2026 typically runs $3,000–$8,000 for a standard residential job, with complex projects pushing well past $15,000. The key to profitability is accurate scoping — camera the line, understand the soil and depth, account for surface restoration, and price for the job you're actually doing, not the one you hope it'll be.
Track your costs with a margin calculator and build a pricing database from your completed jobs. After a dozen sewer replacements, you'll be able to estimate accurately from the camera footage alone.
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