The cost of repairing a sewer line can vary significantly depending on the type of sewer pipe being repaired, the location, materials required for repair, and whether the job includes digging up your driveway or backyard. We’ll let you know what to expect from there. A typical sewer line repair will cost anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000. That price will also vary based on the size of the sewer pipe being repaired. For example, repairing a 3-inch sewer pipe will cost more than repairing a 12-inch sewer pipe. As you can imagine, the more work that needs to be done, the more it will cost. Here are some examples of average repair costs:
HOW TO DETERMINE THE COST OF REPAIRING A SEWER LINE?
There are several different factors that will determine the cost of repairing a sewer line. The first is the location. If you live in a rural area with a very long sewer line that runs above your backyard, you’re going to have a much more expensive repair. The second factor is the type of sewer pipe being repaired. If you have an older sewer pipe that is made out of cast iron or clay, you’re going to have a more expensive repair. The third factor is whether you need to dig up your driveway or backyard. If you have an older house with a cast iron or clay sewer pipe and the broken section of pipe is located inside your backyard, you’re going to have a more expensive repair.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOUR SEWER LINE NEEDS REPAIR?
It’s important to remember that sewer lines can only be repaired, they can’t be replaced. The best way to determine if your sewer line needs repair is to check for sewer smells near your home. If you’re smelling gas or sewage when you flush the toilet or open the pipes in the kitchen, it’s possible that the sewer line has collapsed. This can be a dangerous situation, especially if you have young children in the house. If you smell gas, call your local gas company immediately. If you smell sewage, call your plumber. You can also look at your water bill. If you have a large increase in your water bill, it might be a good idea to call a plumber to check your sewage pipes.
IF YOUR SEWER LINE NEEDS REPAIR, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
The amount of time your sewer line will take to repair will depend on the size of the break, the materials needed to repair it, and the contractor you hire. It will also depend on the weather. If it snows or rains during the repair, the process will take much longer. You should allow between two and four weeks for a typical repair to take place. You can help this process along by making sure the contractor has easy access to your house. You should also make sure to have a working sewage and water shutoff nearby. This will help the contractor to get to the job site more quickly. You can learn more about this in our article on working with a contractor for a sewer repair.
REPAIRS THAT WILL INCREASE YOUR SEWER LINE REPAIR COSTS:
If you have a broken or collapsed sewer pipe that is located inside your home, it will be more expensive to repair. This is because the contractor will need to dig up your backyard or driveway. If you have an older sewer pipe that is made out of iron or clay, the contractor will need to dig a larger hole and replace the sewer pipe. If you have a broken or collapsed cast iron sewer pipe, the contractor will need to dig a much larger pit.
CONCLUSION
A broken or collapsed sewer line can be dangerous and costly. If you are experiencing sewer smells or have noticed a large increase in your water bill, it’s a good idea to call a plumber to have your sewer line checked out. If your sewer line needs repair, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2000 and $10,000. You can help speed up the process by making sure the contractor has easy access to your home and a working sewage and water shutoff nearby.