Quick answer
Bob Vila puts trenchless sewer line replacement at $60–$250 per foot and pipe bursting at $60–$200 per foot; HomeServe puts cured-in-place lining at $90–$250 per foot. Length, depth, access, and whether the line runs under a driveway or tree roots change the total most. A camera inspection comes first, because it shows whether the line needs a spot repair, a liner or full replacement. Call (888) 217-6781 to reach a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
A sewer line that keeps clogging, backs up into a basement drain, or shows roots on a camera eventually needs a repair or a replacement. The price is quoted per foot, and the method matters as much as the length.
What It Costs
| Method | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Trenchless replacement | $60–$250 per foot | Bob Vila |
| Pipe bursting | $60–$200 per foot | Bob Vila |
| Cured-in-place lining | $90–$250 per foot | HomeServe |
| Main-line clog cleared | $150–$500 | HomeServe |
The Methods
- Spot repair: dig at one broken or root-filled section and replace it. Suits a single defect on an otherwise sound line.
- Cured-in-place lining: a resin-soaked liner is pulled into the old pipe and hardened, forming a new pipe inside it. Little digging, but it needs a line that is still roughly round.
- Pipe bursting: a head pulled through the old pipe breaks it outward while drawing a new pipe in behind it. Two access pits.
- Open trench: dig the full length. Needed for a collapsed pipe or a severe sag, and the restoration of lawns, driveways and landscaping adds cost.
What Changes the Price
- 1Length from the house to the city connection.
- 2Depth, and whether the line runs under a driveway, patio or mature tree.
- 3Condition: a collapsed or sagging line limits the options to digging.
- 4Permits and the city tap, which some cities charge separately.
- 5Cleanout: adding one makes future clearing cheaper.
Talk to a plumber about this
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
The Camera Comes First
A camera inspection shows roots, cracks, offset joints, sags and collapses, and how deep they are. Without it, a quote is a guess. A line that clogs once a year with roots may only need clearing and a spot repair, not replacement. Signs that it is the main line are in main sewer line clog and floor drain backing up.
Who Owns the Line
In most US cities, the homeowner owns the sewer lateral from the house to the main or the property line. Ask your city where its part begins before you pay for work on its side.
See sewer line repair.
The Call
Call when several drains back up, sewage comes up a floor drain, or the line needs a camera inspection and a quote. (888) 217-6781 connects you to a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more, because the companies taking calls change minute to minute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a sewer line?
Bob Vila puts trenchless replacement at $60–$250 per foot and pipe bursting at $60–$200 per foot. HomeServe puts cured-in-place lining at $90–$250 per foot.
Is trenchless sewer repair cheaper?
Often, once lawn, driveway and landscaping restoration are counted, because it needs only small access pits. It does not suit a fully collapsed pipe or a line with a severe sag.
Who pays for the sewer line?
In most US cities, the homeowner owns the lateral from the house to the city main or the property line. Ask your city where its responsibility starts.
Do I need a camera inspection first?
YesIt shows roots, cracks, sags and collapses and where they are, which decides the method and the price.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.
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