Let’s face it—sewer line replacements are not at the top of any homeowner’s mind. Yet, it is inevitable once in a while you will need sewer lateral replacement services. The need for such services is not a question of if but when.
The average lifespan of sewer laterals varies from 50 to 100 years, depending on the material (cast iron, clay, PVC, etc.) and environmental factors. However, failures can occur earlier due to corrosion, root intrusion, or ground movement.
Sewer lateral replacement frequency can range from 0.2% to 1% annually in specific cities or regions, translating to thousands of replacements annually. To help you budget, we have calculated sewer lateral replacement costs in Hillsborough.
In this blog post, you will find:
- Average Cost of Sewer Lateral Replacement
- Different Replacement Costs
- Factors That Affect Sewer Lateral Replacement Cost
Average Cost of Sewer Lateral Replacement
The average cost of sewer lateral replacement in the US is around $3,151, with a variation spanning from $215 to $9,500, with the lower range representing minor localized repairs.
Most homeowners in Hillsborough, CA, typically incur a cost of around $4,160, with the average minimum expense at $978 and the maximum reaching $7,342. Plumbers also calculate sewer line replacements by material, linear foot, line length, and square foot.
Average Material Costs
Material per linear foot costs $4.50 for PVC, $6 for ABS, $85 for copper, and $49 for cast iron. So, this is a primary determinant of the total cost of any project.
Average Cost Per Linear Foot
| Feet | Low Cost | High Cost |
| 5 Feet | $275 | $1,250 |
| 10 Feet | $550 | $2,500 |
| 15 Feet | $725 | $3,750 |
| 20 Feet | $1100 | $5,000 |
Average Cost Per Square Foot
Prices range between $50 to $250 per square foot.
Average Cost per Line Length
Sewer line costs rise with every line length increase. Prices range between $1,250, while replacing longer lines can cost up to $25,000.
Minor Damage Cost Estimates
Slow drains, occasional clogs, or minor root intrusion fall under minor lateral line issues. Repairs for these issues typically involve trenchless lining or patching, with minimal excavation required.
The anticipated cost for addressing minor sewer line replacement ranges from $978 to $3,500. The price covers labor, materials, inspection, and local permits.
Average Damage Cost Estimates
What plumbers consider average damage include symptoms like frequent clogs, backups, noticeable cracks in pipes, and moderate root intrusion.
Potential solutions for these issues may entail partial pipe replacement with open trench or trenchless methods, depending on location and accessibility.
The estimated cost for average repairs ranges between $4,000 and $6,000, covering labor, materials, inspection, permits, and partial pipe replacement.
Severe Damage Cost Estimates
For sewage backups into the house, major pipe collapse, extensive root intrusion, and foundation cracks, a complete pipe replacement with extensive excavation, potential foundation repairs, and landscaping restoration are necessary. The cost can exceed $10,000 depending on the complexity of repairs and additional work needed.
Different Replacement Costs
The type of service rendered during a lateral sewer replacement influences the cost in Hillsborough.
Traditional Lateral Replacement Costs
The traditional sewer replacement method requires digging and replacements. Costs depend on the pipe material, trenching technique, pipe length and depth, and labor intensity.
Pipe Material
PVC is the most cost-effective choice, ranging from $80 to $400 per 50 linear feet. ABS Plastic falls within the range of $140 to $260, while cast iron, renowned for its robust and durable characteristics, comes at a higher cost, ranging from $1,200 to $3,700 for the same length.
| Pipe Material | Cost Per 50 Linear Feet |
| PVC Plastic | $80 to $400 |
| ABS Plastic | $140 to $260 |
| Cast Iron | $1,200 to $3,700 |
Trenching Technique
Traditional sewer line replacement requires open-air excavation. The approach is disruptive and time-consuming. However, labor intensity depends on the sewer line demands. Costs can range between $50-$150 per linear foot.
Pipe Length and Depth
Excavation prices increase per linear foot. The cost increases with the length and depth of the pipe. A small sewer line replacement can cost $1,250, whereas longer lines can potentially reach up to $25,000.
Labor Intensity
Plumbers charge hourly labor rates ranging between $50 to $150 per hour. The more time-consuming the replacement, the more expensive it becomes.
Trenchless Lateral Replacement Costs
Sewer line replacement can occur with minimal excavation or intrusion into your lawn. Aside from pipe length and depth, the techniques employed determine the price for this type of replacement.
Pipe Bursting
This method cracks the old pipe, replacing it with a new one using a bursting head. It costs around $150-$190 per linear foot.
Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP)
In this technique, a flexible liner coated with resin is inserted into the existing pipe and cured, creating a new pipe within the old one. The cost ranges between $135 to $150 per linear foot.
Foldable Pipe Lining
For about $100-$125 per linear foot, plumbers insert a pre-folded pipe into the old pipe and expand it, creating a new lining.
Other Sewer Line Replacement Costs
| Sewer Replacement Service | Estimated Costs |
| Tree Roots | $300 to $1,100 |
| Spin Casting | $4,000 to $12,000 |
| Clogs | $300 and $600 |
| Breaks and Cracks | $1,100 to $4,000 |
| Line Collapse | $55 to $250 per linear foot |
| Inspection | $100 to $500 |
Factors That Affect Sewer Lateral Replacement Cost
Pipe Material
The type of pipe material affects costs. PVC and ABS plastic offers the most affordable options per linear foot. These materials can last over 50 years and work well in Hillsborough’s stable soil quality and temperate climate.
However, durability also depends on installation proficiency. Cast iron is more long-lasting. It is also corrosion and fire-resistant but is more expensive than PVC and ABS.
Pipe Length
The deeper and longer the pipe, the more effort (and money) needed to reach and replace it.
Distance
Replacing a longer sewer line necessitates more material, increased excavation, inspection, and analysis, and demands additional time and labor. The extended length also requires more connectors, leading to higher costs.
Damage Severity
Minor damages like slow drains and occasional clogs cost less because the labor is not demanding. Trenchless lining or patching can remedy the situation for as low as $900.
On the other hand, frequent sewer backups, pipe collapse, extensive root intrusion, and foundation cracks call for total pipe replacement with extensive excavation, potential foundation repairs, and landscaping restoration, potentially exceeding $10,000.
Yard Restoration
Excavation-based sewer line replacement techniques necessitate repairing the yard or driveway after filling in the trench. Replacing an asphalt driveway is approximately $15 per square foot while resodding a lawn can cost between $0.50 and $2 per square foot.
Labor Intensity
Professional plumbers typically charge an hourly rate for their services, with rates generally falling between $50 and $150 per hour. The complexity of the task directly influences the number of hours needed for sewer line inspection, analysis, excavation, and replacement. As a result, technically demanding renovations tend to be more expensive than simple, non-invasive services.
Conclusion
Next Level Plumbing Services offers the Hillsborough community high-quality, dependable, and cost-effective sewer lateral replacement services. Benefit from our expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and equipment for efficient sewer line solutions without exceeding your budget.
Our familiarity with California’s topography, sewer line system, and regulatory requirements provides us with an advantage, ensuring the delivery of quality services. Call us today to optimize your sewer system performance.
