Learn How Much Does a Sewer Line Replacement and Repair Cost in 2022?
Sewer Line Replacement and Repair Cost in 2022
Though we rely on our underground sewers and drains every day, for the most part, we never think about them until there’s a significant problem.
A misaligned, blocked, or damaged underground pipe is a nightmare for all commercial or residential properties. Damage to underground pipes can lead to septic tank backup, severe pipe damage, or even worse, water damage. In addition to property destruction and the horrific stench, sewage water is also a biohazard.
Table of Contents
- What are the Warning Signs of a Damaged Underground Sewer/Pipe?
- What is the Average Cost of Sewer Line Replacement in 2022?
- » Why the Large Range in Cost?
- Factors Influencing the Cost of Sewer Line Replacement and Repair
- 1. Sewer Line Camera Inspection
- 2. The Length and Type of Pipe
- 3. Traditional vs. Trenchless Methods
- 4. Landscaping and Clean Up
- 5. The Plumber You Hire
- How Long Does it Take to Replace a Sewer Line?
- Questions to Ask Your Sewer Line Replacement Contractor
- Preventing Replacing Your Sewer Line
- Ventura County Sewer Repair and Replacement Services
What are the Warning Signs of a Damaged Underground Sewer/Pipe?
Damaged, misaligned, or clogged underground pipes can result in serious problems that can disrupt your drain system and put your employees, family, or pets at risk. The effects of damaged underground pipes include:
- Water contamination
- Flooding and water damage
- Foul odors from unsanitary raw sewage back up
- Destruction of yards, lawns, and gardens
- Irreversible pipe damage
Reoccurring sewer blockages can wreak havoc on your lawn. When you suspect there is damage to your sewer line, do not delay getting help. The longer you let the issues persist, the more expensive and extensive the damage will be.
When irreversible pipe damage happens to your sewer line, your next step is to hire the best sewer pipe lining contractor in Ventura County to replace your main sewer line before things get any more out of hand.
What is the Average Cost of Sewer Line Replacement in 2022?
How often do you think about your sewer line? Pretty much never, right?
It’s safe to assume, then, that most homeowners don’t think about budgeting for sewer cleaning, sewer line repair, or sewer line replacement for their Ventura County homes. Sewer replacement often comes out of nowhere,
Sewer repair costs average between $50 to $250 per foot, while getting a new sewer line costs between $1,000 to $4,000. Replacing a sewer line generally costs more than installing a new sewer line. If you’re getting a new sewer line, you can expect to spend between $1,000 to $4,000. The material of choice affects the price variations. While many plumbers will suggest using PVC, some might suggest cast iron, which costs as much as four times the amount of PVC pipes.
» Why the Large Range in Cost?
There is a vast range in cost because of several factors that impact how much your sewer line replacement costs in 2022. The main difference is the location of your home and the length of the replacement needed. Replacing a long sewer line will require more money than a smaller project.
The cost of sewer line replacement can also be affected by whether you must acquire permits and other regulations. Does the sewer line you need to replace pass under a paved road? You need to budget for such costs. You also need to budget for work permits, excavation, and lawn repair expenses.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Sewer Line Replacement and Repair
1. Sewer Line Camera Inspection
Do you need a sewer line camera inspection? A video inspection is crucial if you want to get a good idea as to the health of your sewer system. If the pipes are extremely old, you can decide to replace them.
Instead of unearthing your entire sewer line, a plumber can save you time and money by threading a camera down your sewer line to have a look at things.
While professional sewer line camera inspection in Ventura County might add to your total bill, it can also help you find some lost valuables before unclogging or replacing your sewer line.
2. The Length and Type of Pipe
How much sewer line replacement costs in 2022 largely depends on the type of piping you choose. In addition to that, the more piping material you need, the more expensive the job will be. Common sewer piping materials include:
- PVC – PVC is the most affordable sewer piping material. It is both durable and easy to replace.
- Copper – While copper is a more expensive option, it offers better quality and lasts longer than PVC.
- Cast Iron – More durable than other materials and cheaper than copper, but is subject to corrosion and is difficult to replace.
When it comes to repairs, your plumber will generally use the same kind of piping you already have installed.
If you own an older home equipped with clay, Orangeburg, or cast iron piping, we recommend complete replacement with modern piping materials such as PVC and copper. Full replacement with copper or PVC is the best long-term solution.
3. Traditional vs. Trenchless Methods
Trenchless sewer line replacements might be more expensive than trench replacements but often save homeowners plenty of time and money on clean-up costs.
Traditional dig-and-replace sewer projects can require a lot of invasive excavation and result in a messed-up yard but can be a relatively inexpensive and straightforward project. It’s typically less expensive than trenchless replacement but will add to your overall costs, given the required excavation of dirt, gravel, and landscaping.
Trenchless sewer replacement methods are usually faster than the traditional approach. They help you replace sewer pipes with less disruption and without the extra labor and potential damage caused by traditional trench-digging replacement. Trenchless sewer replacement will help you avoid ugly and costly lawn and yard damage from traditional sewer pipe repair solutions. The two main trenchless methods include:
- Pipe Lining – Your plumber will insert a flexible tube that expands and hardens in place.
- Pipe Bursting – The technician will insert a new sewer pipe through one end of the line. The new line will fracture the old pipe as it gets laid, replacing your old sewer line
Traditional sewer replacement can cost $50-$250 or more per foot, while trenchless sewer replacement can cost between $60-$200 per foot. Oh, and don’t forget to include the cost of replacing the trees, shrubs, and pavement that may sustain damage during traditional sewer replacement projects.
If the condition of your existing plumbing is too deteriorated, trenchless sewer line replacement may not be possible. After a video sewer inspection, your plumber can advise you on the best and most cost-effective option.
4. Landscaping and Clean Up
Before embarking on sewer line replacement, you need to know that your plumber’s quote won’t include this cost. The landscaping and clean up cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, and you’ll have to fund it yourself
Traditional drain replacements can leave your yard covered with dug-up flowers, trees, and gravel. Do you love gardening? If yes, it won’t matter. But if you’ll need to hire a professional landscaper, it can get pretty expensive.
Traditional drain replacements can leave your yard covered with dug-up flowers, trees, and gravel. Do you love gardening? If yes, it won’t matter. But if you’ll need to hire a professional landscaper, it can get pretty expensive.
5. The Plumber You Hire
Although hiring a good plumbing contractor may seem like a piece of cake, hiring an experienced and reliable one requires plenty of research. Is it your first time hiring a plumber? Or are you looking for a new professional? Picking a high-quality plumber from the rest can be tricky. Here are the top 8 signs of a plumbing company you can rely on:
- Good plumbers are licensed and insured
- A range of services
- The best plumbers have years of experience
- Prompt and professional communication
- A thorough and free estimate
- Written guarantee of work to be completed
- Excellent reviews on Yelp, Google, and Facebook
- 24/7 emergency availability
Replacing your private sewer line can be done by a local plumber, sewer, or general contractor. Be sure to get several quotes because they may differ in both price and available equipment.
Check with your area’s sewer department to see if it maintains a list of local contractors. Ask about training and experience, then confirm that the company is licensed, insured, and bonded.
Request a detailed bid, clearly describing all the work to be done and the materials to be used, the required building permits, the project’s total cost, and the estimated start and finish dates.
How Long Does it Take to Replace a Sewer Line?
While the average costs seem pretty close, you need to remember that traditional sewer line replacement can take more than a week to complete. Your plumber needs to dig up the entire pipe before replacing it.
So, how long does trenchless pipe replacement take? Trenchless sewer line replacement can be done in a day or less. Specific times for both depend on the size of the job and the weather.
Questions to Ask Your Sewer Line Replacement Contractor
Sewer line projects are critical. Before you contract a plumber in Ventura County for traditional or trenchless sewer line replacement services, be sure to ask the following questions:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you have a contractor’s license?
- Will this work require any permits?
- What type of equipment can you access?
Preventing Replacing Your Sewer Line
The reality is that you can prevent many sewer line problems with regular maintenance and care and an understanding of where and how plumbing issues can occur. Expert sewer cleaning is a great way to maintain the health of your drain line and avoid sewer line replacement. It’s a maintenance task that will prevent sewer backups and subsequent sewer repairs.
Here are seven essential preventative maintenance tips for drains and sewer lines to ensure that everything runs as it’s supposed to:
» Clean Out Slow and Clogged Drains
If you’re experiencing slow drainage, you may have a clog. The inexpensive natural remedy of vinegar and hot water poured down your drain may be able to clear debris by flushing it out. You can complete this technique once every couple of months to keep your drains flowing at peak conditions.
» Adopt Good Flushing Habits
Train your home occupants to know that only toilet paper and human waste should go down the toilet. Any other type of substance, including ‘flushable wipes,’ will lead to a clogged sewer line.
» Do Not Put Grease Down the Drain
Oil, grease, and fats are common culprits of clogs and require a professional sewer cleanout. It would be best if you only poured non-reactive liquids down a drain.
» Avoid planting trees around sewer lines
Tree root invasion is a primary cause of sewer problems.
» Test Your Water Pressure
Check your water pressure frequently to regulate what comes out of shower heads and faucets is at a safe level. You can add a pressure regulator to keep your water pressure at the preferred level at all times.
» Inspect Your Kitchens and Bathroom Sinks
Check your sink plumbing for leaks and cracks and identify any fragility before it escalates into a full-blown problem. Hire the best plumbing company in Ventura County, such as Gallegos Plumbing, to repair or replace them if needed.
Engaging in regular preventative maintenance for your plumbing system is a great way to allow your plumbing to last longer and avoid major issues in the future. To learn more about our preventative maintenance services, contact Gallegos Plumbing today.
Ventura County Sewer Repair and Replacement Services
Sewer line replacement isn’t something you want to “redo,” which is why you should contact Gallegos Plumbing to do it right the first time. Our experienced pipe lining company will help you renew your sewer system than any major plumbing work you have ever seen, at a fraction of the cost. Our team of licensed plumbers offers reliable 24/7 sewer repair services such as sewer line replacement and trenchless sewer line repair.
Call us today at (805) 243-2622 to get a free quote or fill out the online form to schedule an appointment. Ventura County locals have rated us 5 out of 5 on Facebook, Yelp, and Google. We provide quality trenchless sewer repair and replacement services in Ventura, Ojai, and surrounding cities across Ventura County.