How Much Does It Cost to Install or Connect a Sewer Line?

Cost to Install New Main Sewer Line

Installing a main sewer line costs an average of about $2,900. Here are some factors that might come into play with the cost to install a sewer line.

Trenching

The cost to dig a trench runs about $800 for 100 linear feet. The total expense depends on the length and depth of the trenches needed. This price usually does not include removing landscaping or hardscaping before digging.

Backflow Preventer

Installing a backflow preventer costs $125 to $900, plus $25 to $250 for labor. A backflow preventer keeps waste flowing toward the city sewer line, away from the home.

Sewer Cleanout

The price to install a sewer cleanout averages $2,000. This estimate typically includes pipes and materials, equipment, tools, and labor. This is an access point that plumbers use to remove clogs in the line.

Sewer Hookup Cost for a Septic System

Septic system installation costs $6,700 on average, ranging from $3,000 to $8,500. Generally, this project is more expensive than the typical $2,900 for a new sewer system installation.

Sewer Line Cost per Foot

The average to install a sewer line ranges from $50 to $250 per linear foot. New pipes cost $3 to $20 per foot, with about $30 to $247 per foot for labor expenses. Trenching may or may not be included in this charge.

City Sewer Connection Cost

Hookup to the city water and sewer line runs from $500 to $20,000, depending on local regulations. It is up to the city to decide how much of the work they will subsidize. Some regions charge higher rates based on supply and infrastructure problems. Others cost less to make new construction more affordable. Contact a local sewer pro to learn the rules for your area.

Who Foots the Fee to Tie Into the Public Sewer?

Typically, property owners must pay for improvements on their land. For new construction, this expense may be wrapped into the cost of the home. If you're replacing a sewer line in an existing home, you will usually pay directly for this upgrade.

Average Cost to Hook Up to City Water & Sewer

Although the price of $500 to $20,000 to connect to the city usually includes water and sewer hookup, it often does not include installation for either line. Water main installation costs $1,600 on average. In many cases, your plumber can do both projects for you.

Factors Impacting the Cost to Run a Sewer Line

Housing Type

Who pays the cost of sewer line installation depends on the type of home you have. Property owners can usually expect these arrangements:

• Single-family: Covered by homeowner

• Twin home: Negotiated by owners

• Duplex: Covered by property owner

• Townhome or Condo: Covered by HOA, possibly including an increase in fees

Check with your city to find out more information concerning your neighborhood or housing development.

Distance to Connector Line

Laying a new line costs $50 to $250 per foot. The distance between your home and the connector line affects this price. The further away it is, the more pipe that will need to be installed, which increases material and labor costs.

City Permits & Regulations

Permits to connect to the city sewer line range from $400 to $1,600, averaging about $1,000. The price depends on the regulations set by the area’s sewer authority. You must get them in advance of the project. If your city isn't in control of your installation, ask a plumber what you need to do. Some pros can obtain the permits for you, but you may need to do it yourself.

Obstacles

Anything that might get in the way of digging will increase the total expense. Consider these jobs commonly related to sewer line installation:

• Cost to install landscaping: $3,400

• Average to remove a tree: $750

• Price to repair driveway: $1,700

• Expense to resurface patio: $1,400

Before you commit to these property repairs, ask your plumber if there’s a way they can avoid it. If it’s unavoidable, you may need to hire a landscaping or hardscaping professional to complete these tasks.

Switching From a Septic to Sewer Cost

Converting your home from a septic system to the city sewer could cost as much as $6,000 or more. In addition to the price of laying and connecting the line, you must also pay to decommission your septic tank. If your project calls for trenching under the foundation or installing new pipes inside the home, you can expect a higher total.

Decommissioning a Septic Tank

Ending use of your septic tank costs $500 to $1,000 and must be done properly to avoid property damage. Most pros recommend flushing out the tank and filling it with a stable material like sand. You can remove the tank, but most homeowners prefer to minimize disruption of the landscaping.

Under-Slab Trenching

Trenching under your foundation ranges from $150 to $200 per foot. You may need this step if your existing pipes are located under the house. Unlike digging a simple trench elsewhere on your property, this task requires extra care to avoid damaging your foundation.

Install New Plumbing Lines

The price to install new plumbing lines averages $1,100. Switching from septic to sewer may force you to reroute or place new pipes to connect to the street.

Sewer Line Replacement

If you're replacing an old sewer line, you’ll pay:

• $50–$250 per foot for trenching

• $60–$200 per foot for a trenchless line replacement

The total cost may run $7,000 to $25,000. Digging out old pipe and replacing it can increase expenses. The existing sewer line might be below your gas line, which is often more expensive to redo.

With trenchless methods, a plumber inserts a smaller pipe within the existing plumbing. Many homeowners choose this method to avoid a full excavation, but it’s not appropriate for all homes. Ask a pro about your options.

DIY Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

In almost all cases, you’ll need to hire a professional plumber for sewer line installation. It’s a complicated project that could have disastrous consequences for you and your neighbors if done wrong. In some cases, homeowners may not be able to get permits for the work without proof that they are working with a licensed professional. To request a quote, find a plumber near you.

FAQs

Do I hire a plumber for sanitary sewer construction & hookup?

In most cases, you’ll need to hire a plumber to install and connect your new sewer line. If the work also involves landscaping or excavation, the plumber may offer these services or recommend you hire another pro.

How do I calculate sewer piping needed to run from house to street?

To estimate how many feet of pipes you’ll need, add the depth of the city main to the distance between the home and the main. This does not include extra feet needed to bypass obstacles such as tree roots or utility lines. City sewer lines tend to run lower than other plumbing or utility lines to minimize the likelihood of backflow, so this number may be higher than you expect.

What’s the estimated cost for a sewer RV hookup installation?

The cost to hire a plumber runs $45 to $200 per hour plus materials. The price to install a sewer hookup for an RV depends on the project’s complications. If you are connecting into an existing line on the property, you’ll pay less than if you must install a new line.

What’s the average cost of an overhead sewer?

The price of an overhead sewer ranges from $8,000 to $10,000. This type uses pipes installed above ground to minimize backflow into a basement.