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What is the Cost of a Sewer Line Replacement in Southern California?

By Sample HubSpot User 2/4/25 12:32 AM Time to read:

If your sewer line needs to be replaced, the first thing you want to know is how much it will cost. The cost to replace a broken sewer line can range from $500 to $20,000. What you’ll pay for the replacement depends on the following factors:

  • The length of the damaged pipe
  • The replacement pipe material
  • The replacement method used
  • The plumbing contractor you hire
  • Access difficulty of the replacement location
  • The cost difference between trench vs trenchless replacements
  • Inspections before replacement
  • Yard or driveway repairs due to replacement

Let’s go into more detail about each of these factors to give you a better idea of what you could pay for your sewer line replacement.

The Length of the Damaged Pipe

The longer the length of the damaged pipe, the higher the sewer line replacement cost. This is because the material costs and the labour time required to replace the pipe will increase.

In some cases, the leaks in the sewer line may be widespread and the plumber may recommend replacing the entire line, which will significantly raise the cost. However, replacing a severely damaged sewer line all at once can save you money in the long run, because you won’t have to pay for additional (and likely, inevitable) repairs and/or damage in the future. Wondering how much does it cost to replace a sewer line in such situations? A comprehensive inspection by a professional plumber can give you a more accurate estimate.

The Replacement Pipe Material

Some pipe materials have a higher cost per foot, which will raise the cost to replace a sewer line.

The most common types of pipe material for sewer lines include:

  • PVC or ABS: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipes are the most commonly used material for sewer line replacements today—and they’re also the least expensive. Plumbers often prefer working with PVC or ABS pipes because they are easy to install and work well with non-intrusive replacement methods (more on those in the next section).
  • HDPE: Compared to PVC or ABS pipes, HDPE (high-density polyethylene) are slightly more expensive but also more flexible, which makes them a good choice for areas with seismic activity, such as California. Like PVC or ABS pipes, HDPE pipes are often used in non-invasive (“trenchless”) replacement methods.
  • Cast iron: Even though cast iron pipes are mostly found in older homes, they are still occasionally used in pipe replacements today. Though cast iron pipes are highly durable to outside forces, they are prone to internal rust and corrosion. Since cast iron pipes are expensive to install, plumbers only recommend them in certain situations.

After the plumber inspects the material of your existing sewer line, they can help you choose the best replacement pipe for your home and budget.

The Replacement Method Used

A broken sewer line can be replaced using one of the following replacement methods:

  • Excavation: Excavation (i.e. traditional digging and trenching) is the most expensive pipe replacement method because it involves substantial digging and will require restoration costs. In fact, the cost of restoring a lawn or carport after the pipe is replaced is the biggest cost factor for excavation, often adding $5,000+ to the overall cost of the project.
  • Lining: Lining is a less expensive pipe replacement option because it requires minimal digging. Lining is where a plumber digs down to the old sewer pipe, removes the damaged section, and installs a flexible pipe through the interior of the entire pipe. The new pipe expands and takes the place of the old pipe.
  • Bursting: Bursting is another relatively inexpensive pipe replacement method where the plumber runs a pipe with a cone-shaped head through the damaged pipe. This cone-shaped pipe breaks up the old pipe and pulls a new pipe in its place.

The location of the damaged pipe and the general layout of your home will determine what method the plumber uses to replace the broken sewer line. In some cases, excavation may be the only replacement option available. To determine the right replacement method for the job, the plumber you hire will perform a camera inspection to assess the damage and find the exact location of the broken pipe.

The Plumbing Contractor You Hire

As a general rule-of-thumb, when it comes to sewer line replacements, you get what you pay for. Higher-quality plumbing companies generally charge more for their replacement services, but they also do better work, which will ensure your new sewer line will last for decades.

Hiring a lower-quality plumber who offers lower prices may seem like a good way to save money, but by doing so, you risk getting a rushed job or subpar replacement work. If your sewer line isn’t installed properly, it will need to be replaced or repaired again, which only costs you more money.

Our advice? Investing in a high-quality plumbing contractor who will do the job correctly the first time is better.

A reputable plumber will:

  • Be licensed and insured in the state of California (ask for their license #)
  • Pull the necessary permits to ensure the replacement work is compliant with local plumbing codes
  • Provide upfront estimates in writing—before any work begins
  • Offer guarantees on their sewer line replacement work
  • Have a large selection of positive customer testimonials

If the plumbing contractor follows the criteria above, chances are you’ll have a good experience working with them and they will do solid replacement work.

Access Difficulty of the Replacement Location

The accessibility of the sewer line can significantly affect the cost. If the line is located in a hard-to-reach area, such as under a driveway or in a confined space, additional labor and equipment may be required, which increases the cost of the project. This can also influence how much does it cost to replace a sewer line, as difficult access often demands specialized tools and techniques.

The Cost Difference Between Trench vs Trenchless Replacements

Trench replacements typically involve more digging, which increases the costs due to labor and restoration requirements. Trenchless methods, such as lining or bursting, are often more cost-effective because they require minimal excavation and reduce the need for post-repair landscaping or driveway restoration.

Inspections Before Replacement

A camera inspection is often performed before replacing a sewer line to locate the damage and determine the most effective replacement method. These inspections may add to the upfront cost but can save money by avoiding unnecessary excavation or repairs.

Yard or Driveway Repairs Due to Replacement

After replacing a sewer line, additional costs may include restoring your yard or driveway. These costs can vary depending on the extent of the repairs needed:

  • Landscaping: Replanting grass, flowers, or shrubs after excavation.
  • Yard Leveling: Restoring the yard to its original grade.
  • Driveway Repair: Fixing concrete or asphalt driveways damaged during the replacement process.
  • Deck Repair: Repairing wooden decks that may have been disrupted during the project.

Want a Quote to Replace Your Sewer Line?

Curious about the sewer line replacement cost? Call 909-792-2222. We’ll give you an upfront quote on the cost to replace your broken sewer line. Our plumbers don’t use high-pressure sales tactics, they just give you honest answers and recommendations.

When you hire Burgeson’s to replace your sewer line, you can count on the job to be done correctly the first time we visit your home. For more information about what to expect when you hire us, visit our plumbing services page.