Sewer line replacement cost (2026):
prices per foot, and who pays
HOW MUCH DOES SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT COST?
Replacing a typical 40-foot sewer line costs $2,000 to $10,000, or $50 to $250 per linear foot (HomeGuide). In Seattle, Angi puts the average at $5,572. Digging, the pipe material and what has to be restored afterwards (lawn, driveway) change the price the most.
Which part of the pipe is yours?
The pipe from your house to the public sewer is called a side sewer (or lateral). In Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) says: "If you own your home or building, you own your side sewer to the public sewer main." That includes the part beyond your property line, under the sidewalk or street, up to the main. The main itself is SPU's responsibility.
- Shared side sewers: if your pipe joins a neighbor's before it reaches the main, SPU says you share maintenance and repair responsibility from the point where the pipes join.
- Help with the cost: SPU offers interest-free loans to low or fixed income customers for side sewer repairs.
- Get several bids: SPU recommends that property owners get at least three bids before starting repairs.
Sewer line replacement cost by length
| Length of pipe | Cost (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | $500–$2,500 |
| 20 ft | $1,000–$5,000 |
| 40 ft | $2,000–$10,000 |
| 60 ft | $3,000–$15,000 |
| 80 ft | $4,000–$20,000 |
By pipe material (Seattle)
| Pipe | Per linear foot (Angi Seattle) |
|---|---|
| PVC | $60–$120 |
| ABS | $70–$130 |
| Cast iron | $100–$200 |
| Copper | $120–$220 |
Digging vs. trenchless
A sewer line can be replaced by digging a trench along the whole pipe, or with a trenchless method that needs much less digging. Trenchless work usually costs more per foot, but there's less lawn, driveway or sidewalk to rebuild afterwards.
| Method | U.S. (HomeGuide) | Seattle (Angi) |
|---|---|---|
| Full replacement (dig and replace) | $50–$250 per ft | $70–$250 per ft |
| Partial replacement | — | $50–$200 per ft |
| Pipe bursting (new pipe pulled through the old one) | $60–$200 per ft | $110–$200 per ft |
| Pipe lining / CIPP (new lining inside the old pipe) | $90–$250 per ft | $100–$170 per ft |
Example budget: a 40-foot side sewer in Seattle
Cost guides give each piece separately. Here they are added up for one common case: a full replacement of a 40-foot side sewer, Angi's average length for Seattle.
| Item | Low | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe replacement, 40 ft at $70–$250 per ft | $2,800 | $10,000 | Angi Seattle |
| Camera inspection | $125 | $500 | HomeGuide |
| Sales tax, 10.55% on the contractor's work | $309 | $1,108 | WA Dept. of Revenue |
| SPU sanitary repair permit | $280 | $280 | SPU |
| Total | $3,514 | $11,888 | Our calculation |
Extra costs to ask about
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Camera inspection | $125–$500 | HomeGuide |
| Permit (Seattle, sanitary repair on private property) | $280, includes 1–2 inspections | SPU |
| Permit (U.S. range) | $30–$500 | HomeGuide |
| Landscaping restoration | $4–$12 per sq ft | HomeGuide |
| New sod | $1–$2 per sq ft | HomeGuide |
| Driveway repair | $100–$400 minor, $600–$3,000 major | HomeGuide |
In Seattle, SPU says a side sewer permit is required to construct, repair, alter or add to a side sewer, and the permit is valid for 18 months. Ask your contractor who will pull it.
Signs your sewer line may be failing
- Sewage smell inside or around the house
- Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets
- Several drains clogging at the same time
- Debris coming up in the bathtub or a basement drain
- Wet spots or puddles in the yard along the pipe's path
Signs listed by HomeGuide. If only one drain is slow, ask about clearing a clog first: HomeGuide lists $150–$500 for snaking and $250–$800 for hydro jetting. Ask for a camera inspection before agreeing to a replacement.
Sales tax and hiring in Washington
- Washington contractors collect retail sales tax "on the gross contract price," labor included (Department of Revenue). Seattle's rate is 10.55% since January 1, 2026.
- Look the contractor up on L&I's Verify a Contractor tool: active license, bond, insurance and past violations.
- For jobs of $1,000 or more on a home, the contractor must give you a written disclosure statement before work starts (RCW 18.27.114).
- Ask for the camera video, the length of pipe being replaced, the method and the pipe material in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does sewer line replacement cost?
HomeGuide lists $50 to $250 per linear foot, or $2,000 to $10,000 for a typical 40-foot line. In Seattle, Angi puts the average at $5,572, with a typical range of $2,817 to $8,327.
Who is responsible for the sewer line from the house to the street in Seattle?
The property owner. Seattle Public Utilities says homeowners own their side sewer all the way to the public sewer main, including the part beyond the property line. The main is SPU's responsibility.
Is trenchless sewer replacement cheaper?
Not always per foot. HomeGuide lists pipe bursting at $60–$200 and pipe lining at $90–$250 per linear foot, similar to or above dig-and-replace. Any savings usually come from less lawn, driveway or sidewalk to restore.
Do I need a permit to replace a sewer line in Seattle?
Yes. SPU requires a side sewer permit for repairs, alterations and additions. A sanitary repair permit for work on private property generally costs $280, including one to two inspections.
How much does a sewer camera inspection cost?
HomeGuide lists $125 to $500.
Sources
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost? (edited Dec 22, 2025)
- Angi — How Much Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost in Seattle, WA? (updated Mar 6, 2026)
- Seattle Public Utilities — Your Side Sewer
- Seattle Public Utilities — Side Sewer Permits
- Washington Department of Revenue — Custom construction
- Washington Department of Revenue — Local sales tax change, Seattle, effective January 1, 2026
- Washington L&I — Hiring a contractor
- Washington State Legislature — RCW 18.27.114, Disclosure statement
All sources accessed October 4, 2026.
These figures are estimates compiled from the published sources above. They are not quotes and can't account for your pipe, your property or your contractor. Permit and tax rules can change, so confirm them with your contractor and your sewer utility. Get written estimates from licensed, bonded and insured contractors before deciding. See our disclosure and disclaimer.