Can I Replace a Sewer Line By Myself?

While the answer is technically yes, it is recommended that you don’t work on sewer lines by yourself. It’s understandable why it might seem like an attractive idea to you as a homeowner to fix the problem on your own as you can save hundreds of dollars if you do it correctly. Hiring a professional can often be costly, but if you are inexperienced in this area of work, hiring someone to help may be the best option available to you. Remember, a DIY approach may wind up costing more than expected in materials, especially if you make mistakes a professional wouldn’t along the way. It’s also important to keep in mind that should you accidentally further break your line it may exempt the line from being covered by your insurance, as most coverage plans exclude any damage done by the homeowner. 

Wasted money from failed DIY projects is also a big risk to consider. From personal experience, I once helped my father attempt to fix our lines on our own only to find out we had purchased the wrong size piping for the job. Incidents like this can happen often, leaving you with less funds than what you began with and no closer to a solution. Or, in even worse case scenarios you may find yourself causing additional issues. 

It’s also important to note that costs and safety concerns aside, working on your own sewer lines may be in violation of local codes concerning public works. Often these will require you to have a permit in order to legally do the work necessary. 

How much does it cost to replace a sewage main line?

This price may vary, but you may be looking at anywhere from $92 to $238 per foot of sewer line. When you factor in the costs for labor, this will usually run you anywhere between 4k and 25k to have your line replaced. This is of course also dependent on the method used to fix the line, and is therefore situational. 

How often should you have your sewer line cleaned?

It’s recommended that you have your sewer line cleaned every 18 to 22 months. However, if you see any of the issues listed below it’s suggested that you clean your line immediately regardless of time passed. 

• Unusual odors near sewage
• Backups/frequently clogged drains in different water fixtures
• Gurgling and similar odd noises being emitted from pipes
• Pools of water near floor drains

Should any of this happen is it a sign that it’s time to get your main line cleaned. 

How much does a sewer line inspection cost?

In order to inspect a sewer line for possible leaks or blockages, a camera is often used to travel down the line to record and review the state of things. This camera is called a sewer scope, and it can cost anywhere from $232 to $984 to use. Renting one is possible, but it’s suggested that you hire a professional who knows how to properly use the equipment so that you don’t have to deal with additional fees should you break anything.

How Can You Tell if Your Sewer Line is Broken?

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Line Repair?