How Much Does Sewer Line Installation Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Most homeowners pay around $3,471 to install a new sewer line, with costs ranging from $244 to $10,000. Your sewer line plays a crucial role in everyday tasks like washing dishes, taking showers, and flushing toilets. Factors like location, size, and materials significantly influence the overall sewer line installation cost. Proper budgeting and hiring a professional ensure your project is completed safely and efficiently.

Sewer Line Cost per Linear Foot

Installing a sewer line costs between $50 and $250 per linear foot, depending on factors like pipe material and labor expenses. New pipes cost $3 to $80 per foot, while labor ranges from $30 to $200 per foot. These pipes run underground from your house to the main sewer drain. Keep in mind that this cost may not include trenching, which can add to your overall expenses.

Sewer Line Installation Cost Factors

While installing a main sewer line costs about $4,000 on average, several factors can influence the total price.

Housing Type

The type of home you have impacts who pays for the sewer line installation:

• Single-family home: You're responsible for the cost.

• Twin home: Costs are negotiated between owners.

• Duplex: The property owner covers the expenses.

• Townhome or condo: The homeowners association (HOA) typically covers the costs, which may lead to increased fees.

Be sure to check with your city for specific information related to your neighborhood or housing development.

Distance to Connector Line

Laying a new line costs $50 to $300 per foot. The distance between your home and the connector line affects this price. The further away it is, the more pipe you need, which increases material and labor costs.

Materials

The type of piping you use for your sewer line impacts your total cost. There are a variety of common sewer piping materials that vary in price.

• PVC piping: $0.50–$5 per linear foot, durable and affordable

• PEX: $2–$5 per linear foot, better heat and cold durability than PVC

• Cast iron: $2–$10 per linear foot, cheaper than copper but subject to corrosion

• Copper: $20–$30 per linear foot, best quality, longest-lasting option

Permits

Permits to connect to the city sewer line range from $400 to $1,600, averaging about $1,000. Your local sewer authority sets the regulations that determine the price. Depending on local regulations, you may also need to pay additional building permit costs for your project.

Landscaping

A new sewer line installation traditionally involves digging a trench to lay piping, which can leave your yard covered with dirt and needing repairs. If you’re handy in the garden, you can opt to do the landscaping yourself. Otherwise, the cost to landscape your yard after a sewer line installation can range anywhere from $1,200 to $6,200.

Repairs

Obstacles like driveways or patios can increase the total cost of your sewer line installation. For example:

• Repairing a driveway: Around $1,700

• Resurfacing a patio: About $1,400

Before committing to these additional expenses, ask your plumber if there's a way to avoid them. If not, you might need to hire a landscaping or hardscaping professional to restore your property after the installation.

Sewer Connection and Hookup Costs

Connecting to your city’s water and sewer line can cost $500 to $20,000, depending on local regulations. As a property owner, you're typically responsible for paying for improvements on your land.

Your city may subsidize some or all of your sewer hookup costs, with rates varying based on supply and infrastructure problems. In some areas, costs are lower to make new construction more affordable. Contact a local sewer pro to learn the rules and sewer connection costs in your area.

Average Cost to Hook Up to City Water and Sewer

Although the $500 to $20,000 cost to connect to the city usually includes water and sewer hookup, it often doesn’t include installation for either line. On average, the water main installation costs $1,600. In many cases, your plumber can do both projects for you.

Cost to Switch From a Septic System to Sewer

Switching from a septic system to a city sewer system costs around $6,000 or more. This price includes laying and connecting the new sewer line and decommissioning your septic tank. If your project involves trenching under the foundation or installing new pipes inside your home, the total cost will be higher.

Decommissioning a Septic Tank

Ending the use of your septic tank costs $500 to $1,000. To avoid property damage, it’s essential that a professional properly end its use. 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 landscaping disruption.

Under-Slab Trenching

Trenching under your foundation ranges from $150 to $200 per foot. You may need to follow this step if your existing pipes are 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 average cost to install new plumbing lines is $1,200. Switching from septic to sewer may require rerouting or placing new pipes to connect to the street.

DIY Sewer Line Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

You should always hire a professional plumber to install your sewer line. This project requires specialized knowledge of plumbing systems, local building codes, and proper permits. Mistakes can lead to health hazards, property damage, and costly fines. A pro ensures the installation is done safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulations, ultimately saving you time and stress.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.