Many companies don’t provide pricing over the phone. Let this serve as your comprehensive guide to trenchless sewer repair cost.
You may see throughout this article we use the words “drain” and “sewer.” For this article, “drain” and “sewer” mean the same.
When the time arrives for your sewer line replacement, we understand that price will be one of the first questions that come to mind. As licensed plumbers that complete trenchless sewer repairs hundreds of times a year, we have answered this question many times. With our extensive experience in trenchless repairs, we can provide you with an in-depth picture of what your trenchless sewer repair may cost.
As I’m sure you can imagine, pricing for your trenchless sewer repair will vary based on your region, the contractor you hire, the trenchless technique used, your particular sewer design, and the layout of your property. But what are some of the other factors contractors consider when pricing your trenchless sewer repair?
There are four main elements that contractors review to determine the price.
The trenchless method used:
If you are not aware of the different trenchless techniques available, you may want to visit this article here to get a better understanding. Knowing which trenchless method you’re considering is essential to help you determine costs. The different trenchless techniques can have considerable cost differences. Cured in Place Pipe Lining (CIPP or epoxy pipe lining) comes with a very high material cost. If you have a long sewer line (100 feet or more), the costs can be significant. Pipe-bursting will have a much lower material cost, but this method requires more access holes. If you are pipe-bursting a sewer with many connecting drains, the costs can rise quickly because each connection needs to be exposed before pipe-bursting to replace the sewer.
The size and depth of your current pipe:
The diameter size of your pipe helps determine the material cost. Smaller diameter piping is less cost than larger diameter piping. Additionally, all trenchless techniques require an access point. If you don’t have an access point, one needs to be created. This is achieved through installing a clean-out, accessing a vent pipe, or digging up the sewer at a point of your choice. If your drain needs an access point, the depth of your pipe will be considered. Costs to expose a sewer line at 4 feet in depth, will be very different from the expenses associated with exposing a sewer line at 13 feet in depth.
The access to your existing pipe.
There are times where the location of your sewer line makes it very challenging to complete a trenchless repair. Some properties have expansive patios with concrete and pool decking. If your sewer line runs underneath your pool or patio, it may create access challenges for the trenchless contractor. Many properties have extensive landscaping with trees, bushes, shrubs, flowers, decorative boulders, and walkways. Landscaping can also induce challenges when accessing the sewer line. If an access hole needs to be created inside your home, there may be additional costs to minimize dust generation. For properties that have subsurface utility lines running through their property, access can not only be challenging but dangerous. When the access to your sewer line needs to be in a city street or public right of way, this is when you’ll see prices skyrocket. Accessing a sewer line in a right of way or city street comes with more regulations resulting in higher costs. For a contractor to provide you with a total price, the access to your pipe needs to be determined.
The present condition of your existing pipe.
Being there are different trenchless techniques available for repairs, the state of your pipe may dictate which method is used. For example: If you have a cast iron sewer line with a massive amount of scale build-up, you may need to de-scale the pipe before repairing. De-scaling the pipe is part of the preparation process for Pipe Lining. De-scaling may take one-hour or the better part of a day. Evaluating the scale level of your cast-iron is important before a contractor determines the price.
Before any trenchless contractor can provide you with a total price, they’ll need to gather these above details with the use of a sewer inspection camera. If you have not received a sewer camera inspection, be sure to do so before hiring a contractor to provide trenchless repairs.
Many contractors will provide a “per foot” price for trenchless repairs. Be careful accepting a “per foot” price, as it may be just a fancy way to provide you with an estimate and may exclude important variables. As you have read above and now understand, the length of your sewer line is not the lone variable used to calculate the price. Before accepting an estimate with a “per foot’ price, inquire about any hidden costs, unknown challenges, or circumstances they may arise from the trenchless repair. Because of the complex equipment provided with trenchless technology, you probably won’t see costs below $2,500.00 for trenchless sewer repairs. For trenchless sewer replacements, you most likely won’t see prices lower than $3,500.00.
The average Cost for Trenchless Sewer Repairs on the outside of the property
For homes with a lot size of 10,000 sq. feet or less
Trenchless Sewer Repair price: $3,500 to $8,500.
For homes with a lot size over 10,000 sq. feet
Trenchless Sewer Repair price: $6,500 to $14,000.
For homes where excavating in a city street is required
Trenchless Sewer Repair price: $10,000 to $25,000
The average cost for Trenchless Sewer Repairs on the inside of the property.
For homes with two bathrooms
Trenchless Sewer Repair price: $3,500 to $6,500
For homes with three to four bathrooms
Trenchless Sewer Repair price: $5,000 to $9,000
For homes with more than four bathrooms
Trenchless Sewer Repair price: $7,000 to $15,000
When researching costs for your trenchless sewer repair, keep in mind the 4 factors above. Always hire a contractor who is licensed and insured. Be sure to check the contractor’s references and always get multiple opinions.