Cost Comparison: Trenchless vs. Traditional Sewer Line Repair

If you have a broken or clogged sewer line, you can probably imagine all the money leaving your bank account. While it's true that sewer line repair and replacement are expensive, there are some decisions that can help lower the cost.

Trenchless sewer repair and traditional methods have varying costs in 2024, depending on a number of factors. It is essential to understand the cost differences when deciding to repair your sewer line.

Advanced Trenchless Solutions has a breakdown of the factors and costs that go into trenchless repair vs. traditional methods.

Cost Breakdown of Sewer Line Repair

To get straight to the point, no matter which method you choose, sewer line repairs begin at around $650 and can range up to $7,500 for 30 feet of sewer line, with an average cost of around $4,000.

Variables of Sewer Repair Cost

The most common variables for the cost of sewer repair, including either method, are as follows:

• Camera inspection

• Obstructions, such as clogs or tree roots

• Location of damage

• Depth of pipe

• Length of the pipe

• Material of existing pipe

• The specific plumbing company

• The repair method you choose

Linear Feet vs Square Foot Cost

Some companies charge you by linear foot, ranging from $55 to $250 per foot.

This means 20 feet of sewer line replacement can range from approximately $1,100 to $5,000.

Other companies may charge by square foot, which can range from about $50 to $250 per square foot.

Cost by Material

For an estimation of cost by material only, you can expect to pay the following for 50 linear feet:

• ABS Plastic: $140 to $260

• PVC Plastic: $80 to $400

• Cast Iron: $1,200 to $3,700

Cost by Line Length

Your sewer line replacement cost can be estimated based on the length of the line.

A short sewer line replacement can cost around $1,250, while longer lines can run you upwards of $25,000.

These factors depend on whether your sewer line runs under a slab or other concrete fixtures.

Costs of Trenchless vs. Traditional Repair Methods

The following costs of trenchless vs. traditional sewer repair methods are averages and will vary on different factors.

Traditional Sewer Line Repair Costs

An average breakdown of traditional sewer line repair costs can look like this:

• Equipment & labor: $50 to $250 per foot

• Average cost: $4,000 to $13,000

• Various costs, including pipe location, digging, and re-landscaping, can lead to an average cost of $12,000 to $25,00

Trenchless Sewer Line Repair Costs

Pipe bursting and pipe lining costs are different, which we will break down here:

Pipe Bursting:

• • Equipment and labor: $60 to $200 per foot

  • Average cost: $6,000 to $12,000. Can go up to $20,000 for some repairs

Pipe Lining

• • Equipment and labor: $80 to $250 per foot

  • Average cost: $6,000 to $12,000, but extensive repairs can cost up to $20,000

  • Small-scale pipe-lining: $3,000 to $4,000

The Bottom Line

• Avoiding DIY repairs can save you money, so it’s recommended that you call in a professional plumbing company for either trenchless or traditional sewer repair.

• Generally speaking, traditional pipe repair may be more cost-effective for shallow pipes, while trenchless pipe repair is most cost-effective for deeper and longer pipes.

• Trenchless pipe repair methods are more durable and long-lasting than traditional methods.

• Trenchless sewer repair also means you can retain your landscaping and reduce the environmental impact of traditional methods.

Discuss Your Sewer Repair Needs with a Qualified Plumbing Company

It is always recommended to consult a plumbing professional when dealing with extensive sewer repair problems.

Advanced Trenchless Solutions offers a variety of sewer repair methods that can solve your sewer problems, including clogs, breaks, collapsed pipes, corroded pipes, and tree root intrusions.

We offer pipe lining, pipe bursting, and lead pipe removal services to our Wisconsin customers. Call us today at 844-513-4106 or request a consultation online.