The sewer line is the most expensive pipe in your home to replace — $3,000 to $15,000+ depending on length, depth and method. It is also the one homeowners understand least, which is why sewer scares sell so well. This section gives you the facts: how to tell if your line is failing, what trenchless repair actually costs per foot, and how to read a sewer camera inspection without getting upsold.
Trenchless vs traditional dig
Trenchless methods (pipe bursting, cured-in-place lining) cost more per foot but skip the excavation that destroys driveways and landscaping. Traditional replacement is cheaper per foot but the total project often costs more once restoration is included. Our cost guide compares both with real 2026 numbers.
Warning signs to take seriously
Multiple slow drains, sewage smells, gurgling toilets and unusually green patches in the yard all point to the main line. One slow sink is a fixture problem; the whole house slowing down is a sewer problem.