Sewer Line Repair
Several slow drains at once, gurgling toilets, sewage smells and soggy patches in the yard point to a problem in the main sewer line, often roots, a sag or a crack. A camera inspection confirms it. Trenchless repair typically costs $60–$250 per foot, and $3,500–$12,000 for a typical whole-house job.
Last reviewed September 2026
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Does the lowest drain back up first?
Gurgling toilets and a basement or ground-floor drain backing up when other fixtures run point to the main sewer line.
Signs it's this problem
- Several drains slow or backing up at the same time
- Gurgling toilets or drains when other fixtures run
- Sewage smell inside or in the yard
- Unusually green or soggy patches over the sewer line route
Why it happens
The sewer line carries all household waste to the city sewer or septic tank. Tree roots find their way into joints, old clay or cast-iron pipes crack and corrode, and ground movement causes sags where waste settles and blocks the flow.
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Safety: Sewage carries bacteria. Avoid contact, disinfect affected areas and keep children and pets away.
Sewer Line Repair cost
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Trenchless sewer repair, per linear foot | $60–$250/ft |
| Typical whole-house trenchless job | $3,500–$12,000 |
| Larger trenchless replacements | $12,000–$20,000 |
| Extra restoration cost with traditional digging | $3,000–$8,000 |
Got a quote? Check if it's fair
Typical professional price for this job: $3,500–$12,000
Common questions
What is trenchless sewer repair?
Methods that fix the pipe through small access holes instead of digging a trench: lining the old pipe with a resin sleeve (CIPP) or pulling a new pipe through while bursting the old one. They avoid most yard, driveway and landscaping damage.
Who pays for sewer line repair?
Homeowners are typically responsible for the lateral line from the house to the city connection. Check with your city about where their responsibility begins, and ask your insurer about service line coverage.