Sewer Line Replacement

Insurance that covers a home may help with sewer line problems, but it depends on the specifics of the policy. It usually covers damage from sudden issues, like if a pipe bursts by accident. But if the sewer line breaks because it's old or wasn't taken care of well, then insurance mostly doesn't cover it. So, it's important to check your policy or ask your insurance company what's included.

In Massachusetts, the expense associated with replacing a sewer line can be quite hefty. It typically runs between $5,000 and $15,000, though that's a rough estimate and could vary—usually upward—if the length and depth of the line are significantly greater than average, or if the terrain is otherwise troublesome. (There's a fair amount of loamy clay undershrub that tends to challenge excavation.) For some reason, the towns of Franklin and Holliston seem particularly prone to problématique sewer lines. If you're in one of those towns, expect the excavation to cost significantly more.

Replacing a sewer line can cost a lot of money because it is a very labor-intensive job. First, the workers have to dig a large trench deep into the ground to reach the old pipe. This takes time and special equipment. The ditch must also be dug wide enough to allow workers to do the job in a reasonable amount of time and with a reasonable amount of safety. If they were to just heave the dirt up and out, it could easily cover any underground utilities that happen to be in the way, from phone lines to gas mains to the power lines that go way down deep to the light and heat that we enjoy. Next, to replace the old pipe, you have to buy new materials to make a pipe. (The price you pay for the pipe accounts for much of the expense of doing the job at all.) If you pay for cheap materials, there's no guaranteeing that it will last long in the ground. And if it doesn't last long, then you'll have to pay again to do the job again. Finally, after you've inserted the new pipe in the ditch and reconnected everything, you have to fill the ditch back up with dirt and do a little landscaping work to make everything look nice. If you fail to make it look nice, you'll give the pessimists a reason to dig up the street and do the job over again. All of these steps, which you have to do in this order, make the process very expensive.

Doing a sewer line replacement yourself is very difficult and might not be the best choice. It almost always requires special tools and know-how that the average person doesn't have. For one thing, it's imperative to follow all the local regulations and rules, not to mention get the right permits, which can be hard to figure out. For these reasons, among others, hiring a pro to do the job can save time and headaches. And it's probably safer, too.

Replacing a sewer line can be costly, with the total often depending on several factors. The most important of these is how long the sewer line is and what materials it's made from. Another big factor is how accessible the sewer line is; if it's not easy to get to, that will add to the cost. All in all, replacing a sewer line can run anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars. If you do need to replace it, you'll want to get several estimates to ensure you get the best price.

Replacing the sewer line is typically thought of as a home improvement. And, like many home improvements, it won't do anything to reduce your property taxes this year. What it could do is reduce your tax liability when you sell your house. That's because the sewer line replacement could—although just as easily might not—be increasing the basis of your house. Basis, simply put, is what you and the tax collector think your house costs. Save your receipts and consult with a tax pro.

The life of a sewer line usually depends on what it's made from and how it has been maintained. Most sewer lines can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. For instance, cast iron pipes generally last between 75 and 100 years, while PVC pipes might last about 100, if not longer, providing they are installed correctly and remain undamaged. Regular inspections and maintenance can help catch problems early and thus make sure that the line lasts as long as it should.

Indeed, a sewer line can become clogged by toilet paper. Occasionally, too much of the stuff is flushed all at once, and it just can't keep up with its don't-dissolve-quickly-enough speed. But it's not just the speed and the quantity that can get a line clogged. Old pipes and tree roots, for instance, make a sewer line an even more likely candidate for toilet-paper-induced stoppages.

Sewer lines are generally buried three to six feet underground, although they may be at different depths in different places depending on local building regulations. In cold regions, sewer lines are put deeper to ensure that they won't freeze, while in warmer areas, they can be installed at shallower depths because they aren't at risk of freezing. Construction workers always strive to install sewer lines at a depth where they are safe, where they are working, and where they're at least somewhat accessible in the event of an emergency.

Changing out a sewer line typically requires one to three days' time. This can fluctuate based on how long the run of pipe being changed is and the depth it's buried. It's also affected by how much work might need to be done beyond just changing the line, like getting the necessary permits ready if digging has to happen in an area that's under regulation. Even without many unexpected weather or other sorts of delays, bad weather can sometimes increase the work time. What's worse is if finding stuff like big rocks gets in the way.