Texas Sewer Repair + Replacement Cost Guide

Sewer line replacement stinks. Homeowners often feel trapped by tens of thousands of dollars to get their home back to normal. On top of that is uncertainty: is this repair even necessary? and how much will my life be disrupted if I do? 

We’re Mother, a team of modern plumbers serving DFW that combines over 100 years of plumbing expertise with a track record of 30+ successful whole-home repipes in the DFW area. We prioritize precision, transparency, and homeowner advocacy, ensuring that every project exceeds expectations.

We used our 100+ years of experience to create this expert guide to Dallas-Fort Worth sewer repair and replacement costs.

If you’re considering a repipe, contact us for a straightforward, comprehensive quote and experience unparalleled service.

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Sewer Line Replacement in DFW

Aging infrastructure is a significant challenge for Texas homeowners, particularly in homes over 30 years old.

Materials like Orangeburg, cast iron, and clay degrade over time, becoming susceptible to cracks, collapses, and corrosion. 

Texas’s expansive clay soil adds further stress to DFW plumbing systems. Our soil shifts and contracts with moisture changes, amplifying wear on sewer lines. Combined with the state’s extreme weather cycles, these factors create a pressing need for reliable replacements.

Defining main sewage line replacement

Your main sewage line (also known as your main line or sewer line) is the pipe that carries waste material from your house to the sewer or your septic system.

Your main line is connected to any drain in your home that eliminates waste and waste water — like your toilet, shower, tub, sink and garbage disposal.

Replacing your broken sewer line involves a total or partial pipe replacement — removing the damaged existing pipe and replacing it with new, non-corrosive pipes. These new pipes are usually made from PVC or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

How to find your main line

The sewer line in most Texas homes is found in 1 of 3 locations:

1. Garage (most common in TX)
2. Crawl space
3. Basement (least common in TX)

From there, your main line travels away from your home to the sewer system. In Tarrant County, most homes are connected to sewers.

6 Signs You Need Texas Sewer Line Replacement

How can you tell when your sewer line problem needs more than simple repairs? If you aren’t sure, here are 6 tell-tale signs that pipe replacement is necessary:

1. Old metal pipes. Plumbing systems with old cast iron or galvanized steel pipes are prone to corrosion and eventual bursting. Consider replacing your sewer pipes if they are over the following ages:
   
   1. Galvanized steel: 25 years old
   2. Cast iron: 30 years old
2. Tree root intrusion. Over time, tree roots in your yard can grow into small cracks in your sewer line. These cracks worsen under pressure, and can lead to significant pipe damage or a total sewer pipe burst. 
3. Multiple pipe clogs per year. Infrequent sewer clogs are best handled by flushing, snaking and small patch repairs. If you notice more than 2 main line clogs per year, ask a plumber if line replacement is necessary.
4. Foul water in your yard. Smell sewer gas or see sewage backup? This is a clear indicator of a sewer pipe burst.
5. Foul-smelling mold in your walls or flooring. This is another signal of a burst pipe — it could be your water line or sewer line.
6. Multiple drain blockages. If multiple drains that eliminate waste water are blocked (shower, toilet, sink, etc.), this indicates a compounded issue in your main line.

What Drain Problems Require a Repipe (and Which Don’t)?

The most common question home owners ask about sewer repairs is, “do we have to replace everything?” The answer boils down to math - specifically, the cost-benefit of repairs vs. replacement. When we come across multiple broken, or disconnected sections of pipe, the math starts to stack up in favor of replacement rather than spot repairs. 

This is often the case when the issue is pervasive across the whole system like channel rot in a cast-iron sewer. 

Here are the 4 primary causes that require a repipe

• Incorrect “fall” (angle): Your sewage is going the wrong direction. This has to be corrected.
• Channel rot: An issue with cast iron pipe where the bottom part of the pipe is “channeled” out, causing things to get caught in the sewer line. 
• Two or more breaks: Separate spot repairs quickly start to add up when excavation is added in. 
• Two or more root intrusions: Evidence of two intrusions typically indicates there are other broken parts of the line. 

Improper installation: Inspections weed out a lot of bad installs, but occasionally home flips or DIY remodels will perform uninspected plumbing work and can require a repipe. This is uncommon.

When you can avoid a repipe

How do you know if a repipe isn’t required? For one time issues, like a broken pipe in a branch of the sewer line, or a root intrusion, it’s perfectly fine to do a spot repair. Often the rest of the sewer line is undamaged. 

Current Cost of DFW Sewer Line Repair and Replacement

The average main sewage line replacement project in Texas costs $5,000-$12,750. Our Tarrant County customers save money long-term with our master plumber oversight, thorough sewer camera inspections, and the best warranty coverage in DFW.

Mother Modern Plumbing offers a 20-year comprehensive warranty on sewer line replacement, and a 6-year warranty on spot repairs.

We analyzed our last 3 years of customer service data to find the current cost of main sewer line replacement in Texas — specifically in Tarrant County.

Our data indicates the current cost of sewage line replacement is $150-$300 per linear foot, with most homeowners needing 30-40 feet of replacement pipes.

Here’s a basic overview of current Texas costs for sewer line repair and replacement:

If you’d like a quote, check out our sewer line replacement services.

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Why Do Repipes Cost So Much?

Sewer line labor and excavation represent substantial portions of the overall cost. Materials, specifically Schedule 40 PVC—the primary approved sewer line material in Texas—play a vital role in ensuring long-term durability. 

Most homes in DFW are built on clay soil - this is a blessing and a curse. The clay causes many of the sewer issues that causes DFW homeowners to call us with their sewer repipes. 

Excavation costs

Excavation accounts for 30-40% of a typical whole home sewer line replacement. The first question a plumber will answer is: how difficult is it to dig in the soil? Rocky, hard soil will take longer and have higher costs. Sometimes your plumber will dig a test hole to accurately price the excavation costs. 

Excavation costs also include the cost of backfilling and bedding

Note: A customer was recently given a sewer line replacement bid without excavation. Reputable plumbing companies will not outsource this - plumbers have died in improperly dug tunnels. Don’t take the risk. 

Labor costs

Labor is the next most expensive part of a sewer repipe. Labor accounts for nearly 45% of sewer line replacement costs. Why? A repipe often involves at least 2 licensed plumbers and sometimes an apprentice plumber. 

Parts costs

Parts costs for residential sewer line replacements are primarily PVC pipe, fittings, and hangers. PEX is almost exclusively used in water line replacements rather than sewer line. Costs also vary depending on the number of bathrooms in the home and the difficulty of soil excavation. 

Parts and materials you’ll see in sewer line repairs include drain pipes, fittings, couplings, and hangers as well as various fittings and drains to reconnect the home’s drain lines. 

The best hanger: Mothers team uses riser clamps which secure the sewer line from above and below - while slightly more expensive, they keep the sewer line from being damaged during backfill.

Texas-Specific Considerations

Texas sewer line projects have 2 considerations unique to our area: expansive clay soil, existing QUEST pipes, and local compliance codes.

Expansive clay soil

The unique conditions in Texas demand tailored solutions for sewer line replacement. Expansive clay soil frequently causes pipe misalignment and stress fractures, while the region’s weather accelerates wear. 

Local compliance codes

Local codes mandate strict compliance, requiring permits and licensed professionals for all replacements. These regulations protect homeowners by ensuring high-quality, lasting installations.

5 Signs You Hired the Right Local Sewer Plumber

Expect these 5 things from the plumbing company that’s handling your main sewage line replacement: Don’t work with a plumber who can’t provide all of them!

1. Furnished, current license and insurance information. Never work with a contractor whose license and/or insurance is lapsed, suspended or expired.
2. Oversight from a master plumber. Any exterior plumbing job that requires sewer pipe replacement, repair or excavation should have a master plumber involved.
3. Thorough inspections before and after pipe replacement. Ask for comprehensive inspections before and after your repair, including a sewer camera inspection.
4. Camera footage on file from inspections. Request that your plumbing company keep video and photo footage on file from your project — you’ll want this for future insurance or warranty claims.
5. An outstanding, comprehensive warranty. We offer an unmatched 20-year comprehensive warranty on sewer line replacement, and a 6-year warranty on spot repairs. Our warranty covers parts and labor — we stand behind the quality of our work.

Start your research with the BBB

Sewer line projects require skilled plumbing experts with a wealth of local experience. The best place to research quality sewer repair contractors is the Better Business Bureau.

Look for local companies accredited by the BBB who hold a current A+ rating. (You can see our A+ rating and accreditation status on Mother’s BBB profile.)

Check how long your plumber’s worked in the area, their history of dispute resolution and proficient sewer line repair service.

What to Expect: Sewer Repair Process and Timeline

There are three main impacts to your home and property during a repipe. 

1. Mess: There’s no way around it, your yard will be covered in dirt for several days. That being said, you should expect the excavation to be organized. Our excavation crews put down tarps to protect your landscaping.
   
   
2. Sewer cut off: When your sewer line is disconnected, you won’t be able to use your drains. Our plumbers keep one functional bathroom available every day of the repipe as they work to disconnect the old sewer line and reconnect the new one
   
   
3. Property access: Virtually all of the plumbing work occurs outside of the property, but the repipe team may require access to your home periodically to test drains. They may ask you to flush a toilet or run water in a drain. 

A well-executed sewer line replacement has 6 steps, from first diagnosis to getting your house back. Trenchless sewer repairs take 1-4 days less by removing excavation and restoration from the process.

Inspection and Diagnosis

The process begins with a comprehensive inspection, often using cameras, and hydrostatic leak detection to pinpoint damage and assess the scope of work. This can include multiple trips.

Preparation

Once the diagnosis is complete, permits are secured to comply with local regulations. This step also includes site preparation to ensure minimal disruption.

Excavation

Timeline: One to three days - longer if soil is very rocky

Excavation typically takes two days and provides direct access to the affected pipes. Homeowners can continue using their sewer system until this phase begins.

Pipe Installation

Timeline: Three to five days

After excavation, the plumbers will deliver the pipe needed fo the installation of the new sewer line. 

Installing new Schedule 40 PVC pipes is the most time-intensive step. Mother also uses Clevis hangers which keep pipes secure from the top and bottom. Ensuring the sewer line keeps the same level when bedding material is added during the backfill.

Our team ensures at least one functional bathroom is maintained daily during this phase.

Inspection

Timeline: One day

Once the pipe is installed and fully complete, the city is scheduled for an inspection. The house is fully usable at this time, but backfilling cannot begin without a “green tag” from the city stating the installation is up to code. 

Clean-Up and Restoration

Timeline: Most projects are completed within two to five days, depending on complexity.

The final stage includes restoring the site to its original condition. The excavation crew will come back and backfill the property. Always expect that there will be some impact to the lawn and landscaping. 

Mother offers a $250 landscaping credit to help homeowners repair any yard disruptions caused by the work.

Why is my lawn so lumpy? Soil gets compacted over time - excavated soil has air in it. Excavators will mound up the soil to account for this - if they didn’t there would be divots in the lawn.

What Happens Next? Maintenance and Warranties

Once your repipe is complete, preventative maintenance is key to extending the life of your sewer system. Here are 3 ways to keep your home’s sewer system clean and clear:

• Regular inspections can identify potential problems early. 
• Avoid flushing grease, oils, or debris, which can clog pipes.
• Use a maintenance product like Endure to keep your sewer lines clean and free of buildup, reducing the risk of blockages and prolonging functionality.

Evaluating Warranties

Strong warranties signal the quality and reliability of a contractor’s work. At Mother, we offer a transferable 20-year parts and labor warranty to give homeowners peace of mind. 

This warranty adds tangible value to your home and demonstrates the durability of our installations. If you plan to sell your home: It’s also a great sign of trust for future buyers. When reviewing warranties, ensure they cover both labor and materials, are clearly documented, and are supported by a reputable company.

A Real Example of Sewer Line Replacement: How You Win with Guaranteed Pricing

A Texas homeowner sought three bids for their sewer line replacement — one from Mother, and 2 from other local plumbing services. 

One bid excluded excavation costs, another started at $37,000 with vague additional charges, and our bid provided a fixed, all-inclusive price. 

The homeowner chose our sewer replacement service for its clarity and guaranteed cost, eliminating unexpected expenses and ensuring peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

My sewer excavators use Bentonite. Will it hurt my foundation? Bentonite is a mix-in product that excavators use to improve backfills. 

“The problem with backfilling is air,” says Marco Garcia, co-owner of M&E Excavation. “Bentonite helps the soil retain more moisture and gets rid of air. It won’t put pressure on your foundation — you’re only exposing a small percentage of the foundation.”

Does trenchless sewer repair actually save time? Our research team analyzed 3 years of internal sewer repair project data. We compared the time spent on trenchless sewer repair vs. projects that used excavation.

The average trenchless repair job takes 1-4 days less than excavation.

What trenchless pipe repair method is best for Texas? Trenchless pipe bursting provides a more stable, streamlined trenchless repair process for Texas homeowners.

Pipe bursting allows our team to access the damaged pipe section through one small hole. A cone-shaped bursting head is pulled through the existing damaged pipe section, breaking it apart. A new pipe is laid in its place, then one more small hole is created to pull out the old pipe.

The bursting process disrupts less soil in your yard. In Texas, that means less shifting clay soil, less settling and cracking, and a more secure sewer repair process.

What is the cost comparison of trenchless sewer repair vs excavation? We save the average DFW homeowner $2,400 by choosing trenchless repair over traditional excavation.

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DFW Sewer Repair Recommendations

Sewer line replacements aren’t easy, but they are simple. 

Make sure your contractor is using Schedule 40 PVC. It lasts 50+ years from date of installation.

Hire licensed and insured plumbers who provide transparent, comprehensive estimates. 

Finally, clear communication early often means they’ll communicate well throughout. Check on their warranties as this is a good proxy for the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction are essential for a successful project.

Replacing a sewer line is a critical investment in your home’s infrastructure. Partnering with a trustworthy plumbing contractor ensures long-lasting results and avoids costly mistakes. Contact us today for a professional evaluation and a seamless replacement experience.

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Glossary of Plumbing Terms

• Clean-Outs: Access points for clearing blockages.
• Pipe Fall (or Pitch): The slope required to maintain proper wastewater flow.
• Bedding: This refers to the material that supports and surrounds your sewer pipe in the trench. Proper bedding, such as sand or gravel, is crucial for stability and preventing pipe damage.

• Bypass Pumping: This temporary solution involves pumping wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer system while your sewer line is being replaced.
• Cleanouts: These are access points installed in your sewer system that allow plumbers to easily reach and clear blockages.
• Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP): This trenchless repair method involves inserting a resin-saturated liner into the existing pipe, which is then cured in place to create a new pipe within the old one.
• Pipe bursting: This trenchless replacement method involves breaking the existing pipe and simultaneously pulling a new pipe into place.
• Schedule 40 Pipe: This refers to the thickness and pressure rating of the pipe used for your sewer line. Schedule 40 is a common choice for residential sewer lines.
• Trenchless Sewer Replacement: This is a modern method of repairing or replacing sewer pipes without the need for extensive digging.
• Vitrified Clay Pipe (VCP): This type of pipe is commonly used for sewer lines due to its durability and resistance to corrosion.

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