Drain issues can be rather annoying, and if you let the problem persist, a mere annoyance can turn into a much bigger problem. In fact, a small leak or clog could lead to you having to replace the main drain pipe, which can be a costly job.
It’s not always easy to know when your pipes are at the point of needing replacement, though. After all, not everyone is a New England Pipe expert and specializes in these types of piping issues.
To help you with this decision, we’re going to point out some of the signs of needed replacement, how much it costs to replace the main drain pipe, and a possible cheaper solution.
Looking for signs
How do you know when it’s time to trade in your store-bought clogging remover for professionals and a main drain pipe replacement? Here are just some of the reasons for replacing your pipes:
- Long-term or persistent issues: If you’re constantly dealing with clogs or have been dealing with the same issue over a long period, then it might be time to bring in the experts. Not to mention, the longer you wait, the more damage that can be caused.
- Old pipes: Things tend to break down over time, and your pipes are no exception. If you don’t know how old your pipes are, then consider how old your home is to get a better idea. The older the house is, the more likely it is that the sewer line needs replaced (unless it has already been replaced, of course).
- Malfunctioning: If you notice any malfunctions, such as water backing up in sinks or toilets, then there might be a clog that requires immediate attention.
Odor and molding could also be signs that your pipes have a problem.
How much does it cost?
This is one of those questions that gets the typical answer of … it depends.
It depends on the size of the house, how hard it is to get to your pipes, how much labor and time it will take to replace the pipes, and many other factors.
With that in mind, here are some of the figures that HomeAdvisor came up with “to replace or repair a main sewer line.”
- National Average Change Location: $2,567
- Typical Range: $1,069 – $4,075
- Low End: $191
- High End: $7,600
“The average cost to repair a sewer main is $2,556. You could spend anywhere between $1,073 and $4,054, depending on the kind of damage. Full sewer line replacement ranges from $3,000 to $25,000” (via HomeAdvisor).
As you can see, those prices vary quite drastically, and that’s because many factors are involved when it comes to replacing a main drain pipe, from the severity of the pipe damage all the way to tree root infiltration. Location is also another factor.
A cheaper solution
Trenchless sewer line repair tends to be a cheaper option than actually having to replace a main drain pipe. That’s because it usually requires less labor. Not to mention, the pipes aren’t being replaced, walls might not have to be cut through, etc.
With that said, a trenchless sewer line repair isn’t always the best option because your pipes might need to be replaced—and there’s no way around that—especially if your pipes have caused a considerable amount of damage already. Even so, it is definitely an option you should explore.
The price points on replacing a main drain pipe vary quite drastically, but we hope the information above gives you a better idea on how much this process can be and what to expect.