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(650) 442-1470
(650) 442-1470
Summary:
Sewer line repairs can be costly in the Bay Area. Costs start from as low as $180-$250 for a camera inspection and $330-$660 for hydro-jetting and don’t typically include labor, permits, excavation, waste disposal, or re-landscaping fees. To lower your risk for sewer line problems, schedule regular inspections, avoid flushing non-biodegradable objects, keep fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) out of drains, control nearby roots, and insulate pipes. Some Bay Area cities, like San Mateo, offer cost-sharing programs.
| Time to Read | 6-8 minutes |
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Sewer Line Repair Cost Estimator: Find Out What You Might Pay
Sewer line problems are unpredictable, but what makes them especially frustrating is that they aren’t always obvious at first. The first sign may be an on-again, off-again clog in a toilet, gurgling sounds, or a slow kitchen sink drain until it’s too late.
Camera inspections help us catch problems like these early, before they get worse or turn into a sewage backup that ruins your belongings. Since even well-maintained sewer lines will need repairs or replacement eventually, it makes sense to plan ahead.
Use this free tool to get a ballpark estimate of what you can expect to spend on most sewer line repairs based on your current situation. Then, give us a call to get the ball rolling!
Other Expenses To Factor In
Camera inspections and hydro-jetting are two of the best options for a blocked sewer line because they help us diagnose the problem and clear away any debris inside your pipes. Sometimes, this is enough to fix the problem. If the line itself needs to be repaired or replaced, your costs could be higher.
Permit & Right-of-Way Fees
If your sewer line repair or replacement involves doing work to the street, sidewalk, or anything else within the public right-of-way, you’ll likely need a permit first. There’s usually a fee that covers city inspections, a replace/repair permit fee, and an encroachment permit fee if it involves the street.
Caccia’s licensed pros can handle this on your behalf and factor any fees into the cost of the job so you have one less thing to worry about. See the chart below for an overview of nearby rates.
Note: Some jurisdictions set fees by the project or case-by-case, so we couldn’t provide them here. We’ll always disclose them in your upfront quote.
| City | Lateral Test Fee | Replace/Repair Permit | Encroachment Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlingame | $269 | $709 | Varies |
| Millbrae | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Hillsborough | $377 | $110+ | $860 |
| Union Sanitary District (USD) | Varies | $200-$350 | Varies |
| San Carlos | Varies | $477 | Starts at $105 |
| San Bruno | $134 | $84 | $380 |
Excavation & Access Costs
In some cases, we might need to excavate the area around your sewer line if there’s no other way to reach it or repair it. This tends to be more common in older neighborhoods with aging infrastructure and lines here in the Bay Area.
In general:
- Digging up concrete or landscaping might increase costs by $4-$12 per linear foot
- Adding a cleanout access point (if you don’t have one) might add $1,400-$3,500
- Re-landscaping costs can be as high as $6,000 depending on the size of your lot
Caccia doesn’t handle landscaping in-house. We may be able to connect with one of our local partners for this on your behalf or recommend a reliable contractor instead.
Waste Disposal & Spoils
Most sewer line repairs will leave behind some kind of waste, like broken pipes, fixtures, connectors, concrete, or soil. These must be disposed of according to local environmental laws and can add a few hundred dollars to the bill.
- Disposal costs will vary by municipality and the type of waste
- We may be able to bundle this into your service call instead
- Fees for any waste are usually weight and/or volume dependant
Depending on the nature of the job, temporarily renting a dumpster may be the cheaper option. We’ll work with you to find the best possible solution for your repair.
How to Save Money on Sewer Line Repairs
In some instances, you may not need a plumber to keep your sewer lines clear and in good shape. Unless there is a bigger underlying issue with the line, to avoid a smelly situation is regular maintenance and a few smart homeowner habits. See the table below for our top recommendations.
| Tip | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule Preventive Maintenance | Have your sewer line inspected and cleaned on a routine schedule | Catches problems early and avoids emergencies |
| Check Hardware Often | Look at your sump pump, cleanout, and street access | Helps catch problems and outside influences early |
| Don’t Flush Anything Other Than Waste | Keep wipes, towels, diapers, sanitary napkins, and cotton swabs out of the toilet. | Reduces your risk for clogs. |
| Keep FOGs Out | Don’t pour fats, oils, or grease down the drain | Stops hardened blockages from forming in your pipes |
| Watch Your Capacity | Monitor for slow drains in older homes | Lets you upgrade before you experience a backup |
| Use Mesh Catchers | Add simple hair and scum strainers to sinks and tubs | Blocks hair and debris from entering your pipes |
| Root Control | Apply treatment yearly near trees. Plant new ones a safe distance away | Protects pipes from root intrusion |
| Insulate Pipes | Wrap exposed lines in heat tape or insulation. | Reduces the risk of pipes breaking during cold snaps |
Last but not least, know how to turn off the water coming into your home. Less water coming in means less water going out into your sewer line, which can save you thousands of dollars in water damage repairs in the event of a backup, flood, or other plumbing emergency.
How to Shut Off Your Master Valve
Sewer Lateral Cost-Sharing Programs Might Help You Save
Sewer installation and repair can be a big investment, which is why the “lateral” (the part of your sewer line that runs from your house to the sewer main) often goes unaddressed for much too long. Some local jurisdictions are doing what they can to make it easier on local homeowners with special programs.
This includes:
- San Mateo, which offers a cost-sharing program that reimburses up to 50% of the lowest bid up to a maximum of $2,500.
- Millbrae, which offers a rebate program covering 20% of the cost with a cap of $2,000 on lateral upgrades specifically.
Applications for grants and rebates like these tend to close and open throughout the year and may be offered case-by-case. If you want to explore your options, reach out to the city or send us a message.
Let Caccia Protect & Maintain Your Sewer Line
Sewer lines and the wastewater that travels through them don’t get much attention day-to-day, and that’s the way it should be. Systems like these are supposed to work quietly in the background to keep you, your home, your loved ones, and the local environment safe without any major disruptions.
Repairs might not be cheap, but Caccia Home Services is here to make the process as transparent and stress-free as possible. To make sure your system is still serving you well, schedule an appointment.
