Maintaining a commercial property’s sewer system can be an enormous headache. Clogs, leaks, broken lines, a faulty sewer line, and other issues can disrupt operations and even force temporary business downtime.
In some cases, these problems may require excavation and even extensive repairs for your sewage system; and you might be curious about the costs to bring your sewage system back to its normal functionality.
Here’s an extensive commercial sewer excavation cost guide, including factors that influence project costs, to equip you before hiring a local contractor.
Sewer Line Repair Cost
On a national scale, the average cost of getting a sewer line repaired would range from about $1,500 to $4,500. There are certain times that we conduct a sewer camera inspection, which utilizes a video camera to inspect a broken sewer line. This type of inspection would usually cost about $170 to $460.
Additionally, if there is a need for excavation before the sewer pipe repair, you would have to prepare at least $460 for digging up your commercial location.
Now, let us talk about how much sewer line repairs cost per linear foot. You can expect to pay $50 to $450 per linear foot, and these expenses would still depend on several factors that we will tackle further.
[Read More: Why Is Excavation Important In Construction?]
Factors Affecting The Cost Of Sewer Line Repair
Let’s take a closer look at the common factors that may affect the sewer line cost of repair:
Type Of Damage
By the rule of thumb, the bigger the damage, the higher the costs. Some of the most common sewer line damages and their repair costs include the following:
| TYPE OF DAMAGE | COST |
| Broken sewer pipe | $50 to $450 per linear foot Note: $30 to $70 per cubic yard if excavation is needed |
| Pipe bursting | $60 to $200 for each foot |
| Tree roots in sewer pipes | $50 to $450 per foot |
| Leaking sewer line | $1,100 to $4,000 |
| Main sewer line clog | $150 to $800 |
| Drain repairs | $160 per linear foot |
Location Of The Damage
Accessibility plays an essential part in the costs associated with sewer system repair. If the damage lies under a building or tree, for example, additional labor and equipment may be required to access and fix it — driving up costs further.
Length Of The Sewer Line
Before performing repairs for sewer line issues, we often measure their lengths to assess repair costs. A longer sewer line generally costs higher as more materials and labor will be necessary to effectively address its repairs.
Type Of Sewer Line
Older sewer lines made of materials such as cast iron or clay may require more labor and specialized equipment to repair, which can increase the cost.
Sewer Line Replacement Cost
For a full sewer line replacement, the expected average cost is approximately $225 to $9,000. This still depends on different factors, so keep reading below for a detailed breakdown.
Factors Affecting The Cost Of Sewer Line Repair
Pipe Material
There are different types of pipe materials that you can use for your sewer line replacement project.
| PIPE MATERIAL | COST |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | $80 to $370 |
| Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) | $130 to $450 |
| Copper | $3,900 to $4,300 |
| Cast Iron | $1,100 to $3,600 |
Length Of Sewer Line Replacement
Another major factor that affects the sewer line replacement cost is the length per linear foot of the project area. We mentioned earlier that we conduct an inspection for the entire lines to be repaired, and that also applies to the replacement projects.
Generally, sewer line replacement costs around $50 to $250 per linear foot, and this already includes the labor and materials.
Location Of Sewer Line Replacement
There are instances wherein excavation is needed to repair the pipes in a commercial property, especially when there are obstacles like trees or fences that may disrupt the replacement project. You can expect to pay around $400 to $1,200 for 100 linear feet for hiring a local excavation company like Aspire Construction Group.
Replacement Method
Replacing a sewer line would cost about $60 and $250 per linear foot, and this may still vary depending on the type of replacement method to be conducted.
Here’s a quick guide for the replacement method costs:
| REPLACEMENT METHOD | COST |
| Partial replacements | $50 per linear foot |
| CIPP Lining replacement | $90 and $250 per linear foot |
| Pipe Bursting | $60 and $200 per foot |
Labor Installation
A professional sewer line replacement ranges from about $150 and $500 per hour. Some other factors affecting this cost include the contractor’s professional expertise and the project’s complexity.
Sewer Installation Cost
On average, installing a new sewage system would cost about $534 and $2,318.
Sewer Line Installation Cost Breakdown
| TASK | COST |
| Trenching | $800 for 100 linear feet |
| Backflow Preventer | $125 to $900, plus $25 to $250 for labor |
| Materials- PVC piping Polyethylene Cast iron Copper | $0.50–$5 per linear foot $2–$5 per linear foot $2–$10 per linear foot, $20–$30 per linear foot |
[Read More: 8 Things To Ask Your Sewer Excavation Contractors]
FAQs About Commercial Sewer Excavation Cost
How Much Does A Sewer Line Fall Per Foot?
A sewer line typically falls at a rate of 1/4 inch per foot of distance. This means that for every horizontal foot of the sewer line, it drops in elevation by 1/4 inch. However, the actual slope can vary depending on the local building codes in your area.
What Dissolves Tree Roots In Sewer Lines?
There are three common methods that you can do to dissolve the tree roots around your commercial property:
- Chemical root killers: These are chemicals designed to kill the roots of trees and other plants. You need to pour the chemicals directly on the sewer line and leave it for a few hours or overnight.
- High-pressure water jetting: This method involves using a high-pressure jet of water to blast away the tree roots. This can be done by a professional plumber or sewer cleaning service.
- Mechanical augers: These are devices that can be used to physically break up and remove tree roots.
How Do Tree Roots Get Into Sewer Lines?
Small cracks or joints are the main reason why tree roots can get into your sewage system. As roots grow, they can push their way into these openings in search of water and nutrients. Once inside the sewer line, the roots can continue to grow and eventually cause blockages or damage to the line.
In some cases, tree roots can also wrap around and crush sewer lines. This can happen if the roots grow around the line and continue to expand, eventually putting enough pressure on the pipe to cause it to crack or break.
How Long Does It Take To Unclog A Main Sewer Line?
The time it takes to unclog a main sewer line can vary depending on several factors such as the severity of the clogged sewer line, the type of clog, and the equipment used to clear the blockage.
Get Professional Help Today!
Now that you have learned all about the major expenses associated with commercial sewer excavation, there is nothing better than consulting a professional for a detailed estimate. We, at Aspire Construction Group can help you with any excavation and earthworks project, including sewage repair and installation. Give us a call today!