Water line and sewer line repair is very expensive, and estimates suggest that the price can be as much as $50 - $250 per foot, or over $3,500 - $20,000 per household. Whether buying a fixer-upper that needs a water line or sewer line repaired or owning a home with a water line that needs to be repaired, there’s a lot of factors to consider.
1. First Signs of a Water Line Issue Are Often Restricted Water
Water line replacement is not cheap, and if you go to a shady plumber, they may con you into thinking something is wrong with your water line when it’s another issue. Knowing what symptoms of a fault water line exist will help you better understand if you need water line work done.
"If you are noticing unusually high water bills or restricted water flow at your home or constant wet spots that never seem to dry up, this often a symptom of the water lines experiencing problems that need to be fixed right away," explains Apollo Drain & Rooter Service.
2. Blockages and Obstructions Add to the Cost
Blockages and obstructions are going to make the repair a lot more expensive, and this is something that you may be able to avoid for a much cheaper cost by calling in another professional.
Two key blockages or obstructions to consider are:
- Stumps
- Tree roots
If any of these obstructions are near your water service line or PEX water supply pipe, it will significantly increase the cost of the replacement or repair.
The professional may even need to use a jackhammer to remove:
- Bedrock
- Ledge
- Concrete
3. Authorization May Be Required
Authorization may be required before digging can occur, and this really depends on the jurisdiction. Existing lines may not need to have authorization before a dig occurs, but adding in a new line will often require some form of authorization.
While authorization may not add to the cost of the project, it can cause a project to slow to a halt when authorization is not given prior to the project’s projected starting time.
4. Municipal Water Bills May Drop
If a water line has a leak or a break, it will cause an unusual rise in your bill’s price. This is something a new homeowner won’t be able to detect at first, but if a line starts having problems, you’ll often notice a sharp rise in your quarterly bill.
Fixing the water main will help curb many of these costs, leading to lower overall expenses every quarter.
You'll also be able to use the new water line as a means of promotion for the home, claiming that the water line is new can boost the value of the home. It's a major expense, up there with a new roof or foundation work in many cases, so it’s peace of mind for a potential buyer, especially if the home is older.
Asking multiple plumbers to assess your water line problems is a good idea. Since the job is expensive, it’s better to ensure that all plumbers agree on the cause of your problems before proceeding with a repair you may not need.
