Problems with sewer lines are among the most upsetting issues that homeowners can face. Not only can they create wet messes in the yard or even lead to damaging backups inside the home, but sewer line replacement is a big, expensive project.
It’s just not the kind of project that a homeowner can undertake, which means you’ll be paying a big bill on top of dealing with all the other inconvenience.
Why does it cost so much to get a sewer line replaced? While every project is different, there are some things that are the same no matter the details. There are several factors that feed into the high cost of replacing a sewer line. Let’s look at a few.
The Length of the Line
This is probably the easiest one to understand. Sewer line replacement is more expensive the longer the line is. First, the project involves digging up and removing a longer section of pipe, then properly disposing of the old pipe.
Next, the contractor must purchase and lay more pipe, requiring additional labor to ensure that it is properly pitched. Finally, a longer pipe requires more backfilling and time spent making sure that the line is properly covered. These steps require more materials and labor the longer the sewer line is.
What’s on Top of the Line
The depth of the sewer line and the obstructions on top of it make a big difference in the cost of replacing that line. Deeper lines require more excavating time and may even require the contractor to rent a larger machine or utilize shoring equipment for worker safety.
If the line is tangled up in tree roots, there is additional work required to clear those away. The line may also pass under slabs of concrete or asphalt that require careful detection, measurement, and cutting to get access to the line, as well as additional cost to replace those materials after the project is complete.
Pipe Material Types
Your contractor will provide you with a number of different material choices for the new sewer line. PVC, cast iron, or ABS may be options for you. PVC and ABS are similar in cost and installation complexity, and they resist corrosion.
Cast iron pipe is subject to rust and is very heavy to handle and transport. It is also more expensive to purchase and install, but it is very tough and should last longer than plastic-type materials. The new line will also need to match the existing pipe where they join together. There is no one material type that is best for every home, so this is a conversation you should have with your contractor before work begins. Make sure to get a thorough explanation of why the contractor recommends a given material type.
Labor Markets
Skilled plumbers are always in high demand, and certain labor markets have higher wages for those workers. This is usually a result of a busy housing market with a lot of construction and renovation going on. In those areas, qualified plumbers command a higher wage because contractors need them to keep up with their busy workload.
In tougher housing markets, the demand for plumbing work like sewer line replacement may be lower, resulting in lower wages for plumbers and other types of construction workers. Finally, the overall cost of living varies from place to place, creating a variety of wage levels as you compare locations.
Local Codes & Permits
Every locality has its own regulations for businesses of all types, including plumbers. The contractor may be required to pay for a business license as well as occupational taxes, property taxes, and other fees.
In terms of the specific tasks involved in plumbing work, including sewer line replacement, there will likely be permits, inspections, and other regulatory steps involved that require fees to be paid to the city, county, state, or some combination of all three. All of these costs increase the overhead for your contractor, who must recover those expenses with what they charge for their work.
Differences in Contractors – And What Sets Benjamin Franklin Apart
Every contractor does things a little differently. A well-organized, well-managed plumbing company will have less cost involved in each project because they successfully avoid scheduling problems, overtime, and mistakes on the job site.
Our team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Lakeland fits that definition. We believe in keeping costs down not just by watching our overhead but also by operating our company efficiently with quality workmanship, fair pricing, and realistic scheduling. If there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay!
We understand that sewer line problems are a big headache before the bill even comes in. We are always glad to work with our clients to find the solution to their sewer line replacement project that is not just effective but also cost-effective.
