How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Sewer in Pittsburgh?

Sewer Replacement in Pittsburgh

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Sewer in Pittsburgh?

So you think you might need your sewer replaced and you're doing some initial research on pricing and your options? You’re in the right place. At Revelation Plumbing, we specialize in sewer repairs and replacements. We’ve done hundreds of them across Pittsburgh, and we believe that an informed homeowner makes the best decisions.

That’s exactly why we wrote this guide—to help you understand what goes into a sewer repair or replacement, what external factors can affect pricing, and to give you a realistic idea of what costs to expect.

Different Sewer Repair Options (and When Each One Makes Sense)

There are several ways to fix or replace a sewer line. Each method has its strengths and is better suited for specific situations. Let’s break them down:

1. Spot Repair

This is the least invasive and most affordable option. If only a small section of your sewer is damaged—perhaps from a root intrusion or isolated crack—a plumber can dig up and replace just that section.

• Good for: Localized issues or newer pipes with minimal damage

• Not ideal if: The pipe is sagging (a “belly”), collapsed, or failing in multiple spots

  
  

2. Trenchless Pipe Lining (CIPP)

Also known as cured-in-place pipe lining, this method involves inserting a flexible epoxy liner into the old pipe. Once cured, it forms a smooth, solid pipe within the existing one—without the need for excavation.

• Good for: Pipes that are structurally intact but have cracks, small leaks, or root damage

• Not ideal if: The pipe has major damage, holes, or low spots—liners can’t fix bellies or missing pipe sections

  
  

3. Pipe Bursting

In this trenchless method, a bursting head breaks apart the old pipe as a new one is pulled in behind it. It’s less invasive than digging up your entire yard, and a good option when the old pipe needs full replacement.

• Good for: Replacing long sections of pipe under landscaping, driveways, or sidewalks

• Not ideal if: The existing pipe has sharp turns, very shallow depth, or limited access

  
  

4. Full Excavation Sewer Replacement

This is the most comprehensive and permanent solution. The old pipe is removed entirely and replaced with new PVC or cast iron. It’s labor-intensive but provides the longest-lasting results.

• Good for: Older homes with collapsing terracotta or cast iron pipes

• Not ideal if: You want minimal disruption or have tight access and extensive hardscaping

Want to read more about lining your sewer vs. replacing your sewer. Click here.

Every Home Is Unique—And So Is Every Sewer Replacement

When it comes to replacing your sewer line in Pittsburgh, there’s no one-size-fits-all price tag. Each and every home is different. The depth of the pipe, the slope of the yard, the distance to the main line, trees, retaining walls, concrete patios, and even hillside access all play a part in how complex—and how costly—the job will be.

That’s why sewer replacement costs in Pittsburgh can range anywhere from $4,000 for a small spot repair and up to $20,000 or more for a full excavation and replacement.

Please note that the cost ranges mentioned throughout this article are just typical averages based on common situations we see in the Pittsburgh area. Your project could cost less or more depending on the specifics of your home and sewer line.

In some cases, you may not even need a full replacement right away—there are other options like hydrojetting, which can clear out heavy blockages and extend the life of your existing sewer line by a few more years. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a professional sewer camera inspection so we can assess the condition of your line and give you real answers. To schedule your inspection, give us a call at 412-518-7170.

Schedule Sewer Inspection

What’s certain is this: a properly functioning sewer line is essential to safe, sanitary living. When sewers back up, raw sewage can flow into your home, causing thousands of dollars in damage, ruined flooring and furniture, and serious health risks. Investing in a new sewer line not only protects your home and family, but also increases your property’s value. When buyers see that the sewer has been updated, it removes one of the biggest red flags that can derail a home sale.

The Depth of Your Sewer Line Matters (A Lot)

In Pittsburgh, many homes sit on hillsides or uneven terrain. Sewer line depths can range from just a few feet to more than 12 feet below the surface. The deeper the line, the more time, labor, and equipment it takes to reach it—and that drives up the cost.

Some laterals also run under sidewalks, retaining walls, or driveways. In those cases, special permitting, road work, or coordination with the city may be required. All of these external conditions can have a big impact on your final quote.

10' Deep Sewer

🛑 Is the Homeowner Responsible For Sewer Repairs?

In Pittsburgh, the homeowner is responsible for the entire lateral line—from the home all the way to the city sewer main. That means you, not the city, are responsible for the cost of any repair or replacement, even if the pipe runs under a public sidewalk or street.

This surprises a lot of homeowners, and it’s one more reason to have your system inspected regularly so you’re not caught off guard.

Is a Sewer Repair or Replacement Covered by My Home Insurance or Home Warranty Company?

In most cases, standard homeowners insurance does not cover sewer line repairs or replacements, especially if the damage is due to age, corrosion, or tree root intrusion—which are the most common causes in Pittsburgh. Insurance may only help if the damage is sudden and accidental, such as from a collapsed pipe due to a specific incident. Some homeowners opt to add a sewer and drain backup rider to their policy, but this typically covers damage from the backup itself—not the cost to repair or replace the line. As for home warranties, coverage can vary widely. Some plans offer limited protection for sewer lines within the home’s foundation, but they often exclude the exterior lateral line that runs to the street. It’s always best to read the fine print or call your provider to understand exactly what's covered. When in doubt, get a sewer inspection first, then check with your insurance or warranty company to see if they’ll help offset the costs.

Know the Signs That Point to a Sewer Line Problem

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Early detection can prevent thousands in damage and emergency repairs. Keep an eye out for:

• Toilets gurgling or slow to drain

• Water backing up in multiple drains at once

• Lush green spots or sinkholes in your yard

• The smell of sewage around your home

• Frequent calls for snaking or rooter services

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s time for a sewer inspection.

The Best First Step: A Sewer Camera Inspection

Before anyone breaks ground, you need to see exactly what’s happening inside your sewer line. A sewer camera inspection involves inserting a waterproof camera into your line and recording the interior condition in real-time.

It shows:

• Cracks, breaks, or collapsed sections

• Root intrusion or blockages

• Bellies or sags in the line

• The depth and length of the sewer

• What material your current pipe is made of

With this information, your plumber can give you honest, accurate options—not guesses.

How Can I Pay for a Sewer Replacement If I Don’t Have a Large Chunk of Money Sitting in the Bank?

We get it—most homeowners don’t have thousands of dollars just sitting around waiting to be spent on a sewer replacement. But that doesn’t mean you're stuck. There are several smart and flexible ways to get the work done without draining your savings or delaying an urgent repair.

At Revelation Plumbing, we offer promotional financing that lets you use our money with no interest for 6 months. It’s a great way to get the repair done now and spread out the cost without paying extra.

Other popular options include:

• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): If you have equity in your home, this can be one of the lowest-interest ways to fund home repairs.

• 0% APR Credit Cards: Many credit cards offer promotional periods with zero interest for 12 to 18 months. This gives you time to pay it off gradually while keeping your cash flow intact.

• Personal Loans: Banks and credit unions often offer unsecured loans for home improvement projects with fixed monthly payments.

  
  

The goal is to help you use other people’s money at little or no interest, giving you the flexibility to protect your home now and pay later. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a major emergency—if financing is the only thing standing between you and a working sewer, we’ll do everything we can to help you move forward confidently.

Why So Many Pittsburgh Homes Need Sewer Work

Pittsburgh is filled with historic charm—but also with aging infrastructure. Many homes still rely on terracotta or cast iron sewer lines that are 50 to 100 years old. These materials are prone to:

• Cracks and leaking joints

• Invasive tree roots

• Rust, corrosion, and scaling

• Collapse under ground pressure

If your home was built before 1980 and you’ve never had your sewer inspected or replaced, it’s only a matter of time before problems arise.

Final Thoughts: Be Informed, Be Proactive

Replacing a sewer line isn’t something any homeowner looks forward to—but it is one of the most important investments you can make in your property.

We get it. Even a quick grocery trip to Giant Eagle these days can leave your wallet empty—so the idea of spending thousands on your sewer line isn’t exactly exciting. But the cost of not replacing a failing sewer is even higher, especially when raw sewage backs up into your basement or damages your foundation.

Being proactive gives you control over the process and your budget. You’ll avoid emergencies, get better pricing, and protect your home’s value for the long haul.

Need Help With Sewer Replacement in Pittsburgh?

Revelation Plumbing is here to help. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in the Pittsburgh area with sewer inspections, repairs, and full replacements. Whether you need a spot fix or a full excavation, we’ll walk you through the process honestly and clearly.

We don’t upsell. We don’t cut corners. We just do what’s right for your home.

📍 Serving Pittsburgh and surrounding communities

📞 Call us today to schedule your camera inspection

🔧 Let us come to the rescue before things get worse

412-518-7170