What is sewer line repair?
Sewer line repair is the fix of a cracked, root-filled or collapsed section of the sewer lateral, and sewer line replacement is the renewal of the full pipe from the house to the street.
The sewer lateral is the private pipe between the house and the public sewer main. Lancaster laterals are clay, cast iron or PVC, and the clay and cast iron laterals of older homes crack and let in tree roots.
What are the 6 signs of a broken sewer line?
The 6 signs of a broken sewer line are listed below, from the most common to the least common.
- Sewage backs up into the basement floor drain or the lowest tub.
- Several drains run slow at the same time.
- Sewer gas smells come from the basement or the yard.
- Wet, green patches appear in the lawn above the sewer line.
- Gurgling toilets follow a sink or washer draining.
- Repeated main line clogs return within months of a cleaning.
Seeing one of these signs? Call a local plumber now.
Call (607) 305-8020How does a plumber repair a sewer line?
A plumber uses the 5 steps below to repair a sewer line.
- Runs a camera through the cleanout to find the break, the roots or the sag.
- Marks the location and depth of the damaged section.
- Chooses a dig repair or a trenchless repair, such as pipe lining or pipe bursting.
- Replaces or lines the damaged section and reconnects the lateral.
- Runs the camera again to confirm a clear, sound line.
How much does sewer line replacement cost in Lancaster, PA?
Sewer line replacement in Lancaster, PA costs $1,388–$5,323, with an average cost of $3,319, according to HomeAdvisor. Sewer line replacement costs $60–$250 per foot, and the trenchless methods cost $60–$250 per foot as well.
Typical prices for 6 sewer line repair and replacement jobs are shown in the table below.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Sewer line replacement | $1,388–$5,323 |
| Replacement per foot | $60–$250 |
| Trenchless pipe lining (per foot) | $90–$250 |
| Pipe bursting (per foot) | $60–$200 |
| Cracked pipe repair | $600–$1,050 |
| Main line clog clearing | $100–$800 |
Source: HomeAdvisor national cost data, 2025–2026. Ranges are what most homeowners pay; your plumber gives the price for your job before work starts.
Want a price for your job? Call and describe the problem to a local plumber.
Call (607) 305-8020Can a sewer line be replaced without digging?
Yes, a sewer line can be replaced without digging a full trench through trenchless pipe lining or pipe bursting. Both trenchless methods need small access pits at each end of the line, and both cost $60–$250 per foot, according to HomeAdvisor.
What are the 4 sewer line repair methods?
The 4 sewer line repair methods plumbers use are listed below.
- A spot repair opens the ground over one damaged section and replaces that section.
- Trenchless pipe lining cures a resin liner inside the old pipe to seal cracks and joints.
- Pipe bursting pulls a new HDPE pipe through the old line and breaks the old pipe outward.
- Open-trench replacement digs the full length of the lateral and lays new PVC pipe.
Related plumbing problems and next steps
When is a sewer line repair problem an emergency?
A sewer line repair problem is an emergency when sewage comes up through the floor drain. Stop using water in the house and call for an emergency main line clearing before the camera inspection. Emergency calls for sewer line problems go to an emergency plumber in Lancaster, PA.
What services are related to sewer line repair and replacement?
The 4 services related to sewer line repair and replacement are listed below.
- Sewer backup signs, steps and prices are on the sewer backup in Lancaster page.
- Septic tank pumping signs, steps and prices are on the septic tank pumping in Lancaster page.
- Sewer smell in basement has 5 causes, listed in the sewer smell in basement guide.
- Main sewer line clogged symptoms has 5 causes, listed in the main sewer line clogged symptoms guide.
Where else in Lancaster County is sewer line repair available?
Sewer line repair pages for 3 nearby Lancaster County towns are listed below.
- Elizabethtown (ZIP 17022) sewer line repair calls go to Sewer Line Repair and Replacement in Elizabethtown.
- Lititz (ZIP 17543) sewer line repair calls go to Sewer Line Repair and Replacement in Lititz.
- Ephrata (ZIP 17522) sewer line repair calls go to Sewer Line Repair and Replacement in Ephrata.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for a broken sewer pipe in Lancaster?
It depends on where the break sits. The property owner maintains the sewer lateral from the house, and the city or sewer authority maintains the public main in the street.
How often should sewer drains be cleaned?
Sewer drains with tree roots need cleaning every 1 to 2 years. A sewer line without roots needs cleaning only when the drains slow down.
What are old Lancaster sewer laterals made of?
Old Lancaster sewer laterals are made of clay tile and cast iron, and newer laterals are PVC. Clay joints let roots in, and cast iron rusts and cracks with age.
Is a wet spot in the yard a sign of a broken sewer line?
Yes, a wet, sunken or extra-green spot in the yard over the sewer line is a sign of a broken sewer line, along with sewage odor and slow drains.