Replacing a sewer line means installing a new pipe from the house to the connection with the public sewer, either by digging a trench or by a trenchless method such as pipe bursting or lining. It makes sense when the camera finds damage along much of the run rather than in one spot. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Washington, DC.
When a full replacement beats another repair
- The camera shows cracks, roots or offsets at several joints
- The pipe has collapsed or flattened in places
- Cast iron has rusted so thin the bottom of the pipe is gone
- You have paid for repeated cleanings or spot repairs in a short span
- A renovation or addition already opens up the route
Why it comes up so often in the District
Washington's median home was built in 1957, and older neighborhoods such as Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle are full of rowhouses that are much older. Those homes can still have the original clay or cast iron lateral, and decades of roots, settling and corrosion add up. In the combined sewer areas that cover roughly a third of the city, a weak lateral is more likely to show itself as a basement backup after a heavy storm.
Three ways to replace it
| Method | How it works | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Open trench | Dig along the route, remove the old pipe, lay new pipe | Shallow lines, open yards, badly misaligned pipe |
| Pipe bursting | A bursting head pulls new pipe through and splits the old pipe outward | Lines under steps, walkways or landscaping |
| Cured-in-place lining | A resin liner is cured inside the old pipe to form a new one | Pipe that is cracked but still holds its shape |
Trenchless methods still need access pits at each end, and they cannot correct a pipe laid at a bad slope.
Permits and coordination
Plumbing permits in the District come from the DC Department of Buildings, and only a contractor holding a DC license for the trade may apply. If the work reaches public space, expect more coordination before the street side can be touched. DC Water runs the public sewer and takes sewer emergency calls at 202-612-3400.
Check the water line while you are digging
If the yard is opening up anyway, it is worth checking the water service too. DC Water warns that galvanized household pipes can collect lead from a past lead service line and recommends replacing galvanized plumbing and lead service lines fully. The private-property portion of the water service is at the owner's expense, so pairing the work can save a second excavation. Ask DC Water about current lead line programs at your address.
What affects cost
Length and depth of the lateral, the method, what sits above it, access on a narrow lot, any public-space work and permit fees drive the price. Get the camera footage and a written scope from each plumber you talk to.
Sewer Line Replacement questions from Washington homeowners
How do I know I need a full replacement instead of a repair?
Is trenchless replacement possible on a DC rowhouse lot?
Who pulls the permit for sewer replacement in DC?
Should I replace my water service line at the same time?
Related plumbing services in Washington
Sewer Line Replacement in nearby cities and towns
Arlington County
Alexandria City County
Fairfax County
Fairfax City County
Falls Church City County
Loudoun County
Prince William County
Manassas City County
Montgomery County
Prince George's County
Charles County
Sources
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