Sewer line replacement puts in a new pipe for the full private run from your house to the City of Phoenix sewer main, either by digging a trench or with trenchless methods like pipe bursting or lining. It makes sense when damage is spread along the line rather than in one spot. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Phoenix.
Signs a patch is no longer enough
- Camera footage shows cracks, offsets or roots at joint after joint
- A section has collapsed or gone oval
- Long stretches sag and hold standing wastewater
- Old pipe has corroded or scaled badly throughout
- You keep paying for clearing and spot repairs and the backups continue
Whose pipe it is
In Phoenix, the City says property owners maintain and repair the sewer line on their property up to the City main, while the City runs the public system. That makes replacing the private line a homeowner project. If you live in a condo, check with your HOA first, since shared lines may fall under the association.
Replacement methods compared
| Method | What happens | Works well when |
|---|---|---|
| Open trench | The route is excavated and new pipe is laid at the right slope | The pipe has collapsed or the grade is wrong |
| Pipe bursting | A cone-shaped head is pulled through the old line, splitting it while new pipe follows behind | The route runs under hardscape, pools or landscaping |
| Cured-in-place lining | A resin-coated tube is inverted into the old pipe and cured into a new inner wall | The old pipe still has its shape and slope |
Trenchless work is not always possible. A pipe that has flattened or sunk usually has to be dug out, and an honest plumber will say so from the footage.
Older lines in central Phoenix
Phoenix's median home dates to about 1984, but older central neighborhoods and historic districts can have cast iron drains and older sewer laterals that have reached the end of their service. Note that the City's online residential permits are not available for properties in designated historic districts, so permitting there may take a different route through Planning and Development.
Before you sign
- Ask for the camera video with each defect marked
- Ask why the recommended method fits and the others do not
- Confirm whether permits, surface restoration and a final camera pass are included
- Find out what pipe goes in and what warranty covers the work
What shapes the cost
Length and depth of the line, the method used, what sits on top of the route, how the new pipe ties into the City main, and permit fees all affect the price.
Sewer Line Replacement questions from Phoenix homeowners
How do I know if my sewer line needs replacing instead of repairing?
Can a Phoenix sewer line be replaced without trenching the yard?
Is sewer line replacement the homeowner's responsibility in Phoenix?
Do historic district homes need a different permit process?
Related plumbing services in Phoenix
Sewer Line Replacement in nearby cities and towns
Maricopa County
Pinal County
Sources
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