Replacing a main water line typically costs around $1,700, but depending on the length of the run, depth, and soil conditions, your total could range from $500 for a short section to $10,000 or more for a full replacement. In rare cases with complex access issues, costs can exceed $13,000.
Replacement is usually necessary when the pipe is severely corroded, cracked, or collapsed—often due to tree roots, shifting soil, or old age. Common signs include discolored water, sudden drops in water pressure, soggy patches in the yard, or unexplained spikes in your water bill.
The largest cost factors are how much pipe needs replacing, how deep it’s buried, and whether your plumber uses trenchless or traditional trenched installation. Materials like PEX or PVC can keep costs down, while copper and cast iron are more expensive but longer-lasting.
Water line replacement isn’t a DIY job. It requires excavation, permits, and experience working around other underground utilities. In this guide, I’ll break down replacement costs by material, method, and project scope—plus tips for choosing the right plumber.
Suspect a water line leak and need a reputable plumber? Use our tool below to connect with your area’s best plumbing companies.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Key Takeaways
- The national average cost of water line replacement is $1,713, but it can cost $13,000 or more.
- Most pipe materials cost between 40 cents and $10 per linear foot.
- Plumbers use trenched or trenchless methods to replace the pipe. Trenchless does less damage to the yard.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Water Line?
The average cost to install a new water line is $1,713, or $50 to $150 per linear foot. However, the price can range from $200 to over $13,000, depending on the project’s scope.
Repairs for some common plumbing problems, such as small leaks, aren’t as expensive—usually $300 or less. More significant damage from burst pipes or tree roots may require a costly complete line replacement.
| Low | National Average | High |
| $200 | $1,713 | $10,000+ |
Looking for the best way to detect a water leak? Check out the video below to learn more about water monitoring.
How Do Water Line Replacement Costs Differ By Pipe Material?
Polyethylene (PEX) is the least expensive pipe material for water line replacement, ranging from 40 cents to $2 per linear foot. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most common option, often priced between 50 cents and $2 per foot.
In most cases, your plumber will use the same material as your current water line if it’s ideal for your soil and climate. However, you can choose to install a different material, especially if you’re doing a complete replacement.
| Pipe Material | Average Cost Per Linear Foot |
| Cast Iron or galvanized steel | $2 – $10 |
| Copper | $2 – $10 |
| Fiberglass | $5 – $10 |
| PEX | $0.40 – $2 |
| PVC | $0.50 – $5 |
Cast Iron
Cast iron pipes are common in older homes, but they’re not as popular today. Although they can stand up to heat, cold, and various types of soil, they corrode easily compared to other options. The weight of cast iron also makes it difficult to install.
You’ll usually pay between $2 and $10 per linear foot for cast iron pipes.
Copper Pipe
Copper pipes, which range in price from $2 to $10 per linear foot, are resistant to tree roots and highly durable, lasting up to a century. They’re ideal for both warm and cold climates, but, as with cast iron, copper corrodes.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass-reinforced plastic pipes come in short lengths, so they’re ideal if only a small part of your water line is damaged. Durable, the material is corrosion- and weather-resistant, even in the face of harsh soil conditions. However, it’s not ideal for areas with consistently high temperatures.
Fiberglass pipes tend to cost between $5 and $10 per linear foot.
Polyethylene
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is a more affordable water line option at 40 cents to $2 per linear foot. Plastic, it’s flexible, ideal for any climate, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Plus, it’s easy to install, and plumbers can snake it through existing pipes, saving you money
Polyvinyl chloride
Long lasting, PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is the most common material used today for pipes. It’s not always the best option if you live in extremely hot or cold environments, as they can crack with temperature fluctuations. However, it’s perfect if you have acidic soil like that found in the Pacific Northwest.
You can expect to spend 50 cents to $5 per linear foot for PVC water line pipes.
How Does the Type of Water Line Affect Replacement Pricing?
Plumbers use one of two methods to install or replace water lines—trenched or trenchless. The trenched method is usually more expensive than trenchless, as it requires excavating.
Labor generally makes up about 35% to 40% of the total cost of water line replacement. However, labor costs may be closer to 60% for trenchless projects, as they take less time but require specific equipment.
| Type | Average Cost Per Linear Foot |
| Trenched Water Line | $50 – $250 |
| Trenchless Water Line | $50 – $200 |
Trenched
Water lines are underground. With the trenched method, the plumber digs up the soil around the pipe. The job is messy and requires more time and labor than trenchless replacement. You’ll pay $50 to $250 per linear foot on average.
This price doesn’t include other expenses that come with this method. You’ll likely have to fix the landscaping, at minimum. Depending on where the water line is, you could also pay for driveway or sidewalk repairs.
The trenched method is best if you’re replacing the entire water line. Professionals also use it in areas that don’t have enough space for trenchless methods.
If you’re on a tight budget, your plumber might recommend you dig the trench to access the water line while they handle the plumbing portion of the work. Tackling the trench yourself could save you hundreds of dollars. However, talk to the professional for their advice before you start digging, and call 311 to make sure there are no other utility lines.
Trenchless Water Line
Trenchless water line replacement averages $50 to $200 per linear foot. The exact price depends on whether you choose pipe lining or pipe bursting. With either of these methods, there’s little damage to the yard.
For pipe lining, the plumber pushes an epoxy lining through the old pipe, essentially creating a new pipe by sealing any gaps or cracks. It costs $75 to $150 per linear foot.
The pipe bursting method ranges from $50 to $200 per linear foot. The plumber pushes out the old pipe with an auger while dragging in the new pipe.
What Other Factors Impact Water Line Replacement Cost Estimates?
Additional factors can impact your total main water line repair cost, including the depth of the water line, landscaping, and more.
Length and Depth of the Water Line
The more sections of your water main that are damaged, the more pipes you have to replace, increasing your total cost. For example, if you’re replacing 5 feet, expect to pay between $250 and $750. If you’re replacing 25 feet, the cost increases to $1,250 to $3,750.
If you’re replacing the entire main water line from your property to connect to the city’s water supply, the exact price depends on the length of the run. Most pay between $1,500 to $12,000.
You’ll also pay more if your water line is deep underground. Most pipes are 1 to 3 feet deep, but if you live in an area with harsh winters, plumbers install them deeper to help prevent freezing. Replacement takes more time as a result, especially with trenched pipes, so your costs are higher.
Other Potential Costs
Depending on your location and the water line replacement method, you could have additional expenses. Some include:
| Additional Factor | Average Cost |
| Building permit | $100 – $500 |
| Water line inspection | $150 – $500 |
| Driveway replacement | $50 – $150 per hour |
| Landscaping | $50 – $100 per hour |
| Tree removal service | $200 – $2,000 per tree |
What Are the Benefits of Water Line Replacement?
Without a working water line, you can’t run your dishwasher, do your laundry, take a shower, run the tap, or flush the toilet. If there’s an issue, it’s important to get it repaired right away. Delaying will actually cost you more money in the long run.
One of the signs of a plumbing leak is a high water bill. Water bills stay consistent throughout the year, except during the summer, due to sprinkler use. An unusual spike points to a leak, and a plumber can identify where it is, helping you save money.
Replacing your main water line also gives you the chance to upgrade to more modern plumbing materials. Older, heavy metal pipes, common in the eastern United States, are susceptible to corrosion.
Professional Vs. DIY Water Line Replacement
Replacing the water line isn’t a DIY project, as it requires extensive equipment and expertise to locate and fix the problem. I always recommend hiring a professional for this task.
Always know where your main water shutoff valve is so that in an emergency, you can shut your water off quickly and avoid extensive — not to mention expensive — damage.
To find the best plumber to replace your water line, search for professionals in your area (or use the tool below). Compare quotes, services, experience, and more to narrow down your options. Get at least three quotes. You can also use this opportunity to ask them about their recommendations on the best methods and materials.
If you have a home warranty plumbing policy, reach out to your provider first for assistance.
Need a professional plumber to fix your main water line? Use the tool below to find a reputable plumber in your area.a.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
So, Is Water Line Replacement Worth It?
Yes, if there are issues with your water line, replacement is always worth it. Even if you suspect a small leak, getting it repaired now can save you money and stress in the long term. Delaying could cause the water line to burst, resulting in significant water damage and even higher repair costs.
Water line replacement isn’t something homeowners can tackle themselves. Professionals have the tools, knowledge, and resources to quickly locate leaks and replace the pipes. Contact one as soon as you believe there is a problem to schedule an inspection.
FAQs About Water Line Replacement Costs
There are several signs of a broken water line, including discolored water, low water pressure, high bills, and damp drywall. You may also notice pipe corrosion or hear bubbling noises from your faucets.
If you suspect a break or leak in your water line, contact a plumber as soon as possible. Waiting can result in more significant damage, especially if the pipe bursts. Plumbers have the tools and knowledge to identify the leak’s location and recommend a fix. In some cases, your municipal water department may assist with repair costs.
Extreme heat, extreme cold, shifting soil, soil erosion, heavy landscaping equipment, and other machinery can damage the water line. Older pipes are also more likely to fail.
Plumbers need a few hours to a few days to install or replace a water line. Most repairs take four to eight hours.
The length of time a plumber needs depends on the complexity of the problem, the number of pipes they need to replace, the depth of the water line, and whether they opt for trenchless or trenched pipe replacement.
After water line repairs, you might notice a reddish tint to the water due to iron. Run cold water to clear the system.
Residential water lines are often ¾-inch or 1-inch diameter pipes. Some larger homes or buildings with multiple families might need 1.5-inch or 2-inch diameter water lines.
The right supply line size for your house depends on the number of plumbing fixtures in the home and the distance between your home’s main inside control valve and the city’s water line, also known as the “length of the run of pipe.” The shorter the length of the run of pipe, the smaller the diameter water line needed.
Older homes frequently used smaller-diameter pipes. As a result, they’re more susceptible to poor water pressure or volume.
Water lines have a long lifespan, with some types lasting upward of 100 years. The exact life expectancy of your pipe depends on a few factors, including the material, climate, and use.
Copper water lines can last up to 70 years. PEX has a lifespan of 40 to 50 years, but it can last longer under the right conditions. Plastic water lines have an exceptionally long life expectancy of 75 years. Cast iron pipes last for 80 to 100 years, but they can start to deteriorate after 25 years.
Extreme cold and heat also impact a water line’s lifespan. Cold temperatures can freeze the pipes, which may cause the line to burst. In addition, both high and low temperatures can cause cracks in the water line as soil shifts or erodes.
To protect your water line and extend its lifespan, schedule regular inspections with a plumber and call a professional at the first sign of a problem.
