Cost to Sewer Line Repair / Replacement in Chicago, IL

$1,770–$11,800 in Chicago

18% above the national average · 1.18x cost multiplier

In Chicago, a sewer line repair / replacement runs $1,770 to $11,800 on average — about 18% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.

Cost Breakdown in Chicago

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Cost per linear ft	$59	$142	$295
Materials	$354	$1,416	$3,540
Labor	$944	$3,540	$9,440
Permits	$236	$590	$1,180
Total	$1,534+18% vs. national avg	$5,546+18% vs. national avg	$14,160+18% vs. national avg

Budget

Spot repair of a single crack or root intrusion using access from existing cleanout, no excavation required.

Mid-Range

30-50 foot section replacement, open trench, new ABS or PVC pipe, basic lawn restoration.

Premium

80-100 foot full replacement, tree root damage, trenchless CIPP lining or pipe bursting, driveway or sidewalk crossing, full restoration.

Material Options

Material prices below are national averages; availability in Chicago may shift costs slightly.

Material	Cost/Unit	Pros	Cons	Best For
PVC (Schedule 40)	$1-$3 per linear ft materials	Standard residential sewer material, smooth interior minimizes buildup, resistant to roots and chemicals, 50+ year lifespan	Requires open trench for traditional installation, joints can offset over time	Open trench replacement in most residential applicationsStandard residential sewer material, smooth interior minimizes buildup, resistant to roots and chemicals, 50+ year lifespan
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)	$1-$2.50 per linear ft materials	Lighter than PVC, widely used in western US, good chemical resistance	Not approved in all jurisdictions, can become brittle with UV exposure (for above-ground runs)	Western US residential sewer lines - check local code approvalLighter than PVC, widely used in western US, good chemical resistance
CIPP Lining (Cured-In-Place Pipe)	$80-$200 per linear ft installed	No excavation required, restores pipe strength, smooth interior improves flow, can line around bends	Requires access points, reduces pipe diameter slightly, cannot address collapsed sections	Cracked or root-infested pipe that is still structurally intact - best for under driveways and hard surfacesNo excavation required, restores pipe strength, smooth interior improves flow, can line around bends
Pipe Bursting	$60-$150 per linear ft installed	Trenchless, installs new full-diameter pipe, works for clay and cast iron lines	Requires access pits at each end, cannot navigate bends well, can disturb adjacent utilities	Full replacement of failed lines where the route is relatively straight and open trenching is difficultTrenchless, installs new full-diameter pipe, works for clay and cast iron lines

Other Projects in Chicago

Full Kitchen Remodel

Full Bathroom Remodel

Basement Finishing

Back to national average for Sewer Line Repair / Replacement

Chicago Estimate

Typical Range

$1,770–$11,800

vs. National Average

18% above national

Cost Multiplier

1.18x

Cost Per linear ft

$59–$295

Estimates apply Chicago's 1.18x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.

See national average costs →