How Much Does Water Main Installation and Replacement Cost?

Water Main Installation Cost per Square Foot

Water main installation costs per linear foot are $50 to $150, on average. Most water main line installation professionals will probably quote you for labor and parts in addition to costs per square foot. Labor is the brunt of these costs, and you may pay more if your system requires significant work, including accessing difficult-to-reach piping at either end of your system.

Trenchless Water Line Replacement Cost

It costs $75 to $250 per linear foot for this type of job, though, so you may pay a little extra as compared to traditional water main lines. Trenchless water line replacement is a noninvasive approach to fixing pipes that many contractors prefer, as it requires next to no property damage to access your pipes. 

Even though it costs more off the top, it's also a cost-effective approach for homeowners over the long term (less damage), leading many to choose it when they have the option. 

Pipe Lining

Expect to pay $80 to $250 per linear foot of pipe when fixing old pipe lining. Pipe lining uses a special internal resin that helps seal cracks or damage in old pipes. It can fix an old, leaking water main line without replacing the whole system. 

Pipe Bursting

If a pipe bursts, expect to pay $200 per linear foot of pipe to get it fixed. This doesn't count any potential damage if you don't get a burst water main line pipe fixed quickly.

Trenched Water Line Replacement Cost

Depending on the amount of fixable piping, you may pay anywhere from $1,500 to $13,000 to get a water line replacement on a traditional, trenched system. The cost of trenching is $400 to $1,200 per foot.  

Trenching water lines require much more digging to access the main line. In many situations, the new installation will be a trenchless system, but new, traditional systems may require additional galvanized steel as a reinforcement, which could increase the price.

Cost to Replace a Water Line from the Street to the House

Connecting to city water costs anywhere from $250 to $1,000 for permits and inspections.

• Inspection: $150–$500. Some cities offer this for free to make sure it all meets code requirements.

• Permit: $100–$500. Almost every municipality requires a permit. Check with your local building code enforcement agency for your local requirements.

In total, you can expect to pay up to $2,500 to replace a water line from the street to your house. This is what's known in the industry as a private water service line. It's different from replacing the whole system, unless, of course, both are so old that they need replacing.

The cost to install a new sewer main line, which may be necessary if it's a new home, averages around $1,397.

Cost to Hook Up and Connect to City Water

Costs in urban areas tend to be much more expensive for hooking up to city water than in rural areas. In areas where developments are coming up quickly, you may be able to get hooked up to city water for only a couple hundred dollars. But in high-traffic areas of major cities, it could cost as much as $20,000 to connect a new line to city water.

Main Water Line Replacement Costs by Location

Water line replacement may vary depending on where you live. Some cities’ averages include:

• Boston: $2,366

• Chicago: $2,366

• Denver: $2,302

• Houston: $920

• Los Angeles: $1,733

• New York City: $2,401

• Orlando: $424

Water Main Replacement Cost Factors

While most water main replacement costs remain constant from home to home, a few factors might make the price fluctuate, including:

• Any obstructions that make it difficult to reach the pipe, like trees or a concrete pad.

• The depth required for installation: the longer it takes to dig, the more costs increase.

• Labor, depending on area and demand.

• Whether you're opting for a trenchless or traditional system.

• City or town permit costs.

DIY vs. Hire a Water Main Installer

Always hire a professional for this job. Not only does the project require interacting with city-owned water lines, but the cost to repair water main lines isn't cheap if you make an error, either (between $339 and $1,543, on average). A burst pipe can expand into the tens of thousands. 

In many places, municipalities require a licensed professional to do the work. Find a local plumber to get pricing estimates for your specific needs.

If you feel comfortable pinpointing the location of the damage and working to fix it, you could save thousands on labor costs. However, further damage to your system would result in costly additional repairs. We do not recommend DIYing this project.

FAQs

How much does it cost to connect to city sewage?

Water hookup from the city costs anywhere from $500 to $20,000. Your price depends on:

• Where you live.

• How far the water main line is from the residential extension.

• How much of this price your state or local county will subsidize if you're building a new home.

How do you switch from well water to city water?

To switch from well to city water, you’ll need to run a private main service line from the nearest main city line to your home. The process involves having a plumber shut the pressure off from the well water, then activate the private line running to your home from the city water supply. It costs around $3,000 on average to make the switch.

How much does it cost to replace the main water shut-off?

It'll cost up to $600 on average to replace a main water shut-off valve. This might be a job you can tackle yourself to save some money, but hiring a pro will ensure proper handling. Again, this isn't a project where mistakes are easy to cover up, so hiring a pro is best.

Does insurance cover a water main replacement?

Unfortunately, damage sustained to a water main line is usually considered external (as it relates to your home and what's insured inside of it). This means most policies do not cover it, and homeowners must pay for a water main replacement outside of insurance.