The Process of Sewer Line Installation Explained
We get it—sewer lines aren’t something you want to think about. Most homeowners in NYC don’t give a second thought to their home sewer line or sewer drain line—until something backs up, starts leaking, or worse, stops working completely.
At Harris Water Main & Sewer Contractors, we’ve spent more than 100 years installing sewer lines and helping New Yorkers avoid sewer-related disasters. Whether you’re building a home, upgrading outdated piping, or replacing a line that’s beyond repair, we’ve got you covered—and today, we’re breaking down what happens during a sewer line installation.
So if you’ve got questions about how it works, what to expect, or who to call—we’re here to explain it.
First, What Is a Sewer Line?
Let’s start with the basics. Your home sewer line is the underground pipe that carries wastewater from your home out to the city’s main sewer. It connects everything from your toilet and shower to your kitchen sink and washing machine.
We’re not exaggerating when we say your house sewage pipe is one of the most important parts of your home. If that line is broken, poorly installed, or not up to code, it can lead to backups, slow drains, terrible smells, and even property damage. That’s why sewer line installation work should always be handled by experienced professionals.
Why You Might Need a New Sewer Line Installed
Here in NYC, we get calls every week from homeowners and contractors asking us to install sewer lines—and it’s not always because something’s broken. Here are the most common reasons:
1. New Construction
If you’re building a home or commercial property from scratch, you’ll need full sewer and water line installation. This includes tying in your main sewer pipe, water pipe, and everything in between.
2. System Failure
Older homes often come with old, cracked, or collapsed underground sewer pipes. If you’re having frequent backups, sewer smells, or blockages, it may be time for a full sewer line replacement.
3. Upgrades or Additions
Adding a bathroom? Renovating a kitchen? You may need to update or expand your sewer pipeline or drain line installation to handle increased flow or meet code.
So, What’s the Process of Installing a Sewer Line?
We’ve handled every kind of sewer pipe installation imaginable in New York—from narrow townhouses in Brooklyn to full commercial builds in Manhattan. No two jobs are exactly alike, but here’s the step-by-step breakdown of how we typically get it done:
1. Site Visit & Planning
We don’t just show up with a shovel. First, we come out to inspect your site, figure out where your sewer main pipe will run, and determine the depth, slope, and materials required. We check how close your home is to the city connection and whether we need to dig under sidewalks, driveways, or foundations.
We’ll also advise on how deep to bury the sewer line in your area and get all the permits and paperwork squared away—no need for you to deal with the city.
2. Excavation and Access
Once permits are approved, we move into the digging phase. This is where we expose the area for sewer main installation. Depending on your setup, this might be in your front yard, under your basement floor, or even out in the street.
Our team takes every precaution to protect your property and minimize disruption. If needed, we can install a sewer manhole for easier future access.
3. Pipe Work and Installation
Here’s where the real action begins. We carefully install sewer line sections using high-quality materials—usually heavy-duty PVC or SDR-rated pipe. We take into account slope (for gravity-fed flow), joints, and transitions to your home’s existing sewer pipes.
We handle all fitting drainage pipes, ensuring your sewer drain in-house ties into the new main correctly. And if your old system is beyond repair, we’ll safely remove or cap it before installing the new line.
4. Lining (If Applicable)
In some cases, especially where trenching is difficult, we offer sewer pipe liner installation—a trenchless option where we reinforce or reline existing pipes without full excavation. This can be a great alternative if your house sewer line is damaged but mostly intact.
5. Connection and Inspection
Once everything is in place, we test the system under pressure and have it inspected by the Department of Environmental Protection. After the inspection is passed, we backfill the trench and restore your site.
Whether we’re tying into a sewer line connection to a house or upgrading an older home sewer drain, we make sure the flow is clean, consistent, and code-compliant before we leave.
How Long Does Sewer Line Installation Take?
Most jobs take one to three days, depending on access, depth, and complexity. A simple household sewage pipe replacement might take a day. A full sewer and water line installation under city streets can take a week or more, especially with DOT permits.
We’ll always be honest with you about timelines and communicate every step of the way.
What About Indoor Pipes?
While our main focus is underground piping, we also help with interior plumbing when necessary. Your sewer drain line inside connects to multiple sewage drain pipes running from sinks, tubs, toilets, and appliances.
If your project includes major renovations, we’ll help you install drain pipes properly indoors, too. And yes—we’ll walk you through how to lay PVC pipe or explain how to pipe work installation should be handled, even if we’re not touching it ourselves.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Sewer Line?
Honestly? It depends. We’ve done jobs that cost a few thousand and jobs that hit five figures. The variables include:
- Length of the line
- Depth of excavation
- Type of pipe
- Indoor and outdoor access
- Permits and restoration work
But here’s what we always do: we give you a clear quote upfront, explain what’s included, and stand behind our work.
No surprises. No upselling. No shortcuts.
Why NYC Homeowners Trust Harris
We know you have options, but most plumbing contractors don’t specialize in sewer work. This is all we do. Our team installs and repairs sewer line pipe systems across all five boroughs every single day.
We’re not learning on the job. We’re seasoned experts. We’ve installed thousands of new sewer line projects, dealt with every building type you can imagine, and solved some of the most complex city infrastructure challenges out there.
And when you call us, you’re not getting a call center. You’re getting local professionals who take your problem as seriously as if it were happening in their own homes.
Ready to Install a New Sewer Line? Let’s Talk.
If you’ve got a new build, a recurring sewer issue, or just want to know if your old system is still safe, give us a call.
At Harris Water Main & Sewer Contractors, we’re here to walk you through the full installation of pipe, from start to finish. Whether you’re dealing with a total system upgrade or a one-off repair to a sewer drain line, we’ve got the tools, team, and track record to do it right.
Visit Harris Water Main & Sewers or call us today to schedule your consultation. We’ll help you get your sewer line installed quickly, cleanly, and with full peace of mind.
