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What a sewer line replacement costs in St. Louis County

Last reviewed October 30, 2026

Expect a few thousand dollars for a typical lateral repair, and more when the pipe is long, deep, or runs under a driveway or the street. City programs can cover part of it.

Published figures from local cities

Source	Figure
Kirkwood city brochure	Total lateral repair costs usually $1,000 to $8,000
University City	Repairs typically $3,000 to $8,500
Ellisville city FAQ	Typically $3,000 or more
Angi, St. Louis	Sewer repair pros charge $30 to $247 per linear foot; camera inspection averages $388 (range $225 to $572)

These are published estimates, not quotes. Your price depends on your line and your yard.

What moves the price

Length and depth. More pipe and deeper trenches mean more labor.
What sits on top. Driveways, sidewalks, and street cuts add demolition, permits, and restoration.
Pipe condition. A cracked joint can be a spot repair. A collapsed or heavily rooted line may need replacing to the main.
Method. Open-trench replacement, pipe lining, and pipe bursting are priced differently, and not every line suits every method.
Access. Trees, fences, decks, and tight lots slow the work.

How much a city program may cover

City	What it pays
Clayton	Up to $2,500, reimbursed to the owner
University City	First $2,500 of an approved repair
Glendale	Up to $3,000 per repair
Kirkwood	75% of an approved invoice, paid to the contractor
Webster Groves	80% of authorized costs according to local news coverage; confirm with the city

Comparing bids

Ask every contractor to bid the same job, and compare these points:

Spot repair or full replacement to the main
Whether camera footage is included, and whether you keep the video
Permit and inspection fees
Restoring driveways, sidewalks, and landscaping
A written warranty
A St. Louis County license number you can verify

Common questions

How much does a sewer line repair cost in St. Louis County?

City documents give a sense of the range. Kirkwood's brochure says total repair costs usually run $1,000 to $8,000, University City cites $3,000 to $8,500, and Ellisville says $3,000 or more is typical. Long runs, deep lines, and work under a driveway or street cost more.

How much does a sewer camera inspection cost?

Angi's St. Louis data puts the average at $388, with a range of $225 to $572, depending on line length and pipe material.

Is pipe lining cheaper than digging?

It can be, and it can spare landscaping and driveways, but it depends on the pipe's condition. A collapsed section often needs excavation. Ask for a bid on each method when the camera shows lining is possible.

Will my city's program pay the whole bill?

Usually not. Programs commonly pay a fixed amount, such as $2,500 in Clayton and University City or $3,000 in Glendale, or a percentage, such as 75% in Kirkwood. You pay the rest.

Sources

Program details come from the city documents above and can change. Confirm current terms with your city before you hire anyone.