If your home was built before 1975, there is a dark secret buried beneath your foundation: Cast Iron.

For decades, cast iron was the gold standard for sewer lines. It’s heavy, quiet, and durable. But it has a lifespan of about 50 to 60 years. In 2026, most of these pipes are now 50 to 80 years old. They are rusting from the inside out, creating "channels" that catch toilet paper (causing backups) or rotting away entirely (causing sewage to leak into the soil).

When a Sewer Line Inspection reveals that your main line has collapsed, you are faced with one of the most expensive decisions a homeowner can make.

Do you dig it up the old-fashioned way, or do you pay for modern "trenchless" technology? Here is the brutal cost reality of both options in 2026.

Option 1: Traditional Excavation (The "Dig and Replace" Method)

This is exactly what it sounds like. A crew brings in a backhoe (or jackhammers) to physically expose the pipe, remove it, and install new PVC schedule 40 pipe.

The Process:

Excavation: If the pipe is in the yard, they dig a trench. If it’s under your house (slab foundation), they must jackhammer through your living room floor.
Replacement: The old iron is removed and replaced with plastic.
Backfill: The dirt is put back.

The Cost (2026 Average):

Yard Only: $150 – $250 per linear foot.
Under Slab: $300 – $500 per linear foot (plus cost to repair flooring).

Pros:

Certainty: You are getting a brand new, physical pipe. It fixes bellies (sags) and misalignment perfectly.
Access: While the hole is open, plumbers can fix other issues easily.

Cons:

Destruction: It destroys landscaping, driveways, and expensive tile floors. The cost to repair your home after the plumbing is done often exceeds the plumbing bill itself.
Time: It can take 3–5 days, during which you cannot use water.

Option 2: Trenchless Technology (CIPP and Pipe Bursting)

This is the "No-Dig" solution that has revolutionized plumbing. Instead of removing the old pipe, you create a new pipe inside the old one.

Method A: Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) / Lining An epoxy-saturated liner is inserted into the old pipe and inflated. It hardens (cures) into a rock-hard, seamless plastic pipe inside the cast iron shell.

Method B: Pipe Bursting A steel "bullet" head is pulled through the old pipe, shattering the cast iron outward while simultaneously pulling a new HDPE pipe into place behind it.

The Cost (2026 Average):

Lining (CIPP): $185 – $275 per linear foot.
Pipe Bursting: $200 – $300 per linear foot.

Pros:

Zero Destruction: No jackhammering your living room. No trenching your prize-winning rose bushes.
Speed: Often completed in 1 day.
Longevity: The new liner is seamless (no joints for roots to enter) and lasts 50+ years.

Cons:

Limitations: You cannot line a pipe that has fully collapsed or has a severe "belly" (dip). The new liner follows the shape of the old pipe.
Cost: The upfront quote is often higher than excavation, but cheaper once you factor in floor repairs.

Comparison: The 2026 Verdict

Cost Effectiveness

Excavation: Cheaper Upfront (for yard work). However, if you have to replace tile/hardwood, it becomes the most expensive option.
Trenchless: Cheaper Overall for under-slab work because you save thousands on restoration costs.

Durability

Excavation: Excellent (PVC lasts 100 years).
Trenchless: Excellent (Epoxy liners are impervious to corrosion and tree roots).

Disruption

Excavation: High. Your yard or home is a construction zone for a week.
Trenchless: Low. Often completed in 24 hours with minimal noise.

Does Insurance Cover It?

This is the big question.

Standard Policies: Usually do NOT cover the deterioration of the pipe itself (wear and tear).
"Escaped Water" Coverage: If the pipe breaks and ruins your floor, insurance pays for the floor, but usually not the pipe.
Service Line Coverage: Some homeowners add a specific rider for "Service Line" protection which may cover $10,000 of the cost. Check your policy immediately.

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

If your cast iron failure is located under your driveway or foundation, Trenchless is the clear winner in 2026. The extra cost per foot is negligible compared to the nightmare of pouring new concrete.

If the failure is out in an open grassy yard, traditional excavation is perfectly fine and will save you money.

Before you sign a $15,000 contract, always get a second opinion and a camera inspection to see if you are a candidate for lining.

Need a quote for pipe replacement? Connect with a Pipe Installation Specialist