How Much Does it Cost to Replace Drain Pipes? [2024 Data]

Drain Pipe Replacement Cost Factors

Photo: Eakrin / Adobe Stock

Several factors affect the cost of replacing a drain pipe, including the pipe’s type and location. Whether or not you hire a pro to replace your pipe will also affect your final cost. 

Types

Cast Iron

Cast iron pipes typically cost between $12.50 and $30 per linear foot after the plumber's markup. These pipes are common in homes built prior to the 1970s. When properly maintained, they can last between 50 and 100 years thanks to their resistance to damage and high pressure. However, they can rust and corrode over time, reducing water quality and leading to leaks. They’re also heavier than many other pipe types, so they require more time and specialized tools for installation. 

PVC

PVC pipes are lightweight and relatively affordable at $0.60 to $7.50 per linear foot after markup. With a lifespan between 25 and 40 years, they don’t last as long as many other pipe types, but they’re highly resistant to corrosion and chemical damage. However, they’re not very resistant to extreme temperatures or prolonged UV exposure, so they’re best suited for cold water systems.

Copper

Copper pipes usually last for 50 to 80 years and cost between $2.50 and $15 per linear foot after markup. These pipes are pricier than alternatives, but they’re also naturally resistant to bacteria and never release harmful chemicals into the water. They can also withstand extreme hot and cold, unlike PVC pipes, and they’re resistant to UV degradation. 

Polypropylene

PP pipes usually last for around 50 years and range from $1 to $10 per linear foot after markup. They’re increasingly popular for their lightweight design and relatively easy installation process. They’re also resistant to corrosion and scale buildup, and unlike PVC pipes, they can be recycled, making them a more eco-friendly alternative. 

Galvanized

Galvanized pipes cost between $3.75 and $12 per linear foot after the markup. Common among older homes, galvanized pipes last for 20 to 50 years, and they have a zinc coating that helps to protect them from rust and corrosion. However, over time, the zinc layer erodes, which can lead to rust buildup inside the pipes and degrade your water quality. 

Labor

Unless you have professional plumbing experience under your belt, you should call a local plumber to replace your drain pipes. Drain pipe replacements require specialized knowledge, tools, and skills to execute properly. Improper installation can lead to leaks, water damage, and other problems that can be incredibly costly to repair. The cost to hire a licensed plumber usually ranges from $45 to $200 per hour. 

Location

The location of your drain pipes also impacts the cost to replace them, primarily because some places are easier and faster to access than others. For example, replacing a basic kitchen sink drain pipe might cost as little as $150, while digging under your home’s foundation can cost you $4,000 or more. 

Kitchen

Kitchen drain pipes usually cost between $100 and $500 to replace. If you just need to repair or replace your kitchen sink drain, then you’ll likely pay at the lower end of that spectrum. But if your issue is due to problems with your dishwasher or a refrigerator with an ice maker, it can be more complicated and expensive to fix since they often have more complex connections and mechanisms. 

Bathroom

Bathroom drain repairs and replacements can range anywhere from $100 for a simple sink drain repair to $10,500 for projects that require a new bathtub or shower installation. Bathtub and shower repairs tend to cost more than sink repairs since a plumber often has to damage the shower or tub to access the pipes, then repair it. 

Basement

Basement drain pipe projects range from $725 to $7,500, but the average cost to replace a basement drain is around $3,250. Prices can be much higher if your plumber needs to access the pipes under a concrete slab, which might require additional foundation repairs and costs. 

Problem Type

The type of problem you have also affects your costs. For instance, if you just have one leaky pipe, it might only cost you $150 to fix, while replacing your main water line can cost upwards of $5,000. 

• Leaky Pipe Repair Cost: $150–$850

• Burst Pipe Repair Cost: $150–$5,000

• Garbage Disposal Repair Cost: $200–$550

• Toilet Drain Repair Cost: $100–$350

• Main Water Line Replacement Cost: $650–$3,000

• Sewer Line Replacement Cost: $1,300–$5,000

DIY Drain Pipe Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro

While you can save money on labor and material markups by replacing a drain pipe yourself, it’s not recommended unless you have professional plumbing experience. Drain pipe replacements require specialized skills, tools, and expertise to execute properly; otherwise, you risk creating more costly and potentially dangerous damage. 

Cost of Common Drain Pipe Replacement Add-Ons

When replacing a drain pipe, you may want or need to add additional services, such as drywall repairs or mold remediation services. These extra services come with additional costs beyond those outlined in this guide.

• Drywall repair costs: If your plumber needs to access pipes behind the wall, you may need to pay for repairs to your drywall afterward. These repairs cost between $300 and $1,000, depending on the project’s complexity. 

• Trenching and excavation costs: Excavation involves digging trenches to access and replace the pipes. It’s often needed for underground pipe replacements, particularly main water and sewer lines. Excavation costs range from $1,550 to $6,000. 

• Water softener installation costs: Installing a water softener can help to reduce mineral buildup in your new drain pipes, prolonging their lifespan and improving your water quality. Water softener installations cost anywhere from $200 to $6,000 depending on type, labor, and capacity, but most homeowners pay around $1,500. 

• Emergency plumbing costs: Sometimes you need a pipe replacement due to an emergency, like burst pipes. Emergency plumbing usually costs between 1.5 and 3 times more than standard plumbing costs to account for the urgency and the fact that your pro may need to arrive after standard business hours. 

• Mold remediation costs: If you need your drain pipe replaced due to a leak or it burst, then you may have water damage which can lead to mold. Mold remediation costs between $1,125 and $3,400, on average. 

• Restoration and cleanup costs: In addition to mold, leaks can cause other damage, like rot and stains. Water damage restoration usually costs between $1,350 and $6,100, depending on the extent of the damage.

How to Save Money on a Drain Pipe Replacement

Drain pipe replacements can get pricey, but there are a few things you can do to potentially save money on this project, including:

• Getting quotes from multiple plumbers to find the best price

• Clearing minor clogs and completing other simple repairs yourself

• Scheduling regular plumbing maintenance to catch problems before they become too costly

• Choosing inexpensive piping materials, like PVC

• Avoiding emergency services whenever possible

• Leveraging warranty services if your plumbing is still under warranty

• Installing drain screens and regularly cleaning your drains to prevent clogs and reduce the need for professional services

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.