How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub or Shower Drain? [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $500 - $1,020
The cost to replace a bathtub or shower drain ranges from $500 to $1,020, with an average of $700. Copper and cast iron drainpipes are more expensive than other types.
The type of drainpipe, such as PVC, PP, copper, or cast iron, affects the overall project price, with copper and cast iron being the most expensive.
In addition to tub drain replacement, you could incur expenses related to repairing water damage and replacing plumbing, drywall, tile, or cabinetry.
Labor costs vary by region and make up a significant portion of the overall costs, particularly if the project requires extensive repairs.
You may not think that much about your bathtub or shower drain—until it stops working properly. The cost to replace a tub drain and overflow is around $700, but prices range between $230 and $1,170 depending on the location of the drain and the material.
At best, a malfunctioning drain can make it harder for water to drain, and at worst, it can cause water damage to the floor or ceiling of your home. Let’s look at all the costs associated with replacing a bathtub or shower drain.
Drain Replacement Cost Factors
Here are the main factors that affect the cost of replacing a bathtub or shower drain. Keeping these in mind as you create a budget can help you understand the overall price.
From one homeowner to another
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Before removing a bathtub drain and replacing it, consider that different types of drain materials have different price points. Copper and cast iron tend to be more expensive than other types of drainpipes.
Type of Drain
Average Cost (Per Linear Foot)
Cast iron
$12.50–$30
Copper
$2.50–$15
PVC
$0.75–$7.50
PP
$1.25–$15
Cast Iron
Cast-iron drainpipes, which are common in houses built before the 1970s, cost an average of $12.50 to $30 per linear foot.
Copper
Copper drainpipes cost between $2.50 and $15 per linear foot. Copper is an excellent choice for drainpipes because of its durability and longevity.
PVC
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. These pipes cost from $0.75 to $7.50 per linear foot and are among the more affordable drainpipes.
PP
Polypropylene pipes are also cost-effective and range between $1.25 and $15 per linear foot. While more affordable, these pipes are less durable than metal ones.
Materials
New drainpipes cost between $0.75 and $30 per linear foot. The total cost will depend on how much pipe you need to replace and what type of pipe you use. Materials like cast iron and copper are more expensive than PVC or PP pipes.
Labor
Labor costs an average of $45 to $200 per hour. In most cases, you should leave drain replacement to an experienced plumber. The last thing you want to do is accidentally cause a leak to the floor below the bathtub, which can cost between $45 and $55 per square foot to repair.
Additional Repairs
You may also need to account for some common repair add-ons when replacing a drain in your tub or shower. For example, you may need to call in a pro to unclog the drain, which averages $225, or you might want to upgrade your showerhead at the same time.
If installing a new drain requires tearing out part of the wall, new drywall installation costs about $2,100. Other elements of your bathroom that might need repair after pipe replacement include cabinets and tile. Most importantly, if parts of your foundation are disturbed, prioritize fixing them.
When pulling out drainpipes, you may find a leak and surrounding damage. Repairing water damage costs between $1,350 and $6,100, but your costs will depend on the extent of the damage.
Guide to Fixing Drain Clogs
Why You Should Hire a Plumbing Pro
Improperly performed DIY plumbing work can result in water damage and significant repair bills. Hidden leaks can lead to serious structural damage, mold growth, and flooding. Unless you have plumbing experience, it’s best to leave this project to a plumbing repair pro near you.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a plumbing pro
Replacing plumbing parts can be a bigger job than it appears—here’s why you should hire a plumber for this project:
A pro can identify and repair underlying problems before they become serious.
Replacing drainpipes requires the tools and experience a plumber can provide.
A plumbing pro will ensure the work is up to code and functioning properly.
A plumber can access necessary areas with as little damage to the surrounding material as possible.
Hidden leaks can be hard to spot, and a pro knows what signs to look for.
If you want to DIY replacing a tub drain and overflow
Although you should let the pros handle this project, there are some things you can do to help the process along:
Purchase the replacement parts and have them on hand.
Turn off the water shutoff to your tub.
Locate the access to your tub’s plumbing and ensure the plumber can easily get to it.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Let the plumber know what problems you’re experiencing that are leading you to replace the drain and overflow.
Ask the plumber if you need to provide the replacement parts.
Find out if they’ll need to cut into drywall or flooring to access the plumbing.
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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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 [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost to replace a bathtub is $2,000 to $9,400.Whether you want to spruce up your bathroom or your existing bathtub is not functioning correctly, purchasing a new tub costs about $5,700 with installation. Prices depend on the type and size of the tub.
Prices for shower drain styles vary. For example, a linear shower drain costs about $200 or more for the part alone compared to about $15 for a circular shower drain. Also, linear shower drains typically require a shower remodel to use them, so you may pay a few hundred dollars more for labor. Read about the pros and cons of linear shower drains.
If you need to repair part of your plumbing, it will cost an average of $330. The cost of plumbing repairs is influenced by several factors, including the type of drain and the specific repair needed.
If your plumbing is leaking, you’ll need to get it repaired right away. The average bathroom leak repair cost is $150 to $350. You shouldn’t put off repairing a leak, as it can cause water damage to your home if left untreated.
Roto-Rooter® typically charges a flat rate of $160 to $450. The largest plumbing service provider in the country, Roto-Rooter prices include the time it takes for a technician to get to your house. They can tackle a variety of issues, including clogged drains, leaks, and emergency plumbing services.
Rachel is a freelance writer and editor dedicated to helping people clean up their messes, get organized, and learn to love their homes again. Her work has appeared in Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, Lifehacker, and NBC News.
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