How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub or Shower Drain? [2025 Data]

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.

Cost to Replace a Drain by Type

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.

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.

What Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub or Shower Drain Yourself?

If you choose to replace a drain yourself, you could save $45 to $200 per hour in the labor costs charged by a professional plumber near you. That said, drain replacement and repair are best left to the professionals. If you install a replacement drain incorrectly, it could result in water damage repairs to your home.

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 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. 

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