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The regulations around whether drain pipe installers need to hold licenses or certifications differ based on where you live and the type of drain pipe installed. Municipalities have varying rules and regulations about who can and can’t perform plumbing work. However, we recommend hiring a certified plumber to install or modify your drain lines. Licensed plumbers will perform a high-quality, professional installation, which translates to a lower risk of clogs and leaks in the future. Use Angi’s state licensing tool to confirm the license status of your potential plumber before hiring them to install your drain pipe.

Plumbers will typically take one to two hours to install a new drain pipe, but that timeline can vary based on the area’s accessibility, the drain length, and the type of drain line. Replacing an easily accessible p-trap under a sink could take as little as a half an hour, while replacing a larger section of drain line behind the wall could take as long as three to four hours. When hiring a plumber for your specific installation, ask them to provide an estimated timeline to get a more accurate assessment.

You might need a permit to modify or repair any portion of your plumbing system, including drainage lines, depending on where you live. In some areas, simple replacements of existing drain lines don’t require a permit. We recommend asking your drain pipe installer or your local building department about permitting requirements. In many cases, only certified plumbers can pull plumbing permits, so you’ll usually need to leave the permit application to your professional. The fee for the permit will be passed to you on your project bill, though.

We highly recommend leaving the work of replacing drain pipes to a professional plumber. Drain pipes are a key part of your plumbing system, and making mistakes during the installation or even using the wrong size pipes for your specific fixture can lead to an elevated risk of leaks and clogs. Additionally, drain pipes prevent harmful sewer gas from entering your home, so hiring a professional plumber is essential to keeping the risk of leaks and clogs low and avoid reducing your indoor air quality.

The cost to install a drain pipe is $600 on average, but the total can range between $150 and $2,000. Some cost factors that influence your project price include the type of drain, the area’s accessibility, the proximity of existing drain lines, and whether you’re installing a new drain or replacing an old one. Replacing the p-trap or s-trap under a single fixture will usually cost around $150, while replacing a main drain pipe can cost well over $2,000.