How Much Does It Cost to Replace Drain Pipes in Your House?

Average Cost to Replace a Drain Line by Type of Pipe 

The type of pipe used for a drain line replacement can largely affect the price, from as little as $0.50 per foot for PVC to as high as $20 per foot for cast iron. A plumber will generally mark up the cost of pipe materials from 25% to 50%, which means PVC pipes may start at $0.63 per foot while cast iron pipes can go as high as $30 per foot.

Assuming a smaller project involving 30 feet of drain pipe replacement, costs range from $15 to $600 just for the pipe materials alone, without markup. More complicated projects, like replacing drain pipes throughout the entire house, will see significantly higher prices.

The table below shows the price per foot with and without the markup of five common drain pipe types. It also shows the cost of the pipe replacement for a 30-foot project. This table does not include the labor cost or cost of additional materials.

*Project cost reflects pipe prices only at marked-up rate. Additional cost factors include labor and additional materials.

Cast Iron

Cast iron pipes cost $10 to $20 per foot, or $12.50 to $30 per foot with plumber markup. Older homes, particularly those built before or during the 1960s, often have cast iron pipes, which can last up to 50 years when properly maintained. If your home was built using cast iron pipes for the plumbing in the 1960s or earlier — and you have not yet replaced the pipes—they will likely need to be replaced soon.

Most often, the issue leading to cast iron pipe failure is corrosion; in this case, a local plumber will need to repair or replace the pipes. The cost to replace cast iron pipes is typically more than repairing them. 

PVC

PVC, which stands for polyvinyl chloride, is the cheapest option for drain pipes, running from $0.50 to $5 per foot before markup. Plumbers might charge as much as $7.50 per foot.

PVC pipes are common solutions for wastewater and are easy for plumbers to work with. However, they require more maintenance and you’ll need to replace them much sooner than other more durable types of drain pipes.

Copper

Copper prices have been on a downward trend in the last year, but in general, copper pipes will cost you $2 to $10 per foot, or $2.50 to $15 per foot after markup, which still makes them one of the more expensive options. However, copper pipes are more resistant to corrosion than cast iron pipes. That makes them a great long-term option. In fact, they can last up to 70 years.

Copper pipes aren’t indestructible, however. If you notice green coloring on the copper, this indicates oxidation, which can lead to corrosion. Contact a plumber and have them inspect your pipes if you notice the copper is turning green.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene, or PP, pipes cost from $1 to $10 per foot before markup. These pipes are growing in popularity because they are lightweight and easy for plumbers to work with. They are about as durable as PVC pipes and thus are not as long-lasting of a solution as copper or cast iron.

Galvanized 

Galvanized pipes range in price from $3 to $8 per foot, or $3.75 to $12 per foot after markup. If you own an older home that does not have cast iron pipes, it’s likely that the house has galvanized pipes instead. These pipes have a zinc coating that slows down corrosion and makes them viable for decades, even up to 50 years.

Cost to Replace a Drain Line by Location 

The cost to replace drain pipes in your house can vary by location, from $100 to more than $5,000. Some locations make jobs much easier—and others much more challenging. For example, a simple kitchen sink drain pipe replacement can cost as little as $150, but if you have to go under the concrete slab in the basement, prepare to spend upwards of $4,500.

Kitchen

A kitchen drain pipe replacement can cost as little as $100 but typically tops out around $500. The most common drain line project in a kitchen is a sink drain repair or replacement, but if your kitchen has a dishwasher or a refrigerator with an icemaker, your project might be a little more complicated.

Often, plumbers can access the pipes through cabinets or under the sink without having to cut into the wall. For these basic repairs,the cost is mostly the plumber’s labor.

If the plumber needs to cut into the wall or replace the drain line (or portions of the drain line), the price will increase.

Bathroom

Bathroom drain projects can range from $100 for basic sink drain repair to $10,500 if the project includes new bathtub or shower installation costs. Like in the kitchen, basic repair work on easily accessible drain pipes will just cost the plumber’s hourly rate for one to two hours. And if the problem is just a clogged drain, you can expect similarly low costs: Repairing a clogged drain costs $150 to $325.

If the drain pipe work is in the bathtub or shower, expect the drain pipe repair cost to be much higher. This is because it may be impossible to access the pipes without damaging the shower enclosure or tub. Homeowners may also have to pay these expenses:

• Cost to install shower: $3,100–$9,950

• Cost to replace bathtub: $4,100–$10,500

In many cases, plumbers recommend replacing these units at the same time as repairing a drain line.

Basement 

Basement drain pipe projects can vary in scope, with projects generally costing from $725to $6,000. If the plumber needs to go under concrete slabs in the basement to repair the pipe, you might incur additional foundation repair costs, which can run from $2,150 to $7,500.

The average cost to replace a basement drain is $3,250, including removal of the old drain line. If your basement requires a new sump pump, factor in the cost to install a sump pump, which ranges from $650 to $2,000.

Additional Cost Factors

In addition to the type of pipe used and the location of the drain line, factor in the cost of labor, additional materials, and, depending on the project, new drywall, sinks, and cabinetry.

Labor

Labor is the largest remaining cost factor for your drain line replacement project and costs $45 to $200 per hour for a licensed plumber. Because these projects require specific plumbing expertise and unique tools, you should almost always hire a professional plumber. Labor rates will vary by location and how complicated the project is.

Additional Materials

The plumber will need to purchase related supplies, which can cost from $100 to $125 for a basic drain pipe replacement. Such materials include fittings, connectors, and mounting hardware. The plumber will likely mark these costs up as well.

New Drywall and Other Repairs

If the contractor needs to go through the wall to access the drain pipe, your project could include new drywall installation costs, which range from $1.50 to $3 per square foot.

Repairing or replacing a drain pipe might mean damage to cabinetry, sinks, and tubs. If so, you will also need to factor in replacement and installation costs for whatever needs to be damaged or removed to access the pipes.

As stated above, installing a new tub or sink can drive costs up to more than $10,000. Replacing cabinets is more affordable; the average cost of a custom cabinet is $500 to $1,200 per linear foot.

If the damaged drain pipe is leaking, you may also need to factor in the following costs:

• Average cost to repair water damage: $3,300

• Average cost to remove standing water: $3,400

DIY Repairs vs. Hiring a Plumbing Professional

In most cases, you need a professional plumber to repair interior pipes and lines. Clearing clogged drains or cleaning out a P-trap may be a DIY project for handy homeowners, but anything more complicated should be left to a professional.

Most drain pipe replacement projects require specific plumbing knowledge, skills, and tools. If not done precisely, you risk water damage to your home, as well as injury to yourself during the project.

FAQ

How much does it cost to repair a storm drain?

The cost to repair a storm drain depends on its location. Those made of concrete are usually the city's responsibility. The price to install a storm drain or catch basin on your property is $50 to $400. Replacement may be the only option for basins made of plastic or steel.

How much do drain tile or French drain repairs cost?

French drain repairs typically involve cleaning to remove clogs or replacement for broken pipes. Cleaning costs between $150 and $200 per hour. The cost to install a French drain averages $5,000, but may vary depending on its type and location. They’re found on a property near the home, with gravel or tile placed on top of a perforated pipe that collects and disposes of groundwater.

What does drain pipe lining cost?

Trenchless sewer replacement runs between $60 to $250 per foot, but usually is not an option for interior plumbing lines. Plumbers use this approach for outside sewer pipes.

How can I find the break or leak in the line?

Unless you can see a clog through a drain or a cracked pipe under a sink, you may not be able to visually identify its location. To find the problem, your plumber may test your water pressure at certain points or use a sewer camera.

How do I know if my drain line needs repair? 

Common signs that a drain pipe needs to be repaired or replaced include slowly draining water, water or waste backup, regular clogs, and strange gurgling sounds or foul odors from the drain. Additionally, if you can see rust or oxidation on a drain pipe under the sink or in the basement, it is a good idea to contact a plumber. 

What is the cost to repair a sink drain pipe? 

The cost to repair a sink drain pipe might be as little as $100, which can cover the cost of a plumber’s labor for one to two hours. If the pipe needs to be replaced or is in a more difficult place to access (like behind a wall), costs could climb as high as $500.

What’s the difference between a drain pipe and a sewer pipe?

A drain pipe carries water from a drain, like a sink, washing machine, or tub, to a central drain pipe, usually in the basement if applicable. This drain pipe then transports water out of your home through the underground main line (or sewer line), which connects to the city’s sewer drain. 

The homeowner is typically responsible for repairing and replacing the main sewer line as well. Replacing or repairing a sewer line costs from $1,200 to $4,600. If the project requires inspection by camera, factor in sewer camera inspection costs ranging from $250 to $1,350.

“The building sewer refers to the horizontal drain line that conveys waste from the building to the city sewer or private sewer (septic system) and all connecting branches are sanitary drains,” said Jeff Botelho, Expert Review Board Member and licensed journeyman plumber. 

“In many cities, the building owner is responsible for repairs to the building sewer up to a specific point. This point is sometimes the final connection to the municipal sewer or a specific distance from the point where the building sewer penetrates the foundation. For example, the town I live in is responsible for all repairs to the building sewer starting 10 feet from the building foundation. Check with your public works authorities for more information.”