How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Drain Pipes in a House in 2025?

Drain Pipe Replacement Cost Factors

The top factors determining the cost of a replacement include the pipe material you use and the location of the drain pipe.

Pipe Type

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

For a smaller project involving 30 feet of drain pipe replacement, costs range from $15 to $600 for the pipe materials alone. More complicated projects, like the cost to repipe an entire house, are significantly higher.

Cast Iron

Cast iron pipes cost $10 to $20 per foot or $12.50 to $30 per foot with plumber markup. They’re often found in older homes built before or during the 1960s and can last up to 50 years when properly maintained. Most often, corrosion is the issue leading to cast iron pipe failure.

If your home was built using cast iron pipes for plumbing in the 1960s or earlier and you have not yet replaced the pipes, they will likely need to be replaced soon.

PVC

PVC, which stands for polyvinyl chloride, is the cheapest option for drain pipes. It costs from $0.50 to $5 per foot before markup, but 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 typically need replacing much sooner than other, more durable drain pipes.

Copper

Copper pipes are one of the more expensive options, costing $2 to $10 per foot or $2.50 to $15 per foot after markup. However, they are a great long-term option as they’re more corrosion-resistant than cast iron pipes and can last up to 70 years.

However, copper pipes aren’t indestructible. A green coloring on the copper indicates oxidation, which can lead to corrosion. If you notice the copper is turning green, contact a plumber and have them inspect your pipes.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene pipes cost $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 but not as long-lasting 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 without cast iron pipes, it likely has galvanized pipes. These pipes have a zinc coating that slows down corrosion and makes them viable for up to 50 years.

Cost by Room 

The cost to replace drain pipes in your house can vary by room, from $100 to more than $5,000. The cost of the plumbing job depends on the accessibility of the location, as some are more challenging to reach than others. For example, a simple kitchen sink drain pipe replacement costs as little as $150, but if your plumber has to go under the concrete slab in the basement, prepare to spend upwards of $4,500.

Kitchen

A kitchen drain pipe replacement costs $100 to $500. The most common drain line project in a kitchen is a sink drain replacement. If your kitchen has a dishwasher or a refrigerator with an ice maker, your project may be more complicated.

Bathroom

Bathroom drain projects can range from $100 for basic sink drain replacement to $10,500 if the project includes a new bathtub or shower installation. Basic replacement work on easily accessible pipes often only takes one to two hours, keeping labor costs low.

If the drain pipework is in the bathtub or shower, expect the replacement cost to be higher. Accessing the pipes without damaging the shower enclosure or tub is often impossible. If you have to replace the shower or bathtub, expect to pay an additional $3,100 to $10,500.

Basement 

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

The average cost to replace a basement drain is $3,250, including the removal of the old drain line. If required, 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, consider the cost of labor, additional materials, and—depending on the project—new drywall, sinks, and cabinetry.

Labor

Labor is the most significant cost factor for your drain line replacement project, ranging from $45 to $200 per hour for a licensed plumber. These projects require specific plumbing expertise and unique tools, so always hire a professional. The cost to hire a plumber varies by location and the project complexity.

Additional Materials

The plumber must purchase related supplies, which can cost from $100 to $125 for a basic drain pipe replacement. Such materials include fittings, connectors, and mounting hardware, likely including a markup.

New Drywall and Other Repairs

If the contractor needs to go through a wall to access the drain pipe, you may have to pay the cost to install new drywall. Replacing a drain pipe might also damage cabinetry, sinks, and tubs. Factor in replacement and installation costs for items damaged or removed to access the pipes.

Drain Pipe Replacement vs. Repair

Repair can be a cost-effective alternative to replacing your drain pipes if you’re dealing with minor issues such as leaks, slight corrosion, or joint damage. The average cost of drain pipe repair ranges from $200 to $1,200, depending on the job's complexity. Most repairs only take one to three hours, requiring significantly less labor than replacement.

Replacement is often the best solution if your drain pipes are severely damaged, cracked, corroded, or outdated. A contractor will remove and install new sections or the entire system to prevent future damage. Depending on the extent of damage, the process may take several days or up to a week.

Does Replacing Drain Pipes Increase Home Value?

Replacing drain pipes can increase home value, especially if the plumbing is outdated. Installing a new pipe system offers potential buyers the peace of mind of not having to deal with costly repairs or replacements in the near future. It also enhances the overall plumbing functionality of your home, which can improve the results of a home inspection before a sale. 

Budgeting for Drain Pipe Replacement

The need for drain pipe replacement can come on unexpectedly, and you may not be prepared for the cost. To help keep the replacement budget-friendly, consider the following tips:

• Choose budget-friendly pipe materials such as PVC or polypropylene.

• Compare quotes from multiple local plumbers to find the best price in your area. 

• Schedule regular plumbing maintenance to catch issues before they progress.

• Hire a reputable, experienced contractor to ensure the replacement is done correctly and prevent future problems.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real 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.