True Cost Guide Plumbing Replace a Plumbing Stack

What Is the Cost to Replace a Home Plumbing Stack?

Typical Range:

$1,500 - $4,000

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated April 17, 2024

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

Hiring a pro ensures correct installation of the plumbing stack, preventing further damage and saving time.
The cost of replacing a plumbing stack ranges from $0.50 to $20 per linear foot, depending on the material.
The cost of a project is impacted by pipe material prices, labor costs, unexpected costs, and location.
Popular materials for plumbing stacks include copper, PVC, and cast iron.
Signs you need to replace your plumbing stack include slow drainage, discolored water, wet spots in walls, odors, and mold growth.
Replacing a plumbing stack prevents waste backup and toxic sewer gasses, and enhances your home's durability.

Highlights were summarized from this existing cost guide text using automation technology and were thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

When you think of your plumbing system, leaky faucets and cracked pipes are some common issues that come to mind. However, don’t forget that the plumbing stack is a significant part of any system and ensures efficient waste removal. It can cost between $1,500 and $4,000 for repairs or to replace a damaged plumbing stack.

Estimating Plumbing Stack Replacement Costs

Plumbing stack replacement costs average $2,750, ranging from $1,500 to $4,000

Replacing your plumbing stack will cost between $1,500 and $4,000, but the overall cost will depend on piping materials, labor, and unexpected costs.

Pipe Material Prices

Plumbing stacks connect drainage pipes to your sewer line to prevent waste backup and toxic sewer gasses from entering your home. Depending on your system, the materials for these pipes are either copper, PVC, or cast iron.

Copper

Copper piping is standard in many households because of its 70-year durability. It costs $2 to $8 per linear foot for replacement.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is another popular pipe material with long durability ranging from 50 to 100 years. However, replacing it will cost $10 to $20 per linear foot.

PVC

PVC material is a budget-friendly alternative to cast iron and copper piping, costing $0.50 to $1 per linear foot. It has a shorter lifespan, ranging from around 30 to 40 years.

Labor

Hiring a plumber costs between $175 and $450, with the average job costing about $300. Labor will always be one of your biggest expenses when hiring a plumber. Most plumbers bill hourly and charge $45 to $200 per hour, depending on the job.

Unexpected Costs

When replacing your plumbing stack, you should be aware of additional costs that might increase how much you pay. For example, your sewer line could start acting up, causing problems such as:

Drain backups
Flooded yard
Foul odors in your home

These issues won’t lead to full replacement. However, the cost to repair a sewer line is $50 to $250 per foot.

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How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Plumbing Stack per Linear Foot?

Plumbing stack replacement costs will vary by how much piping needs replacement and the material. Below, you can find the cost per linear foot by the type of piping material.

Piping Material	Cost per Linear Foot
Copper	$2 – $8
Cast Iron	$10 – $20
PVC	$0.50 – $1

Here’s what costs would look like for a project that needs 250 or 500 linear feet of piping.

Material	Cost for 250 Linear Feet	Cost for 500 Linear Feet
Material	Cost for 250 Linear Feet	Cost for 500 Linear Feet
Copper	$500 – $2000	$1,000 – $4,000
Cast Iron	$2,500 – $5,000	$5,000 – $10,000
PVC	$125 – $250	$250 – $500

Average Cost to Replace a Plumbing Stack by Location

Location is important when budgeting for plumbing stack replacement costs, especially since the cost of labor varies by region. Here’s an idea of what you’ll pay by state:

Costs compared to replace a plumbing stack by state, with Colorado ranging $100 to $710 — Photo: epic_fail / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty images

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Plumbing Stack Yourself?

It’s possible to replace a plumbing stack yourself. Still, you’ll need the materials and tools to get the job done, such as:

Replacement materials for piping
Tool to cut pipes, like a cast cutter or hacksaw
Nylon straps
Wrench
Hammer

While the basic tools won’t cost you more than $30, most of your expenses will go towards the piping material, which can vary by project size.

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Cost to Replace a Plumbing Stack Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

Unless you have the proper training and you’re familiar with how plumbing stacks connect to your entire system, it’s best to leave this job to the pros. Hire a plumber in your area to handle the job and get your plumbing stack up and running again.

It will cost between $175 and $450 to hire a plumber who will correctly replace your plumbing stack. The job will vary by house size and location. Because an incorrectly installed plumbing stack can cause more damage, hiring a pro can save you time and money.

FAQs

How do you know when it’s time to replace a plumbing stack?

Issues with your plumbing stack might not be visible right away. Here are a few signs to look out for:

Slow drainage
Discolored water running from your faucet or toilet
Wet spots in your walls
Smelly odor
Mold growth near walls or ceilings

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, call a professional immediately to prevent further damage to your home and plumbing system.

Should I repair my cast iron stack?

Saving money on repairs is something homeowners love to do. But when it comes to your cast iron stack, you should always replace rather than repair it.

Repairing cracks or holes will only leave room for further plumbing damage in the future. It costs $10 to $20 per linear foot to replace your cast iron stack.

Can you replace a cast iron stack with PVC?

Yes, it’s possible to replace a cast iron stack with PVC. However, calling a plumbing repair pro for consultation and repairs would be the best solution.