How Much Does It Cost to Replace or Repair a Drain Line?

Cast Iron Drain Pipe Replacement Cost

Replacing your pipes can cost you $200 to as much as $15,000. This range depends on the size of the project, materials used, and labor. Some jobs require extensive cutting into walls or flooring, which can dramatically increase the labor time.

Although removing all the plumbing and putting in new pipes can cost the most, sometimes it’s more economical than smaller repairs. If your plumbing is old, shows a lot of signs of wear, or contains harmful elements like lead, your plumber might recommend a full replacement.

New Drain Pipe Cost per Linear Foot

The price of new drain pipes runs $0.50 to $20 per linear foot. Plumbers usually mark up materials by 25% to 50%, totaling a material price range of $0.75 to $30 per foot not including labor.

Replacing Cast Iron Drain Pipes vs. Plastic

Cast iron pipework runs between $2 to $10 per foot and was the standard until the 1960s. PVC plastic runs $0.50 to $5 per foot and became popular largely due to price. Although cast iron is prone to rusting, it may hold up better than PVC.

Cost to Replace a Drain Pipe Under the House

Replacing a drain pipe could require as much as $2,800, depending on how difficult it is to reach. Your plumber can use a camera to locate the source of the damage if it’s not obvious. A sewer line camera inspection costs $700.

Cost to Replace Drain Pipe in Basement

The price to replace a basement drain averages $2,900. This includes removal and replacement. The total increases if the plumber must cut into the concrete slab, which is common for floor drain installation.

Replacing a sump pump costs $1,300, and your plumber may be able to do both at once.

Cost to Repair Drain Line Leaks or Breakage in the Home

Repairing a drain line typically ranges from $250 to $1,000. Broken pipes can come from corrosion, freezing, or persistent clogs. The cost to clear a drain runs $230 on average and may be more appropriate to repair blockage.

Shower & Bathtub Drain or Waste Pipe Replacement

The $600 average for line repair can run much higher if the pipe is near the bathtub or shower. 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: $6,000

• Price to replace bathtub: $4,500

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

Kitchen Drain Lines

Repairing or replacing drain lines in the kitchen can be as low as $100. It runs less than other jobs because the pipes for sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators are often easily accessible inside cabinets. The rate to hire a plumber is $45 to $200 per hour. They usually charge a one-hour minimum, even if the project runs shorter.

Cost to Replace a House Trap

Replacing a house trap costs up to $100 in materials, plus up to half a day in labor. Digging under the foundation may require more time to install the trap. Replacing concrete costs extra. The trap connects the drainage system to the sewer lateral. Double-vent traps allow access to both the sewer and drain lines for cleaning.

AC Drain Pipe

Flushing out or replacing your air conditioner drain line runs $75 to $250. The cooling process releases condensation into a pipe. If it cracks or gets clogged, your plumber or HVAC technician may recommend replacing it.

Sewer Line Repairs in the Yard

Repairing a sewer line costs about $2,900. Unlike a drainage system, your sewer main sits many feet underground. The pipes can collapse or encounter damage from tree roots, animal infestations or serious clogs.

Additional Cost Factors

If the breakage causes other damage to your home, you might pay for extra services, like:

• Cost to repair a foundation: $4,700

• Price to clean up water damage: $3,200

• Average to remove standing water: $3,350

Your plumber may be able to perform some of this work or recommend a professional who can. The best preventative measure you can take is to keep your eyes open for leaks, water damage, or pooling water in your yard. The sooner you catch any kind of line break, the less damage there is to repair.

DIY Repairs vs. Hiring Plumbing Help

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. Anything more complicated can take you much more time and risk water damage. To get a quote, find a plumbing service near you.

FAQs

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.

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

Drain lines run from sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets to your sewer pipes located underground. The materials for each may be the same. Due to accessibility, repair costs can vary significantly.

“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 it could be 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.”

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 ground water.