How much does it cost to repair or replace a drain pipe?
How much does it cost to repair or replace a drain pipe?
$100 – $800 cost for minor drain pipe repairs
$800 – $8,000+ cost for major drain pipe repairs
$150 – $250 average cost per linear foot for drain pipe replacement
Drain pipe replacement and repair costs
Drain pipe repairs cost $100 to $800 for minor repairs and up to $8,000+ for major repairs, depending on the drain pipe location and issue. The cost to replace drain pipes in a house averages $150 to $250 per linear foot of pipe for materials and labor.
| Repair project | Average cost* | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Minor repairs | $100 – $800 | Leaking, clogged, or burst drain pipe repairs in easily accessible areas like under a sink |
| Major repairs | $800 – $8,000+ | Basement drain pipes, main water line, and other repairs in hard-to-reach areas like under the foundation |
| Replacement | $150 – $250 per LF | Replacing a section of pipe due to corrosion or damage |
*Including labor and materials
Drain pipe repair cost by location
Location is everything when it comes to estimating the cost of a drain pipe repair. Fixing pipes that are easy to access, like those under a sink, is faster and cheaper than fixing pipes under the foundation.
| Pipe location | Average repair cost* |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | $150 – $500 |
| Bathroom | $150 – $800 |
| Basement or crawlspace | $800 – $8,000+ |
*Including labor and materials
Kitchen
Kitchen drain pipe repairs cost $150 to $500 and are the cheapest and easiest repairs. The plumber can usually access the drain pipe through the cabinet or under the sink without cutting into the wall. Catching leaks or pipe issues early can prevent more costly repairs that require cabinet or flooring replacement.
Bathroom
Bathroom drain pipe repairs cost $150 to $800. These repairs can be more difficult and costly when the plumber must access the shower or tub drain pipe. Depending on the damage to the surrounding surface, you may need to install a new shower or tub after the repair at an additional cost:
Shower installation costs $2,000 to $9,000, on average.
Bathtub replacement costs $600 to $2,500 for a basic alcove tub.
Basement or crawlspace
Basement or crawlspace drain pipe projects are the most expensive since the plumber needs to go under the concrete slab to repair the drain pipe. Removing soil to access the foundation requires excavation costs of around $3,000.
These major repairs often have additional costs, including:
Foundation repair costs $250 to $800 per crack.
Crawlspace foundation repairs cost $2,500 to $8,000.
Basement foundation waterproofing costs $4,500 to $15,000.
Installing a basement drainage system costs $4,000 to $12,000.
Mold removal costs $1,500 to $6,000.
Other drain pipe repair cost factors
Apart from drain pipe location, other factors that affect repair cost are labor and material prices, the drain pipe problem, and the repairs needed.
Labor
As with many plumbing projects, skilled labor makes up the bulk of the repair cost. Plumbing labor costs $45 to $150 per hour, plus a $50 to $200 minimum call-out charge that covers the first hour of work.
Simple drain pipe repairs like fixing a leak or clog take an hour or two of labor. Bigger issues can take a few days or more, especially when large sections of pipe need to be replaced or excavation is needed to access an underground pipe.
Pipe material
The drain pipe material also affects the repair cost. PVC and ABS are the most common and affordable drain pipe materials, making them the cheapest to repair. Clay or terracotta drain pipes, often used for sewer lines, are the most expensive materials to replace.
| Pipe material | Average price (per linear foot)* |
|---|---|
| Flexible plastic polyethylene (PE) | $0.50 – $3.00 |
| PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) | $0.50 – $5.00 |
| ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) | $0.60 – $6.00 |
| Galvanized steel | $2.00 – $8.00 |
| Cast iron | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| Copper | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Clay or Terracotta | $10.00 – $20.00 |
*Material prices only. Labor not included.
Type of problem
Drain pipe repairs can be as little as $100 to as much as $5,000, depending on the issue. Minor problems include leaks, clogs, or replacing sections of damaged pipe under a sink. Major problems include damage to the underground main water or sewer line.
| Pipe issue | Average repair cost* |
|---|---|
| Leaking pipe | $150 – $500 |
| Burst pipe cost | $400 – $2,000 |
| Garbage disposal replacement costs | $200 – $550 |
| Toilet drain repair | $100 – $300 |
| Sewer line inspection cost | $125 – $500 |
| Sewer line cleaning cost | $150 – $800 |
| Sewer main line repair cost | $150 – $3,800+ |
| Main water line replacement cost | $2,000 – $5,000+ |
*Including labor and materials
Additional repairs
A drain pipe repair requires more than just fixing the affected pipe. The repair also includes fixing any damage caused to reach hidden pipes in the walls, floors, or underground. Fixing these surfaces usually requires hiring additional contractors to make repairs.
Additional costs may include:
Replacing damaged flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot, depending on the flooring selected.
Repairing damaged wood flooring costs $2 to $20 per square foot if the floors are salvageable.
Replacing drywall costs $2 to $6 per square foot, which includes removing the damaged drywall.
Repairing drywall costs $200 to $400 to repair a medium to large hole.
Replacing damaged insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot.
Installing new interior trim costs $4 to $10 per linear foot installed.
Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of surface area.
Drain pipe repair FAQs
What is a drain pipe?
A drain pipe carries wastewater from your sink, toilet, or shower to the home's main drain. The bigger main drain carries all the wastewater away from the home to the sewer main or septic tank.
Who do you call for drain pipe repair or replacement?
Contact a licensed plumber for drain pipe repair or replacement. Don't delay if you suspect a drain pipe problem, since the longer you wait, the more costly the repair.
How do you tell if you have a broken drain pipe?
Several signs indicate you have a broken drain pipe, including:
Water damage
Puddles in your basement or crawl space
Foul odors or sewage backup
Clogged or slow-draining fixtures
Wet spots or mold growth on floors or walls
Strange gurgling noises when flushing toilets
Increased water bills
Does homeowners insurance cover drain pipe replacement?
Most homeowners insurance covers drain pipe replacement if it’s due to a sudden event like a pipe bursting during a winter storm. Policies do not usually cover damage resulting from normal wear and tear, flood damage, or negligence.
Getting estimates for drain pipe repair
Some suggestions for hiring a plumber near you for drain pipe repair or replacement include:
Get several estimates from companies with excellent online reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select from insured, bonded, and licensed plumbers in business for more than 5 years.
Avoid the lowest quotes which can indicate sub-standard work.
Ask for everything in writing including the estimate, repair timeline, and repair guarantee.
Avoid paying for repairs until the job is complete.
Questions to ask a plumber
A drain pipe repair can be costly, especially if it isn't done right the first time. Ask these important questions to find the right drain pipe repair specialist near you:
Are you insured, licensed, and bonded?
How long have you been a plumber?
Do you have references I can speak with?
What is your hourly labor rate?
What days and hours do you work? Do you charge higher fees on evenings or weekends?
How much will the repair cost?
How long will the repair take?
How do you handle damage to the surrounding surfaces during the repair?
Do you offer a warranty on your work? What does it cover?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.