How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub or Shower Drain? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $500 - $1,020
The average cost to replace a bathtub or shower drain ranges from $500 to $1,020, with a national average of $700. Copper and cast iron are more expensive than other types of drain pipes.
You may not think that much about your bathtub or shower drain—until it stops working properly. At best, a malfunctioning drain can make it harder for water to drain, and at worst, it can cause water damage to the floor or ceiling of your home. The cost to replace a tub drain and overflow is typically around $700, but prices range from $230 to $1,170, depending on the location of the drain. Let’s take a look at all the costs associated with replacing a bathtub or shower drain.
- Average
- $700
- Low end
- $230
- high end
- $1,170
What Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub or Shower Drain Yourself?
If you choose to replace a drain yourself, you could save $45 to $200 per hour in the labor costs typically charged by a professional plumber near you. That said, drain replacement and repair are usually best left to the professionals. If you install a replacement drain incorrectly, it could result in water damage repairs to your home.
Drain Replacement Cost Breakdown
Let’s take a look at the main factors that affect the cost of replacing a bathtub or shower drain.
Materials
New drain pipes cost between $0.75 and $30 per linear foot. The total cost will depend on how much pipe you need to replace, along with what type of pipe you use. Materials like cast iron and copper tend to be more expensive than PVC or PP pipes (more on this below).
Labor
Labor costs an average of $45 to $200 per hour. In most cases, you should leave drain replacement to an experienced plumber. The last thing you want to do is accidentally cause a leak to the floor below the bathtub, which can cost between $45 and $55 per square foot to repair.
Cost to Replace a Drain by Type
Before removing a bathtub drain and replacing it, consider that the different types of drain materials have different price points. Copper and cast iron tend to be more expensive than other types of drain pipes.
Cast Iron
Cast-iron drain pipes cost an average of $12.50 to $30 per linear foot. Cast-iron pipes are common in houses built before the 1970s.
Copper
Copper drain pipes cost between $2.50 and $15 per linear foot. Copper is an excellent choice for drain pipes because of its durability and longevity.
PVC
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. These pipes cost from $0.75 to $7.50 per linear foot and are among the more affordable kinds of drain pipe.
PP
Polypropylene pipes are also very affordable and cost between $1.25 and $15 per linear foot. While they are more affordable, these pipes tend to be slightly less durable than metal pipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost to replace a bathtub is $1,400 to $7,000. Whether you want to spruce up your bathroom or your existing bathtub is not functioning correctly, purchasing a new tub typically costs about $4,150. Prices may vary depending on the type and size of the tub.
Prices for shower drain styles vary. For example, a linear shower drain costs about $200 or more for the part alone compared to about $15 for a circular shower drain. Also, linear shower drains typically require a shower remodel to use them, so you may pay a few hundred dollars more for labor. Read about the pros and cons of linear shower drains.
If you need to repair part of your plumbing, it will cost an average of $330. The cost of plumbing repairs is influenced by several factors, including the type of drain and the specific repair needed.
If your plumbing is leaking, you’ll need to get it repaired right away. The average bathroom leak repair cost is $150 to $350. You shouldn’t put off repairing a leak, as it can cause water damage to your home if left untreated.
Roto-Rooter® typically charges a flat rate of $160 to $450. The largest plumbing service provider in the country, Roto-Rooter prices include the time it takes for a technician to get to your house. They can tackle a variety of issues, including clogged drains, leaks, and emergency plumbing services.