How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub or Shower Drain? [2023 Data]

Margaret Wack
Written by Margaret Wack
Updated April 27, 2023
A cozy minimalist bathroom with a white bathtub
Photo: Prostock-Studio / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Don’t let a broken drain drain your bath time fun

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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 can vary depending on the location of the drain. Let’s take a look at all the costs associated with replacing a bathtub or shower drain.

Low CostAverage CostHigh Cost
$230$700$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

A wooden bathroom with a glass shower cabin
Photo: Dmitry Bakulov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

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.

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