What’s the cost to replace pipes under kitchen sink [2023]

What is the cost to replace pipes under the kitchen sink? Before we get to it. Replacing the pipes under your kitchen sink can cost between $500-$1000, depending on the type of sink drain and the amount of labor invested. The cost can increase based on the fixtures needed to install, the kitchen sink drain design, the types of drain pipes, the complexity of the work, and the plumber.

Overall, you may need to replace the drain pipe under your kitchen sink if they begin to leak and cause water damage, smell or become too old.

Key takeaways kitchen sink pipe replacement cost

• Replacing pipes under your kitchen sink can cost between $300-$1000, depending on the type of sink drain and the amount of labor invested.
  The cost of replacing a small section of pipes (less than 3 feet) is between $100-$300, a moderate section (3-6 feet) is $300-$800, and a large section (more than 6 feet) is upwards of $800.
• If your kitchen sink drain starts to leak or release a foul smell, replacing it can range between $200-$350.
• The plumbing pipes underneath your kitchen sink can cost an average of $100-$500 to replace.
• The typical range for a kitchen sink drain line replacement is $230-$1170.
• The cost of replacing pipes under the kitchen sink also depends on the type of pipe being replaced, with costs ranging from $0.5-$20 per foot.
• Additional costs can result from repairs such as low water pressure and water damage that cost an average of $3300.

Rough estimates: the cost to replace pipes under kitchen sink

Our plumber, with many years of experience, estimates the cost of replacing pipes under a kitchen sink as follows. The price can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of the project. In general, the cost will depend on the type and size of the pipes being replaced, as well as the extent of any necessary repairs to the surrounding area.

To give you a rough idea of what you might expect to pay, here are a few estimates based on different scenarios:

• Replacing a small section of pipes (less than 3 feet in length): This type of project is generally relatively quick and straightforward and could cost anywhere from $100 to $300.
• Replacing a moderate section of pipes (3-6 feet in length): Depending on the job’s complexity, this type of project could cost anywhere from $300 to $800.
• Replacing a large section of pipes (more than 6 feet in length): This type of project is more complex and could cost upwards of $800 or more, depending on the specific circumstances.

It’s important to keep in mind that these estimates are just rough guidelines, and the actual cost of your project may be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances. It’s always a good idea to get a detailed estimate from a professional plumber before starting any work.

Kitchen Sink Drain Pipes

If your kitchen sink drain starts to leak or release a foul smell, the average cost for replacing it can range between $200-$350, depending on the complexity of the pipe replacement work. The pricing may vary depending on multiple factors, including the job size and extent of plumbing issues. For instance, if the work entails redirecting the supply pipes under the kitchen sink, temporary ejection, or unfastening the mounting hardware, then the plumbing costs will be high.

The material costs for repairing your drain pipe can be relatively low due to their ready accessibility. Besides, it only takes up to one hour to complete the job. Thus, plumbers require fixed charges from homeowners for such plumbing and pipe replacement jobs.

Plumbing Estimates

The plumbing pipes underneath your kitchen sink can cost an average of $100-$500 to replace. Some traps connect the system to the faucet and can either be a p trap or an s trap based on the location of your home and can influence the cost estimates. Besides, you may have to increase the plumbing costs if the system links the sink, garbage disposal, or septic system.

The fees for most professional installation plumbers are usually hourly and can vary from $50 to $150 with at least $45-$100 call-out costs. If you need minor plumbing repairs, such as repairing clogged drains or restoring leaking faucets, it can take up to $350. However, if your work involves a more extensive task, such as fixing a pipe leak on the plumbing system, you can pay between 500 and 800 dollars. The severity of the plumbing issue in the pipes and your location can also regulate cost estimation factors.

Average Cost to Replace Drain Line by Type of Pipe

When the drain pipes in your home need replacement, the typical range for a kitchen sink drain line will be $230-$1170. If you need to replace the pipes for the entire home, the costs can rise to up to $15000, including materials and labor. It would be in your best interests to seek professional help from a licensed plumber who, based on your location and job complexity, they can charge hourly between $45 and $200.

Cast Iron

The type of pipe that you are replacing also influences your replacement costs. If your lines are cast iron, you can pay up to $10-$20 per foot, including plumber markup. Cast iron is standard on old homes and can be durable for about 50 years with effective maintenance, after which you may have to replace the pipes due to corrosion.

Copper

The price per linear foot of copper pipes can vary between $2 and $10. However, if the professional plumber adds markup, the price increases by $1-5 dollars, and it becomes one of the most costly pipe replacements and the most durable as it can last for up to seven decades.

PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) drain pipes have the lowest cost, ranging between $0.5-$5, and can increase to up to $8 per foot if they have a markup. They are also the most straightforward pipes to operate with but are high-maintenance and are more susceptible to damage than other durable alternatives.

Galvanized

You will need to spend between $3-$8 per foot on galvanized drain pipes. You may need the plumbing replaced after about 50 years for older houses as the zinc coating on the lines prevents water damage and corrosion.

Propylene

Replacing your propylene drain pipes can take at least one to ten dollars per foot without a plumber’s markup. Most homeowners use polypropylene drain pipes due to their durability and ease of operation.

Additional Cost Factors

Besides the kind of drain pipe and where you live, the replacement costs can vary depending on other aspects. The additional materials used, the amount of labor, and additional fittings that you handle during the repair will influence the installation costs.

Labor

One critical aspect determining the cost of replacing pipes under the kitchen sink is the labor required. Professional installation and licensed plumbers will charge between $45 and $200. Depending on the complexity, where you live, and special tools used, each project will require proficient expertise for efficiently working sinks.

Additional Materials

When you need the plumbing replaced, the plumber has to purchase supply pipes and other materials whose price can range from $100-$130 for elementary sink drains. Besides, the work cannot be complete unless you use different materials, including furnishings such as the stainless steel finish, connectives, and mounting hardware.

New Drywall and Other Repairs

Kitchen sink and drain replacement projects may require the plumber to access the drain pipes by cutting through the walls. Under such circumstances, the work involves drywall repair expenses that can rise to $1.50-$3 for every square foot. The professional installation contractor may have to disconnect, damage, or remove other parts, including cabinets and tubs, that you have to factor into the overall replacement costs. Additional costs can result from repairs such as low water pressure and water damage that cost an average of $3300.

DIY Repairs vs. Hiring a Plumber

When you are a homeowner, it is always vital to seek professional help from a licensed plumber for any internal pipe and drain line repairs. If you are an accessible homeowner, projects such as flushing out clogged drains or emptying a P-Trap are DIYs that you can handle. Regardless, repairing most drain pipes and kitchen sinks requires critical skills, extensive knowledge, and advanced equipment, and a professional should take them. Otherwise, you risk water damage to the entire house and personal injury if you attempt them on your own.

Clogged Drain Repairs-Sink, Bathtub, Shower  

A plumbing professional will require between $100 and $275 on average if you have a clogged drain. A sink, bathtub, or shower enclosure can clog when gunk such as soap remains, hair, and other debris accumulate slowly until the system can no longer drain. However, you can try using a plunger to unclog the drain before seeking professional help. It would help if you also kept in mind that using abrasive chemicals in the sink or shower drain can corrode old pipes and eventually force you to spend additional costs on the repairs.

Reasons to Replace Pipes Under Kitchen Sink

Your sink drain can begin to slowly wear out after using it for a prolonged period as it gets older with time. If the closure that keeps water in your kitchen sink starts to leak or the drain surface becomes affected by corrosion or discolors, it is a sign that the kitchen sink pipes require a replacement. In addition, the space below your sink can begin to crack or have a compromised seal that results in a leakage underneath the sink to show that you have to replace the pipes beneath it.

Kitchen Faucet Replacement Cost

For a typical kitchen faucet replacement, you need between $120 and $300. However, if you have to install a new kitchen faucet and sink simultaneously, you have to be ready to spend up to $400-$1000. The plumber cost to replace kitchen faucet is also different depending in which state you live in.

What is a P Trap?

U-shaped pipes in the garbage disposal channels that link the sink drain to the septic system or a sewer line are the p trap. The role of the p trap is to hold small amounts of water in the base of the u-shaped pipe to prevent the smell from drains and the sewer line from penetrating the entire home. When the need to replace the p trap of your home arises, you can spend an average of $150-$250.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaking Pipe Under Sink?

Plumbers can repair a leaking pipe under the sink at an average cost of $250, and the price can increase depending on the leak’s location. If the leak on the line is difficult to reach, a homeowner can spend up to $850. Suppose you detect a leaking pipe under your sink. In that case, it is vital to seek immediate help from a plumbing professional to prevent further water damages that can be expensive to repair.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Sink?

Fixing a leaking kitchen sink can cost $200-$250 depending on the extent of the leak, scope of work, and the finish conditions of the repair. Ideally, the cost it will take to fix also varies based on where you live and can increase based on sink type, labor, and materials used to resolve the issue.

What do Most Plumbers Charge Per Hour?

Plumbers can charge an average of $45-$200 depending on the job’s complexity. If you call a plumber for a minor issue such as unclogging a drain or repairing a leaking faucet, the overall cost of the job can range from $125 to $350, while large-scale projects can sum up to $800.

Can a Handy Man Fix a Leaky Faucet?

The short answer is yes; using simple tools, a handyman can fix almost any leaky faucet, especially if it is a single-lever type of kitchen faucet. However, hiring a licensed plumbing professional is the best option if it is a complicated issue. 

Conclusion

You can estimate the cost of replacing pipes under your kitchen sink by considering the scope of the job. The actual installation costs can vary depending on where you live, the materials required, the complexity of the job, and other additional repairs that you may have to include in the package. The best solution is to ask multiple plumbing professionals for free project estimates to determine the most reliable price. You can also check out the cost of a bathroom faucet.