During the 1930s and 1940s, iron cast pipes were used in the construction of houses. By nature, they have the capacity to last for about 80 to 100 years, which means these pipes have, by and large, outlived their utility in 2019. That’s why owners are looking to replace this old structure of pipes with modern ones.
However, it is tough to estimate the exact costs because there are multiple factors taken into account for the replacement process. It can cost you anything between 200 dollars to 15000 dollars, depending on the length of your project.
When it comes to replacing cast-iron pipes, there are too many ifs and buts here, yet let’s try to make an educated guess of all the expected costs:
- Costs of replacing drain pipe under the house
On average, replacing a cast-iron drain pipe can cost up to 2800 dollars. Sometimes it is tough to reach out to these pipes. In such a case, you have to add more budget for proper inspection. Inspection is mandatory to identify what kind of replacement is needed.
And if the damage is not apparent, the professional can use different tools like a camera for proper inspection which means you will have to pay for an extra 30 dollars at the minimum.
- Replacing cast-iron pipe in the basement
Typically, the price of repairing a cast-iron pipe in the basement takes about 1650 dollars.
Since cutting a concrete slab is a demanding task and if the plumber has to indulge in this activity, then the total expenses can transgress the above estimation. Though, you don’t have to cut the slab if you opt for PEX pipes because they can be pulled into the place without wear and tear of slabs.
- The replacement of shower and bathtub waste pipe
On average, it does not cost more than 600 dollars. However, there is a possibility of paying more if your pipe happens to be too close to the bathtub and shower. Because the plumber might damage them while accessing to the pipe.
So, you are likely to pay for installing a new shower and replacing a bathtub as well.
- Replacement of house trap
As for the materials of house trap replacement, it costs hardly 100 dollars. But there are labor costs for half a day, which also adds up. It is also possible that you might have to replace concrete too.
- Replacing kitchen drain lines
It generally takes less time than other types of replacements because all the pipes are exposed, and plumbers don’t have to go the extra mile to reach out to them. Though location comes into play, usually, plumber charges about 45 to 200 dollars per hour, and this project might not exceed more than one hour in most cases. 100 dollars would be a fair estimation of this development.
Although we have made a general estimation of cast iron plumbing. However, the following factors will also be critical to either increase or decrease costs:
- Size of your home
If your home does not occupy a lot of areas, then the size of bathrooms and kitchens will be smaller. You will not require big pipes, and other expenses are likely to be less compared to a home occupying the extravagant area with the number and size of the bathrooms double than yours.
- Construction style
There are various construction styles. Sometimes the plumbers have to bust up floor and walls to replace pipes. Along with taking more time, this will require more labor, which will reflect in your total expenses.
- Time duration:
If you have decided to replace your cast iron pipes just about at the right time, then you might be saved from spending a handsome amount. But a delayed replacement will be more costly.
- The material used in replacement:
There are so many kinds of pipes that can be used as the replacement of cast-iron pipes. However, nothing beats the copper pipes. Though the most expensive, there are certainly the best in the business.
Since not all of us can afford the luxury of copper pipes, you can consider the option of PEX and PVC. They cost about 1/3 of the copper pipe. What’s more, PEX comes up with an extra advantage, which makes it stand out of the rest. You can pull them into the place without making too many holes in the walls and floor.
Final thoughts
As you can conclude from this explanation, the replacement charges of a cast iron pipe, or any pipe for that matter, are interlinked with so many aspects. No plumber can give you rough estimation without taking these features into account. Don’t be one of those homeowners who start the process without outlining their budget and run out of money in the middle of the project.