Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Cost in Miami (2026 Price Guide)

If you own a Miami home built before 1975, cast iron pipe replacement is likely in your future. Understanding current pricing helps you budget appropriately and avoid sticker shock when you get estimates. Here's what Miami homeowners can expect to pay for cast iron pipe replacement in 2026.

For a comprehensive overview of pipe materials and repair options, see our Complete Guide to Pipe Repair and Repiping.

Quick Cost Overview

Project Type	Cost Range
Spot repair (small section)	$2,000 - $5,000
Partial replacement	$5,000 - $15,000
Full residential replacement	$15,000 - $35,000
Large/complex homes	$35,000 - $50,000+
Commercial properties	$25,000 - $100,000+

These ranges reflect typical Miami-area pricing as of 2026. Your actual cost depends on several factors we'll explore below.

What Affects Cast Iron Replacement Costs

1. Extent of Replacement Needed

The biggest cost factor is how much pipe needs replacement:

Spot repairs ($2,000 - $5,000):

• Single section replacement
• Isolated damage area
• Minimal floor/wall access needed

Partial replacement ($5,000 - $15,000):

• Multiple sections
• One bathroom or kitchen area
• Moderate excavation or access work

Full replacement ($15,000 - $35,000):

• All cast iron pipes removed
• Entire drain system replaced
• Standard 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home

2. Access Requirements

Where your pipes run significantly impacts labor costs:

Under-slab pipes (most expensive):

• Requires concrete demolition
• Excavation and removal of old pipe
• Concrete restoration after installation
• Adds $3,000 - $10,000 to project

Through walls and ceilings:

• Drywall removal and patching
• Moderate access costs
• Adds $1,000 - $3,000 to project

Accessible crawl space or basement:

• Minimal demolition needed
• Faster installation
• Lowest access costs

3. Home Size and Plumbing Complexity

More fixtures mean more pipe:

Home Size	Typical Range
1-2 bathroom home	$8,000 - $18,000
3 bathroom home	$15,000 - $28,000
4+ bathroom home	$25,000 - $40,000
Multi-story home	Add 15-25%

4. Replacement Method

Different approaches have different costs:

Traditional replacement (full excavation):

• Most thorough solution
• Highest cost but best long-term value
• New PVC throughout

Rerouting (avoiding slab work):

• Pipes run through walls/ceiling instead
• Avoids concrete demolition
• Can reduce costs by 20-30%
• Not always possible based on layout

Pipe lining (trenchless):

• Liner inserted into existing pipe
• Minimal disruption
• $100-$250 per linear foot
• Best for structurally sound pipes with corrosion

5. Permitting and Inspection

Miami-Dade County requires permits for cast iron replacement:

• Permit fees: $200 - $500
• Inspection costs: Included in permit
• Plan review (large projects): $100 - $300

A licensed plumber handles permit applications, but fees are typically passed to the homeowner.

6. Restoration Costs

Replacement is only part of the total project cost:

Restoration Item	Cost Range
Concrete/slab repair	$500 - $2,000
Drywall patching	$300 - $800
Tile replacement	$500 - $3,000
Painting	$300 - $1,000
Flooring repair	$500 - $2,500

Note: Some plumbing companies include basic restoration; others don't. Always clarify what's included in your estimate.

Cost Breakdown: Typical Miami Home

Here's what a typical cast iron replacement looks like for a 1,800 sq ft Miami home built in 1968:

Component	Cost
Cast iron removal	$3,000
New PVC installation	$8,000
Concrete demolition	$2,500
Concrete restoration	$1,500
Permits and inspections	$400
Drywall repair	$600
Total	$16,000

This home had 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, and laundry—all with under-slab cast iron drains.

How to Get Accurate Estimates

1. Get Multiple Quotes

We recommend getting 3 estimates from licensed plumbers. Prices can vary significantly based on:

• Company overhead
• Experience level
• Crew size and timeline
• Warranty offered

2. Insist on Camera Inspection First

Any reputable plumber will perform a video camera inspection before quoting. This reveals:

• Exact pipe locations
• Extent of deterioration
• Access requirements
• Potential complications

Be wary of quotes given without camera inspection—they're likely to change once work begins.

3. Ask What's Included

Make sure estimates specify:

• All pipes to be replaced (get it in writing)
• Demolition and excavation
• Restoration work
• Permit costs
• Warranty terms
• Timeline

4. Understand the Warranty

Quality plumbers offer warranties on both materials and labor:

• PVC pipe warranty: Typically manufacturer lifetime
• Labor warranty: 1-5 years depending on company
• Ask about: What happens if a leak develops at a connection point?

Financing Options

Cast iron replacement is a significant investment. Options include:

Plumber financing: Many plumbing companies offer payment plans, often with 0% interest for 12-18 months.

Home equity loan: Lower interest rates for larger projects. Good if you're also doing other renovations.

Personal loan: Quick approval, fixed payments. Rates vary based on credit.

Insurance claims: In some cases, homeowners insurance covers cast iron damage. See our guide on insurance coverage for cast iron replacement.

Why Cheap Estimates Should Concern You

If one estimate is significantly lower than others, investigate why:

Red flags:

• No license or insurance
• No permit mentioned
• Vague scope ("we'll see what we find")
• Spot repair when full replacement is needed
• No warranty offered
• Pressure to decide immediately

The hidden cost of cheap work: Cutting corners on cast iron replacement leads to:

• Callbacks and repairs
• Water damage from failed connections
• Having to redo work properly later
• No recourse if company disappears

Is Replacement Worth the Cost?

Consider the alternative costs of NOT replacing:

Emergency Scenario	Typical Cost
Sewage backup cleanup	$3,000 - $10,000
Foundation repair	$5,000 - $30,000
Mold remediation	$2,000 - $15,000
Emergency after-hours repair	1.5x - 2x normal rates

Proactive replacement when you control the timeline is almost always more cost-effective than emergency repairs after a failure.

Get Your Free Estimate

At Hernandez Plumbing, we provide detailed, transparent estimates for cast iron pipe replacement. Our process includes:

1. Free video camera inspection
2. Written scope of work
3. Flat-rate pricing—no surprises
4. Flexible scheduling
5. Financing options available

Request your free cast iron pipe inspection or call us at 305-428-3782.

With over 50 years in Miami, we've completed thousands of cast iron replacements. We know what it costs, and we'll give you an honest assessment of your options.