Replace Cast Iron Pipes La Jolla
- • Coastal homes most affected by salt air
- • Many 1950s-1970s homes with cast iron
- • Same licensed specialists as San Diego
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Last updated: February 11, 2026 | Pricing verified with 18 San Diego CA-licensed specialists
Cast iron pipe replacement in San Diego costs $12,000-$35,000 for most homes. The average San Diego homeowner pays $16,000-$25,000. 70% of San Diego replacements use trenchless methods.
San Diego's coastal salt air accelerates external corrosion on cast iron pipes, especially in neighborhoods like La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Point Loma. Combined with earthquake activity and homes built between 1945-1980, cast iron pipes in San Diego often need replacement sooner than inland areas. If your home is near the coast and was built before 1980, schedule an inspection.
San Diego homes built before 1980 in neighborhoods like La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Mission Hills, Point Loma, and North Park often have cast iron pipes that are 45-80 years old—past their expected lifespan. Watch for these warning signs:
Multiple drains backing up simultaneously indicates widespread pipe damage
Sulfur or rotten egg smells signal cracks in your cast iron sewer line
All drains affected (not just one) points to main line issues
Unexplained soggy areas near your sewer line path
San Diego's soil + earthquake activity + leaking pipes can cause foundation problems
Homes near the ocean may see faster pipe deterioration from salt air
If you notice these signs, schedule a cast iron pipe camera inspection immediately.
Get an instant estimate for your project. Actual costs may vary based on specific conditions.
Average home: 50-100 ft of main sewer line
* This is an estimate only. Get free quotes from verified San Diego specialists for accurate pricing based on your specific situation.
Prices can vary significantly between contractors. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to ensure you're getting a fair price. Our verified San Diego specialists provide free, no-obligation estimates.
Updated February 2026 based on 42 recent San Diego projects
| Home Size | Method | San Diego Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | Trenchless | $14,000-$19,000 |
| 1,800 sq ft | Trenchless | $19,000-$28,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | Traditional | $26,000-$35,000 |
| Method | Cost/Foot |
|---|---|
| CIPP Lining | $100-$180/ft |
| Pipe Bursting | $120-$240/ft |
| Traditional Excavation | $180-$320/ft |
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Verified plumbers who specialize in cast iron pipe replacement in the San Diego metro area. All companies are licensed, insured, and hold a valid California C-36 Plumbing license.

Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.8-star average across 6060+ Google reviews.

Bill Howe Plumbing, Heating & Air, Restoration & Flood Services serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.8-star average across 4893+ Google reviews.

ARS / Rescue Rooter serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.7-star average across 4881+ Google reviews.

Elite Rooter Plumbers serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.8-star average across 2546+ Google reviews.

Black Mountain Plumbing serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.8-star average across 1587+ Google reviews.

Core Plumbing serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.8-star average across 1351+ Google reviews.

ASAP Drain Guys & Plumbing serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.8-star average across 1158+ Google reviews.

Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air of San Diego serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.8-star average across 1111+ Google reviews.

Courtesy Plumbing Inc. serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 5-star average across 1057+ Google reviews.

John Padilla Plumbing, Sewer and Drains serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.8-star average across 886+ Google reviews.

PERRY PLUMBING & PIPELINING serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.9-star average across 771+ Google reviews.
The Trenchless Co. serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.8-star average across 761+ Google reviews.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of San Diego County serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.7-star average across 541+ Google reviews.

Clearwater Plumbing and Drains, Inc. serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 5-star average across 469+ Google reviews.

Rooter Solutions Plumbers serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.9-star average across 405+ Google reviews.

My Plumber San Diego serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.8-star average across 394+ Google reviews.

E-Drains, Inc. serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.7-star average across 387+ Google reviews.

Collins Pacific Plumbing, Inc. serves San Diego County with cast iron drain line diagnostics, repair, and full sewer replacement. Known for reliable communication and project transparency, they maintain a 4.9-star average across 340+ Google reviews.
Average costs to replace cast iron pipes in the San Diego area (2026 pricing)
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Camera Inspection Video inspection to assess cast iron pipe condition | $200 - $450 |
| Spot Repair Fix localized damage in cast iron sewer line | $1,000 - $4,500 |
| Partial Replacement Replace damaged sections of cast iron pipes | $5,500 - $16,000 |
| Full Replacement (Traditional) Complete cast iron pipe replacement with excavation | $10,000 - $25,000 |
| Full Replacement (Trenchless) Trenchless cast iron pipe replacement, minimal digging | $15,000 - $40,000 |
* Prices based on 2026 San Diego market data. California pricing reflects higher labor costs and building code requirements. Actual cost varies based on home size and accessibility. Get free quotes for an accurate estimate.
Our verified cast iron pipe specialists serve the entire San Diego County
Cast iron pipe replacement services throughout San Diego County
Common questions about cast iron pipe replacement costs, methods, and timelines in San Diego, CA
The cost to replace cast iron pipes in San Diego ranges from $150-$800 per linear foot depending on the method. For a typical San Diego home, full cast iron sewer line replacement costs $10,000-$25,000 with traditional excavation, or $15,000-$40,000 for trenchless methods. San Diego's coastal soil conditions and strict California building codes can affect pricing. A camera inspection costs $200-$450. Many San Diego plumbers offer free quotes and financing options.
Yes! Homes built in San Diego before the early 1980s very commonly have cast iron drain pipes. Neighborhoods like La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Mission Hills, Point Loma, and North Park are particularly likely to have cast iron sewer lines. If your San Diego home was built before 1980 and you haven't had the pipes replaced, there's a good chance you have cast iron that's now 45+ years old—approaching or past its typical 50-year lifespan.
San Diego's coastal salt air accelerates external corrosion on cast iron pipes. Homes within a few miles of the Pacific Ocean experience faster pipe deterioration than inland properties. Additionally, San Diego's decomposed granite and clay soil conditions, combined with earthquake activity, put stress on aging cast iron systems. Coastal homes should prioritize regular pipe inspections.
Common signs you need cast iron pipe replacement in San Diego include: frequent drain clogs affecting multiple fixtures, sewage odors (sulfur/rotten egg smell), slow drains throughout the house, wet spots in your yard, foundation cracks from leaking pipes, and pest problems (cockroaches, rats entering through cracks). San Diego homeowners should also watch for bright green patches of lawn (indicating sewage leaks).
The City of San Diego requires permits for major sewer line work, including cast iron pipe replacement. Permits typically cost $150-$350 and include mandatory inspection of completed work. California also requires all plumbing contractors to hold a valid C-36 Plumbing license. Licensed San Diego plumbers handle all permit paperwork and scheduling for you.
San Diego neighborhoods with the most cast iron pipe problems are those built between 1945-1980 with older housing stock: La Jolla, Mission Hills, Point Loma, Pacific Beach, North Park, Hillcrest, Kensington, and Normal Heights. These areas have homes 45-80 years old with original cast iron sewer lines that are past their expected lifespan. Coastal neighborhoods also experience faster corrosion from salt air.
San Diego is in an earthquake-prone region, and seismic activity can damage rigid cast iron pipes. Ground movement during earthquakes can crack pipes, separate joints, and create low spots that trap waste. If your San Diego home has experienced earthquake shaking and has cast iron pipes, schedule an inspection—seismic stress can accelerate deterioration of already aging systems.
Trenchless cast iron pipe replacement in San Diego uses minimally invasive methods to replace your sewer line without extensive excavation. The two main methods are: pipe bursting (breaking the old cast iron while pulling new pipe through) and pipe lining (inserting a resin-coated liner). Trenchless methods are popular in San Diego to preserve landscaping and complete projects faster, though they cost more than traditional excavation.
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