Schedule 120 PVC drop pipe typically costs about $2-$12 per linear foot, with diameter, supplier availability, and pressure rating driving the price. A 100-foot pipe-only order commonly runs $250-$1,000, while a well-pump drop-pipe replacement can cost substantially more once fittings, labor, and pulling equipment are included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule 120 PVC pipe, per linear foot | $2 | $6 | $12 | Small to larger diameters; availability varies |
| 100 feet of pipe only | $250 | $650 | $1,400 | Before fittings, freight, or tax |
| Installed drop-pipe replacement | $1,200 | $3,000 | $6,500 | Typical residential well scope; depth and access matter |
What 100 feet of Schedule 120 pipe usually costs
For pipe alone, a planning range is $250-$1,400 per 100 feet, with roughly $650 a reasonable midpoint for a common residential order. Smaller diameters and readily stocked lengths tend toward the low end; larger diameters, special ordering, and freight can push the quote higher. Confirm whether the listed rate is per foot, per length, or per case.
Use the pipe-only price to compare materials, not the full cost of a well-pump job. An installed estimate may include removing the old line, disconnecting the pump, joining new sections, and lowering the assembly back into the well. The ranges assume standard PVC, ordinary access, and no pump, wiring, or well-casing repair.
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard white PVC, ordinary residential access, and no unusual freight charges.
How pipe, couplings, labor, and equipment appear on quotes
Well contractors may quote a complete replacement rather than itemizing every foot. Asking for a breakdown helps show whether the price covers only drop pipe or also covers pulling and reinstalling the pump assembly.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule 120 pipe | $2-$12 per linear foot | Diameter, length, source, and freight |
| Couplings and fittings | $5-$30 each | Connection type and corrosion-resistant hardware |
| Labor | $75-$150 per hour | Crew size, well depth, and service call minimum |
| Pulling equipment and setup | $150-$800 per job | Required rig, access, and assembly weight |
| Removal and disposal | $50-$300 per job | Old pipe condition and disposal requirements |
Labor and equipment can outweigh the pipe bill on a deep well. A useful labor estimate can be checked with , but the contractor should explain whether setup, travel, and testing are included.
Diameter, well depth, and pressure rating shift the estimate
Diameter is a major material-price driver: moving from 1-inch to 2-inch pipe can multiply the per-foot cost, and larger pipe may need different fittings. At 100 feet, even a $3-per-foot price difference adds $300 before installation. A 300-foot well uses three times the pipe length of a 100-foot well, although labor does not always increase in a straight line.
Pressure requirements also matter. Pump output, static water level, total lift, and pressure cycling affect whether a specific pipe is appropriate. Schedule designation alone is not enough to establish suitability; confirm the manufacturer’s pressure rating for the exact diameter and temperature, and verify any applicable potable-water certification.
Do not substitute a lower-rated pipe solely because its price per foot is lower. A contractor should match the pipe and joint system to pump specifications and operating conditions.
Where regional freight and well access raise PVC drop-pipe prices
In markets with nearby plumbing or well-supply distributors, standard sizes may price near the middle of the range. Rural locations or areas where Schedule 120 must be special-ordered can add about 10%-25% through freight, handling, or limited supplier competition. These are planning adjustments, not fixed regional rates.
Site access can matter as much as geography. A truck that cannot reach the wellhead, a cramped indoor pressure-tank area, or a heavy pump assembly may require extra setup or labor. Ask whether the quote includes travel, equipment mobilization, and any charge for a difficult pull.
Request delivered pricing for the exact diameter and total footage. A low online price may exclude shipping for long or heavy pipe lengths, which can erase the apparent savings.
How long a pump pull takes and what labor adds
A straightforward residential replacement may take a two-person crew about 3-6 hours, while a deeper well, stuck assembly, or difficult site can take most of a day or longer. At $75-$150 per labor hour per worker, crew labor for a routine job might fall around $450-$1,800, before equipment, materials, and service-call fees.
Well depth, pipe condition, pump weight, and access determine the schedule. If the old pipe is brittle or joints are seized, removal can take longer than installation. A quote should state whether water testing, pump reconnection, and system restart are included.
Compare the stated crew and hours, not just the final labor line. Two bids may price the same job differently because one includes a second technician or equipment setup.
Three drop-pipe quotes show how scope changes the total
A 100-foot, 1-inch replacement using readily available pipe could include about $250-$400 in pipe and fittings, 4 labor hours at $100 per hour, and $150 in setup and removal. A practical total is roughly $800-$1,200, assuming the pump and wiring remain serviceable.
A 200-foot, 1.25-inch job might use $700-$1,200 in pipe and fittings, 6-8 labor hours for a two-person crew, and $300-$600 in equipment and removal. A likely total range is $2,000-$3,500, depending on depth and access.
A 300-foot, 2-inch special-order installation could require $2,000-$3,600 in pipe and fittings, a full-day crew, freight, and heavier pulling equipment. The total may reach $4,000-$6,500 or more if the assembly is difficult to retrieve. These examples exclude pump replacement and major electrical or well repairs.
Which PVC drop-pipe expenses can be trimmed safely
Get at least two written quotes based on the same well depth, diameter, footage, pressure rating, and included work. Ask each contractor to separate pipe, fittings, labor, equipment, freight, and disposal. This makes it easier to identify an unusually high material markup or a quote that omits necessary pulling work.
Confirm the existing pipe’s actual size before ordering, and avoid buying extra footage without measuring the well assembly. Combining the pipe order with other planned well-service materials may reduce delivery charges, but do not choose a size or pressure class that conflicts with pump requirements.
Keep the scope focused on the failed component. If the pump, wiring, and fittings test in good condition, replacing only the drop pipe may cost less than a full assembly replacement; if other components are worn, bundling the work can avoid paying for another pump pull later.