How Much Does It Cost To Repipe A House? [2023 Data]

Cost Factors to Repiping a House

When it comes to budgeting for your repiping project, you’ll want to consider several factors impacting your project. The cost to install or replace plumbing varies by the size of the job but also includes any fixtures you might install or new materials, such as PEX. The most significant considerations are your home size, how many plumbing fixtures you have, the location of your existing pipes, and the cost of materials.

Size of the Home

While the size of the home tends to increase costs, well-designed homes that minimize plumbing needs, such as putting bathrooms back to back, tend to cost less. Single-story homes generally cost less to repipe than two-story homes because the latter requires more material to reach bathrooms and other plumbing fixtures on the upper floor. Larger homes with more bathrooms, wet bars, hot tubs, and even second kitchens will also cost more because of the additional fixtures.

Number of Plumbing Fixtures

Each fixture or appliance in your home that requires plumbing contributes to the installation cost of a new pipe. Plumbing fixtures include sinks, toilets, showers and tubs, water heaters, and washing machines. The more fixtures you have, the more you'll pay.

Location of the Pipes

The location of your plumbing pipes affects the project's total cost due to access issues. Pipes behind drywall are easy to access, but pipes in crawl spaces or under concrete are more difficult to work on.

Pipe Material

The type of pipe you choose has a direct effect on materials costs. Copper tends to cost the most because it’s a metal, which fluctuates in price more than most plastics—for example, piping made of copper costs more than Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC). 

Diameter of Supply and Drain Line 

Another factor impacting the cost of replacing plumbing in an old house is the size of the supply and drain lines. Smaller-diameter pipes (1/2 to 1 inches) are common for carrying water, while larger-diameter pipes (1 1/2-plus inches) are often used for waste drainage and are more expensive.

Cost of Plumbing by Linear Foot

Assuming your local plumber repair service charges $1 to $4 per linear foot in labor, the following table breaks down what you might pay for plumbing projects requiring 500 or 1,500 linear feet of piping.

Inspection

If you're unsure if your home requires pipe replacement or you're unclear on the extent of possible pipe damage, it's a good idea to reach out to a local plumber for advice before committing to whole-house replumbing. An inspection can run around $250 to $1,200, but it can save you thousands of dollars in unnecessary work if the plumbing inspector finds you only need a minor repair or no work at all.

Many plumbers offer a thorough inspection service where they go through all the plumbing in your home (which could amount to hundreds of feet) to gauge its condition and identify trouble areas. This inspection can tell you whether you need to replace all the plumbing, replace some of the plumbing, or take no action because there are no issues.

You may also need to factor in the cost of a permit. Part of the plumbing cost for a new house typically includes the permit price, which can range from $50 to $500. Many plumbing projects for existing homes may also require a permit.

Labor

Plumbers cost around $45 to $200 per hour, with hourly rates varying depending on the plumber's level of expertise. However, when providing a quote for a piping installation or replacement, a plumber will generally offer a per-project bid rather than bill you by the hour. 

A plumber typically takes 28 hours to complete the project, assuming you have a standard-size home with two bathrooms. This translates to total labor charges of around $1,200 to $5,600, which include demolition—such as cutting through ceilings and walls to access hidden piping—and removing old piping. You’ll spend more on labor for complex jobs that take longer to do correctly. While no one wants to spend more than they have to, be cautious on extremely low bids. It’s worth it to get the job done correctly the first time.

"I would advise homeowners to exercise caution whenever hiring a plumber who wants to do every project on a time-plus-material basis rather than providing an upfront quote for the work,” says Jeff Botelho, Angi Expert Review Board member and Massachusetts-licensed journey-level plumber. This is “often an indication of a lack of confidence in themselves to complete the work on time and within a budget. Some jobs have too many unknown factors and will have to be done on time and materials, but they're few and far between," says Botelho.

Also, assuming your plumber has to cut through the ceiling or drywall, you may need to hire a drywall contractor or handyperson to make repairs. Ceiling repair costs generally run from $45 to $90 per square foot, while drywall repairs cost around $50 to $75 per square foot.

Cost to Repipe a House by Pipe Material 

The largest cost factor you’ll want to know is materials. In general, you’ll choose between copper, CPVC, and Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) piping. PEX is the least costly, while copper piping is usually the most expensive. Copper tends to come in as the most expensive but also the most time-tested. The different diameters available for each type of pipe account for the wide price range.

Copper 

For material alone, copper piping costs around $2 to $12 per linear foot. Installing it adds another $2 to $3 per linear foot. Copper is much more expensive than plastic alternatives. Still, it offers many benefits:

• Proven durability: Because of its verifiable durability, building codes across the country permit copper piping for whole-house plumbing. It’s strong enough to survive natural disasters that otherwise level a home.

• Resistance: Copper is naturally resistant to bacteria and won't break down with UV exposure.

• Good investment: Although copper corrodes far slower than any other type of pipe, it can still burst, but you can expect copper to last 50 to 100-plus years.

CPVC 

In use since the 1960s, CPVC is the most common plumbing material found in modern construction. It costs around $1 to $3 per linear foot for the materials alone, not including labor. 

Like copper, CPVC is rigid and requires joints to make angles. It offers stronger joint connections than copper but has a lower temperature limit. CPVC does eventually leak and may ultimately burst, though this happens more often with low-quality materials and faulty installation. Correctly installed, high-quality CPVC can typically last 50 to 70 years.

PEX 

PEX, or Cross-Linked Polyethylene, is a highly versatile plastic. Installing PEX piping costs around $1.50 to $4 per linear foot and up to $7,500 for an entire project. It’s often less expensive than copper and is quickly becoming the most popular form of piping because it’s flexible, easy to work with, and resists temperature fluctuations. 

PEX doesn't corrode like copper and resists the damaging effects of chlorine and scale buildup. Another big benefit is that plumbers can couple it with other material types like CPVC. While PEX can eventually burst with age, you can expect a life span of 80 to 100 years.

Additional Costs to Consider 

It’s easy to estimate your budget based on labor and materials alone, but to fine-tune it, you’ll want to consider a few other factors. Although they may seem minor, they can quickly add up on large jobs. Consider any repairs you might need, including a new sewer or water main, gas lines, rough-in costs, slab repairs, and fees associated with disposing of the old plumbing. 

Rough-In Plumbing Costs

Rough-in plumbing is the installation of all the water pipes in the walls, typically done while the house is being built or a remodel is in progress. Finishing plumbing is the final connection to fixtures, like toilets and sinks. Rough-in plumbing costs $11,500 for the average 2,300-square-foot home or about $5 per square foot. However, the number of floors and fixtures plus the types of piping you use can affect the final cost.

Sewer Line Installation Cost

Installing a sewer line sometimes becomes part of a larger remodel when adding a new bathroom or sink. Sometimes you’ll need to increase the size of your sewer main. Sewer line installation costs $500 to $2,500 on top of the rest of your bills. But, luckily, it’s rarely needed.  

Water Main Installation Cost 

Water main installation is rarely part of a remodel unless damage has occurred to the main. It’s almost always enough to supply your home with the water it needs. However, you may consider a larger main if you decide to make major updates that could drastically increase water usage. Main water line installation costs $600 to $2,700. 

Gas Line Installation Cost

Gas line installation costs about $300 to $900 and typically falls to a plumber to install. You’ll get this done whenever you add gas appliances, like water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces. 

Water Heater Installation 

Water heater installation costs $800 to $1,800 on average, which is considered finishing plumbing. You’ll pay more to convert a tank style to an on-demand tankless style. 

Slab Repairs

Slab repair costs often add to your budget as part of plumbing installs in the basement, typically when putting in drainpipes for basement bathrooms and kitchens. This often doesn’t amount to much more than $500, since the damage is done intentionally to lay a pipe under the slab. But that’s on top or drain line repair costs of $700. 

Disposal Fees 

You typically won’t need to pay for disposal fees separately from the project, as the price is usually included. But, you should ask your plumber if there are any, as different landfills and locations have different pricing.

Signs You Need New Pipes

Here are a few signs to watch out for when determining whether you need new pipes:

• Discolored water: If your water is a murky brown or red, this usually indicates rusty or moldy pipes. Don’t continue to use this water, and call a plumber immediately.

• Clogs or leaks: If your drain is regularly clogging or your faucet is constantly leaking, it could indicate something is happening behind the wall.

• Bad water pressure: If your water pressure is suddenly lower or inconsistent from day to day, you may need new pipes. 

• A change in the taste of tap water: If your drinking water develops an unusual taste, it could indicate minerals in the water you’re not used to, often a result of rust or mold. Drink bottled water instead until a plumber inspects and fixes the issue.

• Visible mold: If the pipes aren’t hidden from sight, you can visually inspect them in the basement or under the countertops. If you see any mold, it could indicate the pipes have a small leak. As long as the leak is contained to a single area of piping, the repair work and cost should be relatively minimal.

DIY vs. Hire a Plumber

In almost all cases, hiring a plumber is better than attempting to DIY. Access to water and safe waste elimination is vital, but the work to ensure that access can be challenging. Locating existing pipes, removing them, and replacing them requires skill, precision, and hard work by a trained pro.

Even one improperly installed pipe could lead to leaks and severe water damage, and the average cost of water damage restoration is a whopping $3,500. In many cases, the cost of professional plumbing will be much less than repairing extensive water damage.

Further, plumbers have liability insurance to protect you if something goes wrong during the installation. Homeowners insurance will only cover faulty repairs if a pro handles the plumbing work.

"Whether you decide you want to attempt any plumbing projects in your home, the single most important thing is to learn how to shut off utilities in the case of an emergency,” says Botelho. “Nothing helps more in the case of a leaking water line than knowing how to turn it off quickly to minimize damage to your home."

FAQs

Should I hire a plumber or pipe fitter to replace my home's piping?

A plumber is the right pro for installing or replacing piping in your home. While plumbers and pipe fitters have similar skill sets, they typically work in completely different industries. Plumbers work residential and commercial jobs that deal with plumbing for fresh water and waste. Pipefitters most often complete industrial work concerning hazardous materials.

How do I find a reliable plumber?

Use the following steps to vet a plumbing contractor:

1. Research local plumbing companies by reviewing websites and ratings.

2. Develop a short list of high-rated plumbers and request quotes.

3. During the home visit, ask questions about your project to gauge their experience, knowledge, and overall demeanor.

4. When you have several quotes, compare them to decide which best suits your needs.

How long does it take to repipe a house?

Completely repiping a house can take a plumber anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the extent of the project. Before work can begin, the plumbing contractor may need to obtain a permit. The actual work phases will include:

• Gaining access to the pipes by cutting through walls, ceiling, and flooring

• Removing old pipes and installing new pipes

• Patching any holes created during the work