Step 1 — Select Pipe Material
PEX
$4,000 – $8,000
Most Popular
Copper
$8,000 – $15,000
Longest Lifespan
CPVC
$3,500 – $7,000
Budget Option
ft²
Total finished square footage of your home
#
Full + half baths combined
Slab foundations cost significantly more
Repiping requires opening walls
Estimated Repiping Cost
—
Was this calculator helpful?
Sources & Methodology
Cost data based on national contractor surveys from HomeAdvisor, Angi, and NAHB. Updated March 2026.
Angi — House Repiping Cost Guide
National contractor data on average repiping costs by pipe material, home size, and region
NAHB — Construction Cost Survey
National Association of Home Builders plumbing cost data and labor rate benchmarks
This Old House — Whole House Repipe Guide
Detailed breakdown of repiping process, materials, and cost factors by experienced plumbing experts
Methodology: Base cost = pipe material rate × estimated linear footage (based on sq ft). Fixtures add $150–$400 per connection point. Foundation type multiplier: crawl space 1.0×, basement 1.1×, slab 1.35×. Stories multiplier: 1 story 1.0×, 2 stories 1.15×, 3+ stories 1.3×. Drywall patching estimated at $800–$2,500 depending on scope. Location factor applied to total.
⏱ Last reviewed: March 2026
House Repiping Cost Guide (2025)
Whole house repiping is one of the most significant plumbing projects a homeowner can undertake. Costs vary widely based on pipe material, home size, and accessibility — here's what you need to know to budget accurately.
Cost by Pipe Material
| Material | Material Cost/ft | Avg Total Cost | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEX | $0.50–$2.00 | $4,000–$8,000 | 25–40 yrs | Most homes — flexible, freeze-resistant |
| Copper | $2.50–$5.00 | $8,000–$15,000 | 50–70 yrs | Premium builds, high resale value areas |
| CPVC | $0.50–$1.50 | $3,500–$7,000 | 25–40 yrs | Budget repiping, hot water lines |
| Galvanized (old) | N/A | Replace ASAP | 40–70 yrs | Replace with PEX or copper |
What Drives Repiping Cost
- Home size: Larger homes need more linear footage of pipe. A 1,000 sq ft home uses ~100–150 linear feet; a 3,000 sq ft home uses ~300–450 linear feet.
- Number of fixtures: Each toilet, sink, shower, dishwasher, and washing machine connection adds $150–$400 in labor.
- Foundation type: Slab foundations are the most expensive — pipes run under concrete and may require tunneling ($2,000–$5,000 extra).
- Accessibility: Crawl space access makes repiping faster and cheaper than finished ceilings or walls.
- Drywall patching: Most repipes require cutting into walls — budget $800–$2,500 for professional patching and painting.
💡 Polybutylene Warning: If your home was built between 1978–1995 and has gray plastic pipes (polybutylene/PB), replace them immediately. Polybutylene pipes have a high failure rate and many insurers won't cover homes with PB piping. Replacing PB with PEX is the most common repipe project in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whole house repiping typically costs $4,000–$15,000 for a 1,500–2,500 sq ft home. PEX repiping runs $4,000–$8,000, copper costs $8,000–$15,000, and CPVC runs $3,500–$7,000. Slab foundations, multi-story homes, and high-cost cities can push costs significantly higher. Always get 3 quotes from licensed plumbers.
PEX is the most popular choice today: it costs 30–50% less than copper, is flexible and easier to route around obstacles, resists freezing and corrosion, and requires fewer fittings. Copper lasts longer (50–70 years vs 25–40 for PEX) and is preferred in high-end markets. For most homeowners, PEX offers the best value. CPVC is a middle ground — cheaper than copper but more rigid than PEX.
Most whole house repipes take 2–4 days for a standard 3-bedroom home. Water is shut off during work hours but typically restored each evening. Slab homes or those with difficult access may take 3–5 days. Drywall patching is a separate step that adds 1–2 days. Plan to arrange alternative water arrangements (like filling bathtubs) for work hours during the project.
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover proactive whole-house repiping. If a pipe bursts and causes water damage, insurance typically covers the water damage (flooring, walls, furniture) but not the pipe replacement itself. Some insurers require repiping polybutylene pipes to maintain coverage. Add a service line endorsement to your policy for additional protection.
Key warning signs: discolored or rusty water from faucets, low water pressure throughout the home (not just one fixture), frequent pipe leaks or pinhole leaks, visible corrosion or mineral buildup on pipes, gray polybutylene pipes (common in homes built 1978–1995), or galvanized steel pipes over 40–50 years old. Any of these warrant a professional inspection.
Yes — most jurisdictions require a plumbing permit for whole house repiping. A licensed plumber will typically pull the permit as part of the job. An inspection is usually required after completion. Always use a licensed, insured plumber who pulls proper permits — unpermitted work can cause issues with homeowners insurance and when selling the home.
Related Calculators