Cost of Replumbing a 3-Bedroom House: What to Expect in 2025

If your 3-bedroom home is showing signs of aging pipes—low water pressure, discolored water, or frequent leaks—it might be time to consider a full replumb. But how much does it really cost to replumb a 3-bedroom house? You’re not alone in asking this. Many U.S. homeowners face the same uncertainty, especially with rising material and labor costs in 2025. In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of replumbing a 3-bedroom house, what influences that price, and how to get the best value—without cutting corners on quality or safety.

What Is the Average Cost to Replumb a 3-Bedroom House in 2025?

The cost of replumbing a 3-bedroom house in the United States typically ranges from $4,000 to $15,000, with a national average of $8,500, according to HomeAdvisor and Angi’s 2025 cost data. However, this number can swing dramatically depending on several factors:

• Pipe material (PEX vs. copper vs. CPVC)
• Accessibility (slab foundation vs. crawl space)
• Geographic location (urban vs. rural labor rates)
• Extent of work (partial vs. full repipe)

For example, a full copper repipe in California may cost up to $20,000 due to high labor rates, while a PEX-only repipe in Texas could come in under $6,000.

💡 Tip: Always get at least three quotes from licensed plumbers with verifiable reviews.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Replumbing?

Understanding the variables helps you control costs and avoid surprises. Here’s what impacts your bill:

1. Type of Plumbing Material

• PEX (cross-linked polyethylene): $0.50–$2.50 per linear foot. Flexible, easy to install, and freeze-resistant. Most cost-effective for full-house jobs.
• Copper: $2–$8 per linear foot. Durable and long-lasting (50+ years) but expensive and labor-intensive.
• CPVC: $0.50–$1.50 per linear foot. Similar to PEX but less flexible. Often used in hot-water lines.

According to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, PEX is now the #1 choice for residential repipes due to its balance of cost, durability, and ease of installation.

2. Home Layout & Accessibility

A 3-bedroom ranch on a crawl space is far easier (and cheaper) to replumb than a 2-story home on a concrete slab. Slab foundations often require jackhammering or rerouting pipes through walls—adding $2,000–$5,000 to the total.

3. Labor Costs by Region

• Midwest & South: $45–$75/hour
• Northeast & West Coast: $80–$120/hour

Urban areas like New York or San Francisco may charge 30–50% more than national averages.

4. Permits and Inspections

Most municipalities require permits for full repipes. Permit fees range from $100 to $500, and skipping this step can void your home insurance if future water damage occurs.

PEX vs. Copper vs. CPVC: Which Is Best for Your Home?

Verdict: For most homeowners, PEX offers the best balance of affordability, durability, and ease of installation—especially in retrofits.

📌 Fun fact: PEX piping was first used in Europe in the 1970s and adopted widely in the U.S. after 2000. Learn more about its history on Wikipedia.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Full Replumb?

A professional repipe isn’t just “swapping pipes.” Here’s what to expect:

1. Inspection & Quote (1–2 days)
   Plumber assesses pipe condition, layout, and water pressure. Uses camera scopes if needed.
2. Permit Application (1–5 days)
   Your plumber (or you) submits plans to the local building department.
3. Shut Off Water & Demolition (Day 1)
   Water main is turned off. Small wall sections (6″x6″) are cut near fixtures.
4. Install New Pipes (2–4 days)
   PEX lines are run from the main shutoff to each fixture. Manifold systems allow individual room control.
5. Pressure Testing (Day 5)
   System is pressurized for 2+ hours to check for leaks.
6. Inspection & Drywall Repair (Days 6–7)
   City inspector approves work. Drywall patches are smoothed and prepped for paint.

⏱️ Total Timeline: 5–10 days for a 3-bedroom home, depending on crew size and complexity.

How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

• Bundle with other renovations: If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, do the repipe at the same time to avoid duplicate drywall work.
• Choose PEX over copper: You can save 30–50% on materials alone.
• Get seasonal quotes: Many plumbers offer discounts in late fall or winter when demand is lower.
• Ask about payment plans: Reputable companies often partner with financing services like Hearth or GreenSky.

When Should You Replumb Your Home?

Consider a full repipe if your house has:

• Galvanized steel pipes (common in homes built before 1960) – prone to rust and clogs.
• Polybutylene pipes (gray plastic, used 1978–1995) – known to fail prematurely.
• Frequent leaks, low pressure, or water discoloration.
• Age: If your plumbing is over 50 years old, proactive replacement prevents emergency flooding.

🛑 Warning: Ignoring old pipes can lead to burst lines, mold, and structural damage—costing 5x more in emergency repairs.

FAQ: Cost of Replumbing a 3-Bedroom House

Q1: How long does replumbing a 3-bedroom house take?
A: Typically 5 to 10 days, including inspection and drywall patching. PEX installations are faster than copper.

Q2: Does homeowners insurance cover repiping?
A: No, if it’s preventive. Insurance only covers sudden, accidental damage (e.g., a burst pipe)—not aging infrastructure.

Q3: Can I live in the house during the repipe?
A: Yes, but you’ll be without running water for 2–4 days. Some crews schedule water shutoffs in stages to minimize disruption.

Q4: Will replumbing increase my home’s value?
A: Indirectly, yes. Updated plumbing makes your home more attractive to buyers and can prevent appraisal issues during sale.

Q5: What’s the cheapest way to replumb?
A: Using PEX tubing with a manifold system installed through attic or basement access points—minimizing wall damage.

Q6: Do I need a permit to replumb my house?
A: Almost always, yes. Permits ensure work meets local plumbing codes and are required for legal resale.

Conclusion

Replumbing a 3-bedroom house is a significant investment—but one that protects your home, health, and wallet in the long run. With average costs between $4,000 and $15,000 in 2025, careful planning, material selection, and contractor vetting can help you stay on budget while ensuring decades of reliable plumbing.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend who’s facing plumbing issues—or pin it for your next home project! 💧
And remember: when it comes to your home’s plumbing, proactive is always cheaper than reactive.

Stay informed. Stay dry.