Thinking about relocating your shower but worried about the price tag? You’re not alone. Many homeowners ask, “How much does it cost to move shower plumbing?”—especially when renovating a bathroom or reconfiguring a layout. Whether you’re chasing a dream spa-like bathroom or simply optimizing space, understanding the true cost (and hidden factors) can save you time, stress, and hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
Why Does Moving Shower Plumbing Cost So Much?
Moving shower plumbing isn’t just about rerouting pipes—it’s a complex process that often involves tearing into walls, floors, or ceilings, rerouting water supply and drainage lines, and ensuring everything meets local building codes.
According to HomeAdvisor’s 2025 data, the average cost to move shower plumbing ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, but it can climb as high as $10,000+ in complex scenarios (e.g., slab foundations or historic homes). The wide range stems from several key variables:
- Distance of the move (even a few feet matters)
- Home’s foundation type (slab vs. crawl space vs. basement)
- Accessibility of existing pipes
- Permit and inspection requirements
- Labor rates in your area
💡 Pro Tip: A move under 3 feet typically costs less than $2,000. Beyond that, costs rise sharply due to additional materials and labor.
Key Factors That Affect Shower Plumbing Relocation Costs
1. Foundation Type Matters Most
- Slab foundation: Most expensive. Requires cutting into concrete to access drain lines. Costs often start at $3,000–$7,000.
- Crawl space or basement: Easier access = lower cost. Expect $1,500–$4,000.
- Second-floor bathroom: Drain lines may need rerouting through walls or ceilings—moderate difficulty ($2,000–$5,000).
2. Distance & Direction of the Move
Moving a shower horizontally (along the same wall) is cheaper than moving it perpendicular or to a new wall. Why? Drain lines rely on gravity and must maintain a ¼-inch-per-foot slope toward the main stack—per plumbing code (see International Plumbing Code ).
⚠️ Warning: Ignoring slope requirements leads to slow drains or backups—costing more in repairs later.
3. Material Choices
- PVC or ABS pipes: Standard for drains—affordable and durable.
- PEX or copper: Used for water supply lines. PEX is cheaper and easier to install.
- Upgraded fixtures (e.g., rain showerheads, body jets): Add $200–$1,500+ but don’t affect plumbing relocation cost directly.
4. Permits & Inspections
Most U.S. municipalities require permits for plumbing changes. Fees range from $50 to $300, but skipping them risks fines or failed home inspections later.
Average Cost Breakdown (2025)
| Labor (plumber) | $800 | $3,500 |
| Materials (pipes, fittings, etc.) | $200 | $800 |
| Wall/floor repair & patching | $300 | $1,200 |
| Permits & inspections | $50 | $300 |
| Total | $1,350 | $5,800+ |
Note: Costs assume a standard 2–4 ft move in a home with accessible plumbing.
Step-by-Step: What Happens When You Move Shower Plumbing?
- Consultation & Planning
A licensed plumber assesses your layout, checks for obstructions (ducts, wiring), and designs a new route that complies with code. - Shut Off Water & Drain Lines
The main water supply is turned off. Existing pipes are drained to prevent leaks. - Demolition
Drywall, tile, or flooring is carefully removed to expose plumbing. Save usable tiles if possible—they reduce replacement costs. - Reroute Supply & Drain Lines
- Supply lines: PEX tubing is run from the main line to the new shower valve.
- Drain line: A new 2-inch PVC pipe is installed with proper slope (¼” per foot).
- Venting: A vent pipe must connect within 5 feet of the P-trap to prevent sewer gases.
- Pressure & Drain Testing
The system is tested for leaks (water pressure test) and proper drainage (water flow test). - Inspection
Local building inspector verifies code compliance before walls are closed. - Reconstruction
Walls, tile, and flooring are restored—often by a separate contractor.
🛠️ Timeframe: Most jobs take 2–5 days, depending on complexity.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: Is It Worth the Risk?
While YouTube makes plumbing look simple, moving shower plumbing is not a beginner DIY project. Mistakes can lead to:
- Hidden leaks (causing mold or structural damage)
- Improper venting (sewer odors in your home)
- Failed inspections (delaying your renovation)
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that 68% of major plumbing issues in renovated homes stem from unlicensed DIY work.
✅ Recommendation: Hire a licensed, insured plumber with bathroom remodel experience. Ask for references and verify their license via your state’s contractor board.
How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
- Minimize distance: Keep the new shower within 3 feet of the original location.
- Bundle with other work: If you’re already remodeling the bathroom, moving plumbing during demolition saves labor costs.
- Choose PEX over copper: PEX is 30–50% cheaper and faster to install.
- Get 3+ quotes: Prices vary widely—compare line-item estimates, not just totals.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I move my shower without moving the drain?
A: Technically yes—but it’s rarely practical. The shower pan must align with the drain. Even a small offset requires a custom base or expensive slope adjustments.
Q: How long does it take to move shower plumbing?
A: Typically 2–5 days. Slab foundations or complex layouts may take a week or more.
Q: Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing relocation?
A: No. Insurance covers sudden damage (e.g., burst pipes), not voluntary renovations.
Q: Can I move a shower to where a toilet was?
A: Often yes! Toilets and showers share similar drain sizes (3″ vs. 2″), but you’ll need to cap the toilet flange and install a new P-trap for the shower.
Q: Will moving my shower increase home value?
A: It can—if it improves functionality (e.g., converting a tub to a walk-in shower in a master bath). However, removing the only tub in a home may deter families.
Q: What’s the cheapest way to “move” a shower?
A: Consider a shower conversion kit (e.g., turning a tub into a shower in place). This avoids plumbing relocation entirely and costs $800–$2,500.
Conclusion
Now you know the real answer to “How much does it cost to move shower plumbing?”—and more importantly, what drives those costs. While it’s rarely cheap, smart planning, choosing the right pro, and minimizing distance can keep your project on budget.
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, share this guide with your contractor—or with friends who are! Got questions? Drop them in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this post on Pinterest or Facebook to help others avoid costly plumbing surprises!
💬 Your Turn: Have you moved your shower? What was your experience—and your final cost? We’d love to hear your story!
Leave a Reply