How Much Does It Cost to Replace House Plumbing? (2024 Guide)

If your home’s pipes are leaking, corroded, or causing low water pressure, you might be facing a full plumbing replacement—and wondering, “How much does it cost to replace house plumbing?” You’re not alone. Many U.S. homeowners grapple with aging plumbing systems, especially in houses built before the 1990s. Replacing your plumbing is a major investment, but understanding the real costs, materials, and labor involved can help you budget wisely and avoid costly surprises.

What Does “Replacing House Plumbing” Actually Mean?

Replacing house plumbing—often called a whole-house repipe—means removing old water supply lines (and sometimes drain lines) and installing new ones throughout your home. This isn’t just fixing a leaky faucet; it’s a comprehensive overhaul of your home’s water delivery system.

Most repipes focus on supply lines (hot and cold water entering your fixtures), not the sewer or drain lines, unless there’s significant damage. The scope depends on your home’s age, pipe material, and condition.

According to HomeAdvisor’s 2024 data, the average cost to repipe a house ranges from $4,000 to $15,000, with most homeowners paying around $8,500.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Replacing House Plumbing?

Several variables influence your final bill. Let’s break them down:

1. Size of Your Home

• Small home (1–2 bedrooms): $2,000–$6,000
• Medium home (3 bedrooms): $6,000–$10,000
• Large home (4+ bedrooms): $10,000–$20,000+

More square footage = more pipe = higher labor and material costs.

2. Type of Pipe Material

The material you choose dramatically impacts price and longevity:

PEX is now the most popular choice for repiping due to its affordability and ease of installation.

3. Accessibility of Pipes

If pipes run through finished walls, ceilings, or under slab foundations, labor costs rise significantly. Contractors may need to:

• Cut drywall
• Remove cabinetry
• Patch and repaint surfaces

These “access and restoration” tasks can add $1,500–$5,000 to your total.

4. Permits and Local Labor Rates

Permits are required in most U.S. cities and typically cost $100–$500. Labor rates vary by region—plumbers in New York or California charge more than those in the Midwest.

💡 Pro Tip: Always hire a licensed plumber. Unlicensed work may void your home insurance if a leak occurs later.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Whole-House Repipe?

Understanding the process helps you anticipate timelines and disruptions:

1. Inspection & Estimate (1–2 days)
   A licensed plumber inspects your system, often using a camera for hidden pipes, and provides a detailed quote.
2. Permit Application (1–5 days)
   Your contractor files for permits with the local building department.
3. Shut Off Water & Remove Old Pipes (1–2 days)
   Water is turned off. Old pipes (often galvanized steel or polybutylene) are cut out.
4. Install New Pipes (2–5 days)
   New PEX or copper lines are run from the main shutoff to every fixture. For PEX, a manifold system is often installed for better water pressure control.
5. Restore Walls & Test System (1–2 days)
   Drywall is patched, painted, and fixtures reinstalled. The system undergoes a pressure test (typically 80 psi for 2+ hours) to ensure no leaks.
6. Final Inspection (1 day)
   A city inspector verifies code compliance before you can use the new system.

Total timeline: 5–10 business days for most homes.

Real Cost Examples from U.S. Homeowners (2024)

• Austin, TX (1,800 sq ft, PEX repipe): $7,200
  “Worth every penny—no more rusty water or pressure drops.”
• Chicago, IL (2,400 sq ft, copper repipe): $14,500
  “Expensive, but added value when we sold the house.”
• Phoenix, AZ (1,200 sq ft, slab foundation, PEX): $9,800
  “Had to reroute pipes through attic due to concrete slab—added $2,000.”

These cases show how location, home size, and pipe choice directly impact cost.

For more on plumbing materials and their history, see Wikipedia’s overview of piping systems .

PEX vs. Copper: Which Is Right for You?

Many homeowners ask: Should I go with PEX or copper?

Choose PEX if you:

• Want to save 30–50% on material costs
• Live in a cold climate (PEX expands under freezing conditions)
• Need minimal wall demolition (PEX runs in long, flexible coils)

Choose Copper if you:

• Plan to sell soon (buyers often prefer copper)
• Have concerns about plastic piping longevity
• Live in an area with strict building codes favoring metal

Both meet modern plumbing codes, but PEX dominates new installations—accounting for over 60% of residential repipes in 2024 (Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association).

How to Save Money on a Plumbing Replacement

You don’t have to pay full price. Try these strategies:

• Get 3+ quotes: Prices can vary by 40% between contractors.
• Bundle with other renovations: If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, include repiping to reduce wall restoration costs.
• Ask about financing: Many plumbers offer 0% APR for 12–24 months.
• Check for insurance coverage: Rare, but if a pipe burst causes damage, your homeowner’s policy might cover part of the repipe.

⚠️ Never delay a needed repipe to save money—failing pipes can cause $10,000+ in water damage.

FAQ Section

Q: How long does it take to replace all the plumbing in a house?
A: Most whole-house repipes take 5 to 10 business days, depending on home size, pipe accessibility, and whether walls need repair.

Q: Is repiping covered by homeowners insurance?
A: Typically no—insurance covers sudden damage (like a burst pipe), not preventive upgrades. However, if a pipe failure causes water damage, the resulting repipe might be partially covered.

Q: Can I repipe my house myself?
A: Technically yes, but not recommended. Plumbing requires permits, pressure testing, and code compliance. DIY mistakes can lead to leaks, mold, or failed inspections. Plus, most jurisdictions require licensed work.

Q: How do I know if my house needs repiping?
A: Watch for:

• Frequent leaks
• Discolored (rusty) water
• Low water pressure
• Pipes older than 50 years (especially galvanized steel or polybutylene)

Q: Does repiping increase home value?
A: Yes—especially with copper. Updated plumbing makes your home more attractive to buyers and can prevent lowball offers during inspections.

Q: What’s the cheapest way to repipe a house?
A: Use PEX tubing, limit wall demolition by routing pipes through attics or basements, and schedule work during off-peak seasons (late fall/winter).

Conclusion

Replacing your home’s plumbing is a significant but often necessary investment. While the average cost to replace house plumbing falls between $4,000 and $15,000, the right materials, contractor, and timing can maximize value and minimize stress. More importantly, a new plumbing system delivers peace of mind—no more leaks, better water pressure, and protection against costly water damage.

If this guide helped you understand your options, share it with a friend who’s dealing with old pipes! And don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference—plumbing problems rarely wait for perfect timing.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments below—we’re here to help! 💧🔧