How Much Is It to Redo Plumbing in a House? (2024 Cost Guide)

Home ยป How Much Is It to Redo Plumbing in a House? (2024 Cost Guide)

If youโ€™ve noticed low water pressure, discolored water, or frequent leaks, you might be facing a full plumbing overhaul. Many homeowners ask, โ€œHow much is it to redo plumbing in a house?โ€โ€”and for good reason. Replacing your homeโ€™s plumbing is a major investment, but understanding the true costs upfront can save you thousands and prevent costly surprises. In this guide, weโ€™ll break down everything you need to knowโ€”from average prices to hidden factorsโ€”so you can make informed, confident decisions.


What Does โ€œRedoing Plumbingโ€ Actually Mean?

โ€œRedoing plumbingโ€ typically refers to re-pipingโ€”replacing old or damaged water supply lines, drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems, or both throughout your entire home. This isnโ€™t just fixing a leaky faucet; itโ€™s a full-system refresh that may involve tearing into walls, floors, and ceilings.

Common reasons for a full repipe include:

  • Corroded galvanized steel pipes (common in homes built before 1970)
  • Polybutylene pipes (prone to failure; used 1978โ€“1995)
  • Recurring leaks or water damage
  • Low water pressure due to pipe scale buildup

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) , outdated plumbing is a leading cause of insurance claimsโ€”making repiping not just a comfort upgrade, but a safety and financial necessity.


Average Cost to Redo Plumbing in a House (2024 Data)

The national average cost to repipe an entire house ranges from $4,000 to $15,000, with most homeowners paying around $8,500. However, your actual cost depends heavily on several key factors:

House SizeSmall (1,000 sq ft): $4,000โ€“$7,000
Medium (2,000 sq ft): $6,000โ€“$12,000
Large (3,000+ sq ft): $10,000โ€“$15,000+
Pipe MaterialPEX: $0.40โ€“$2.00/ft
Copper: $2.50โ€“$8.00/ft
CPVC: $0.50โ€“$2.50/ft
AccessibilityOpen walls (e.g., during renovation): lower labor
Finished walls: +20โ€“40% for drywall repair
Permits & Inspections$100โ€“$500 (required in most U.S. cities)
Geographic LocationLabor rates vary: e.g., NYC vs. rural Texas

Source: HomeAdvisor, Angi, and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2024 Cost vs. Value Report

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is now the most cost-effective and durable option for most homes. Itโ€™s flexible, freeze-resistant, and installs faster than copperโ€”reducing labor costs by up to 30%.

How Much Is It To Redo Plumbing In A House

How Pipe Material Affects Your Total Cost

Choosing the right pipe material is crucialโ€”not just for upfront cost, but for long-term reliability.

PEX vs. Copper vs. CPVC: A Quick Comparison

Cost per Foot$0.40โ€“$2.00$2.50โ€“$8.00$0.50โ€“$2.50
Lifespan40โ€“50 years50โ€“70 years30โ€“50 years
Installation SpeedFast (no soldering)Slow (requires skilled soldering)Moderate
Freeze ResistanceHighLow (can burst)Moderate
Eco-FriendlinessRecyclable, low energy to produceHighly recyclable but energy-intensiveLess recyclable

While copper has a longer lifespan, PEX dominates modern repiping projects due to its affordability, ease of installation, and resilience. The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) reports that over 60% of new repipes in 2023 used PEX.

For more on piping materials, see Wikipediaโ€™s overview of plumbing systems .


Step-by-Step: What to Expect During a Full Repipe

A professional repipe typically follows this timeline:

  1. Inspection & Quote (Day 1)
    A licensed plumber inspects your system, identifies pipe types, and provides a detailed estimate. Always get 3 quotes.
  2. Permit Application (Day 2โ€“3)
    Your contractor files for permits with your local building department. Required in 95% of U.S. municipalities.
  3. Water Shut-Off & Demolition (Day 4)
    Water is turned off. Small access holes (6″x6″) are cut in walls near fixtures. No need to strip entire rooms.
  4. Pipe Installation (Days 5โ€“7)
    New PEX or copper lines are run from the main supply to each fixture. Drain lines may also be replaced if corroded.
  1. Pressure Testing & Inspection (Day 8)
    System is pressurized for 2+ hours to check for leaks. City inspector verifies code compliance.
  2. Drywall Repair & Cleanup (Days 9โ€“10)
    Holes are patched, sanded, and primed. Some contractors include basic patching; others charge extra.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Avoid โ€œhandymanโ€ plumbers without a state license. The National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors warns that unlicensed work can void home insurance and fail inspections.


Hidden Costs to Watch For

Many homeowners are blindsided by these often-overlooked expenses:

  • Wall/Floor Restoration: $500โ€“$2,000 if you want seamless paint matching.
  • Fixture Upgrades: Replacing old faucets or shower valves during the repipe? Add $200โ€“$800.
  • Mold Remediation: If leaks caused hidden mold, testing/removal can cost $500โ€“$6,000.
  • Emergency Repairs: If a pipe bursts during demo, expect $200โ€“$1,000 in rush fees.

Always ask for a โ€œnot-to-exceedโ€ clause in your contract to cap unexpected costs.


DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: Is It Worth the Risk?

While YouTube makes repiping look simple, this is not a DIY-friendly project. Reasons to hire a licensed plumber:

  • Code Compliance: Plumbing codes vary by state and change yearly.
  • Warranty: Reputable companies offer 10โ€“25 year warranties on materials and labor.
  • Insurance: Licensed plumbers carry liability insuranceโ€”if they flood your home, youโ€™re covered.
  • Time: A pro team finishes in 5โ€“10 days. DIYers often take months (and make costly errors).

The Consumer Reports 2023 Home Services Survey found that 78% of DIY plumbing attempts required professional correction within a year.


FAQ Section

Q: How long does it take to redo plumbing in a house?

A: Most full repipes take 5 to 10 business days, depending on home size and complexity. Youโ€™ll have limited water access during this time, so plan accordingly (e.g., stay with family or use portable showers).

Q: Does homeowners insurance cover repiping?

A: Generally, no. Insurance covers sudden damage (like a burst pipe), not preventative upgrades. However, if polybutylene pipes caused a leak, some insurers may contributeโ€”check your policy.

Q: Can I live in the house during repiping?

A: Yes, but itโ€™s inconvenient. Youโ€™ll lose water for 2โ€“5 days, and there will be dust, noise, and open walls. Many families opt to stay elsewhere for a week.

Q: Will new plumbing increase my homeโ€™s value?

A: Indirectly, yes. Updated plumbing makes your home more attractive to buyers and avoids red flags during inspections. It wonโ€™t add dollar-for-dollar value, but it prevents price reductions.

Q: How do I know if I need to repipe?

A: Signs include: rusty water, frequent leaks, low water pressure, banging pipes (โ€œwater hammerโ€), or a home built before 1990 with original pipes. A video pipe inspection ($150โ€“$300) can confirm internal corrosion.

Q: Whatโ€™s the cheapest way to redo plumbing?

A: Choose PEX piping, schedule work during off-peak seasons (late fall/winter), and bundle with other renovations (e.g., kitchen remodel) to share demolition costs.


Conclusion

Knowing how much it is to redo plumbing in a house empowers you to protect your biggest investmentโ€”your home. While costs range from $4,000 to $15,000, the peace of mind, improved water quality, and prevention of catastrophic leaks make it worthwhile. Always hire a licensed, insured plumber, get multiple quotes, and never skip permits.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with a friend whoโ€™s dealing with leaky pipes! ๐Ÿ’ง
๐Ÿ‘‰ Tag them on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitterโ€”because good plumbing shouldnโ€™t be a mystery.

Disclaimer: Costs vary by location and project scope. Always consult a licensed professional for an accurate estimate.

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