If youโve noticed low water pressure, discolored water, or frequent leaks, you might be facing a full plumbing overhaul. Many homeowners ask, โHow much is it to redo plumbing in a house?โโand for good reason. Replacing your homeโs plumbing is a major investment, but understanding the true costs upfront can save you thousands and prevent costly surprises. In this guide, weโll break down everything you need to knowโfrom average prices to hidden factorsโso you can make informed, confident decisions.
What Does โRedoing Plumbingโ Actually Mean?
โRedoing plumbingโ typically refers to re-pipingโreplacing old or damaged water supply lines, drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems, or both throughout your entire home. This isnโt just fixing a leaky faucet; itโs 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 1978โ1995)
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 Size
Small (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+
Open walls (e.g., during renovation): lower labor Finished walls: +20โ40% for drywall repair
Permits & Inspections
$100โ$500 (required in most U.S. cities)
Geographic Location
Labor rates vary: e.g., NYC vs. rural Texas
Source: HomeAdvisor, Angi, and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2024 Cost vs. Value Report
๐ก Pro Tip: PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is now the most cost-effective and durable option for most homes. Itโs flexible, freeze-resistant, and installs faster than copperโreducing labor costs by up to 30%.
How Pipe Material Affects Your Total Cost
Choosing the right pipe material is crucialโnot 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
Lifespan
40โ50 years
50โ70 years
30โ50 years
Installation Speed
Fast (no soldering)
Slow (requires skilled soldering)
Moderate
Freeze Resistance
High
Low (can burst)
Moderate
Eco-Friendliness
Recyclable, low energy to produce
Highly recyclable but energy-intensive
Less 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.
A professional repipe typically follows this timeline:
Inspection & Quote (Day 1) A licensed plumber inspects your system, identifies pipe types, and provides a detailed estimate. Always get 3 quotes.
Permit Application (Day 2โ3) Your contractor files for permits with your local building department. Required in 95% of U.S. municipalities.
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.
Pipe Installation (Days 5โ7) New PEX or copper lines are run from the main supply to each fixture. Drain lines may also be replaced if corroded.
Pressure Testing & Inspection (Day 8) System is pressurized for 2+ hours to check for leaks. City inspector verifies code compliance.
Drywall Repair & Cleanup (Days 9โ10) Holes are patched, sanded, and primed. Some contractors include basic patching; others charge extra.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Avoid โhandymanโ 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 โnot-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 10โ25 year warranties on materials and labor.
Insurance: Licensed plumbers carry liability insuranceโif they flood your home, youโre covered.
Time: A pro team finishes in 5โ10 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. Youโll 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 contributeโcheck your policy.
Q: Can I live in the house during repiping?
A: Yes, but itโs inconvenient. Youโll lose water for 2โ5 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 homeโs value?
A: Indirectly, yes. Updated plumbing makes your home more attractive to buyers and avoids red flags during inspections. It wonโt 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 (โwater hammerโ), or a home built before 1990 with original pipes. A video pipe inspection ($150โ$300) can confirm internal corrosion.
Q: Whatโs 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 investmentโyour 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 whoโs dealing with leaky pipes! ๐ง ๐ Tag them on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitterโbecause good plumbing shouldnโt be a mystery.
Disclaimer: Costs vary by location and project scope. Always consult a licensed professional for an accurate estimate.
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