How Much Does a Plumbing Repipe Cost?
Last updated: May 27, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.
Repiping an entire house costs between $5,250 and $12,900, averaging around $9,000 for a typical 2,000-square-foot home with two bathrooms. Pipe material, home size, number of stories, and whether the plumbing runs through a slab foundation all significantly affect the price.
PEX piping has become the most common choice because it costs less and is faster to install than copper, while still meeting code in nearly all areas. Homes with old galvanized steel or polybutylene pipe usually need a full repipe rather than a partial repair.
Quick Answer
Typical range: $5,250 – $12,900
Low end
$4,000
High end
$20,000+
Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.
a Plumbing Repipe Cost Calculator
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Estimated Project Cost
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Typical estimate: —
This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your specific project details and local contractor pricing.
Cost Breakdown
How a typical project budget breaks down by category.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pipe & fittings | $800 – $2,500 |
| Labor | $3,500 – $7,500 |
| Drywall & wall patching | $800 – $2,500 |
| Permit & inspection | $150 – $400 |
What Affects the Cost
Home size and number of fixtures
More square footage and more bathrooms or water-using fixtures mean more pipe runs and connections, increasing both material and labor cost.
Pipe material chosen
PEX is the most budget-friendly modern option and installs faster than rigid pipe. Copper costs considerably more but is preferred by some homeowners for its longevity and resistance to certain types of damage.
Number of stories and foundation type
Multi-story homes and slab-on-grade foundations are more labor-intensive to repipe than a single story with an accessible basement or crawlspace, since pipes often must be rerouted through walls or ceilings.
Age and type of existing pipe
Homes with galvanized steel or polybutylene pipe usually require full removal rather than a partial fix, since both materials are prone to widespread failure once they start degrading.
Wall and floor access
Repiping requires cutting into walls, ceilings, or floors to run new lines, and the resulting drywall, flooring, and paint repairs can be a significant part of the total bill.
Local labor rates and permits
Plumbing labor rates vary by region, and most municipalities require a plumbing permit and inspection for a whole-house repipe.
Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft, 1 bath | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft, 1.5 bath | $5,500 – $9,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft, 2 bath | $7,000 – $12,500 |
| 2,500 sq ft, 2.5 bath | $8,500 – $15,500 |
| 3,000+ sq ft, 3+ bath | $10,500 – $19,000 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself
A whole-house repipe is not a realistic or legal DIY project in most areas since it requires cutting into walls and floors, working around gas and electrical lines, and passing a plumbing inspection tied to a permit. Experienced DIYers sometimes repipe a single small section with PEX, but this is very different from a full-house repipe.
Hiring a professional
A licensed plumber plans the pipe routing to minimize wall and floor damage, pressure-tests all new connections, and coordinates permit and inspection requirements, typically completing a whole-house repipe in 2-5 days.
Bottom line: Hire a licensed plumber for a whole-house repipe — the combination of code requirements, water damage risk, and multi-day scope makes this a job for a professional.
Ways to Save
- Choose PEX over copper if your local code allows it — the material cost difference alone can save thousands on a whole-house repipe.
- Schedule the repipe during other renovation work when walls are already open, which can significantly cut drywall repair costs.
- Repipe in phases if budget is tight, prioritizing the worst pipe material first (polybutylene or galvanized steel).
- Get at least 3 quotes from licensed plumbers, since both labor rates and material markup vary widely.
- Ask about minimal-access techniques, since some plumbers can route new pipe through attics or crawlspaces to reduce the amount of drywall that needs to be cut and patched.
- Check your homeowners insurance policy — some insurers offer incentives or require replacement of known-problem pipe materials like polybutylene.
How We Estimated This Cost
We model each calculator from public price ranges, labor data, material pricing, industry surveys, and the regional adjustment method explained in our methodology. Estimates are reviewed for consumer usefulness, then shown as ranges because local quotes, site conditions, materials, and timing can change the final price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to repipe a house?
The average whole-house repipe costs about $9,000, with most homeowners paying between $5,250 and $12,900 depending on pipe material, home size, and foundation type.
How long does a whole-house repipe take?
Most whole-house repipes take 2-5 days, depending on home size, number of bathrooms, and how accessible the walls and floors are.
Is PEX or copper better for a repipe?
PEX is less expensive, faster to install, and resists freeze-related bursting better than copper, which is why it has become the most common choice. Copper remains a durable, time-tested option preferred by some homeowners despite the higher cost.
How do I know if my house needs to be repiped?
Common signs include frequent leaks, low water pressure, discolored water, and pipe materials like galvanized steel or polybutylene, both of which are known to fail widely as they age.
Will I need to repair walls after a repipe?
In most cases, yes — plumbers need to cut access points into walls or floors to run new pipe, and patching and repainting those areas is typically included as part of the project scope.