How Much Does It Cost to Repipe a House?
Repiping your house is one of the most important investments you can make, especially when dealing with aging pipes, chronic leaks, or low water pressure. It’s especially important to look out for signs if you live in a home that is 20 years old or older.
Now, the looming question: The average cost to repipe a house ranges from $4,000 to $15,000+, depending on a few key variables:
- Size of the home
- Number of fixtures
- Pipe material used (copper vs. PEX)
- Accessibility of the plumbing
- Local code requirements and permits
Larger houses with more bathrooms and complex layouts may be on the higher end, while smaller homes with accessible piping could be more affordable. Let’s break down the factors that dictate the total cost of repiping a house and how to make an informed decision for your job.
Home Size 4962_f51b12-99> |
Estimated Cost 4962_87667f-86> |
Additional Notes 4962_814a21-17> |
---|---|---|
Small (1-2 bath) 4962_94562b-2c> |
$4,000-$6,500 4962_632666-f5> |
PEX or CPVC recommended 4962_4ec4fd-12> |
Medium (2-3 bath) 4962_10e2f2-b8> |
$6,500-$9,500 4962_d5870a-c0> |
Depends on access and fixture count 4962_02b7a0-95> |
Large (3+ bath) 4962_8b1f71-d1> |
$10,000-$15,000 4962_2f7686-ec> |
Copper repipes or multi-story homes on the high end 4962_3fbe6e-d6> |
What impacts the cost to repipe a house?
Every home is different, and so is every repipe. Here are the top factors that impact cost:
1. Type of piping Material
To learn more about the typical cost of piping materials, check out our article comparing PEX and copper piping.
- Copper piping is durable but more expensive. Cost can also increase due to labor time because of soldering and rigid installation.
- PEX piping is flexible, affordable, and often easier to install. We recommend this for smaller, more modern homes.
If you’re unsure which piping material is best for your home, a licensed plumber should be able to educate you on your options and find the best fit.
2. Size and Layout of the Home
More square footage, stories, and fixtures = more water lines and longer pipe runs, which means more labor and material costs.
The cost of a repiping job for a one-story with one bathroom will be way different than for a two-story with 3+ bathrooms.
3. Wall and Floor Accessibility
Easier access to your pipes means fewer drywall cuts and less repair work afterward.
On the other hand, if plumbing runs behind walls, under slabs, or in crawlspaces, this increases labor costs. This is more common in older homes that were built without taking modern plumbing access in mind.
4. Additional Services Needed
If you have existing pinhole leaks, slab leaks, or need to relocate fixtures, this can add to the project scope.
Some homes may also require upgrades to match your new system, like new shutoff valves or water heater adjustments.
What’s Included in a Full House Repipe?
When you schedule a full house repipe, you’re not just getting new pipes. Here’s what’s typically included in a professional repiping job:
- Replacement of hot and cold water lines throughout the home
- Connection to all major plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks, tubs, showers)
- Installation of new shut-off valves where needed
- Wall patching after pipe replacement (if required)
- Permit acquisition and inspection coordination
- Cleanup and removal of old piping
Some plumbers may charge extra for wall repair or fixture upgrades. Be sure to ask for a detailed scope in your estimate.
Signs You May Need to Repipe Your House
Read our full guide on signs you may need repiping here. Below or common issues that indicate you may be due for a repiping:
- Rusty or discolored water
- Frequent leaks or pinhole leaks
- Low water pressure
- Visible corrosion on pipes
- Plumbing is more than 20+ years old
Financing your house repipe
We understand that a full repipe is a major home investment. That’s why Pipe It Right partners with third-party financing providers to offer affordable financing for qualified homeowners.
If you’re in Southern California and in need of home repiping, ask us about your options during your free in-home evaluation.
Repiping In Southern California: What You Should Know
Southern California presents a few unique variables for house repiping:
- Hard water is common in many areas, especially in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, which can shorten the life of old pipes
- Earthquake activity can affect the lifespan and integrity of rigid copper systems in older homes
- Coastal cities face more corrosion due to salt air exposure
- Cities like Los Angeles and San Diego may require stricter inspections and permits
Pro tip: If your plumbing is 20+ years old and you’re already dealing with leaks, it’s often more cost-effective to do a complete repipe than to keep patching failing systems.
Why Southern California Homeowners Choose Pipe It Right
- No subcontractors– your repipe is handled 100% by our licensed team
- Fast turnaround– many homes are completed in just 1-3 days
- Lifetime warranty on repiping systems
- Transparent pricing with no surprise add-ons
Ready for a Repiping Quote You Can Trust?
Still wondering how much it costs to repipe a house in your area? If you’re in Southern California, let us walk you through the repiping process with expert guidance and competitive pricing.
Schedule your free estimate today. Contact Pipe It Right and get the facts before you commit.