How Much Does It Cost to Repipe a House?
If your home is experiencing frequent leaks, rusty water, or low water pressure, it may be time to consider repiping. But how much does it actually cost to repipe a house? The answer depends on a few things, including the size of your home, the type of piping material used, and how easy it is to access your plumbing. Below, we break down everything you need to know about the cost of repiping.
Average Cost to Repipe a House
On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $4,000 and $15,000 to repipe a home. Smaller homes with fewer bathrooms may fall closer to the low end of that range, while larger homes with complex plumbing systems will cost more. In general, the cost per square foot ranges from $2 to $6, and the cost per plumbing fixture (like sinks, showers, and toilets) typically ranges from $250 to $800 each.
Cost Estimates by Home Size
Here’s a quick overview of estimated costs based on the size of your home:
- Small homes (1–2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom): $1,500 – $5,000
- Medium homes (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms): $4,000 – $10,000
- Large homes (4+ bedrooms, 3+ bathrooms): $8,000 – $20,000
These estimates can vary depending on other project details, but they offer a useful starting point for budgeting.
Factors That May Influence the Cost
Several things can impact the total cost of repiping a house:
- Type of Piping Material:
- PEX piping is the most affordable, costing about $0.40 to $0.50 per foot. It’s flexible, durable, and widely used in modern plumbing.
- CPVC piping costs slightly more at $0.50 to $1 per foot, offering good heat resistance and durability.
- Copper piping is the most expensive option, ranging from $2 to $4 per foot, but it’s also long-lasting and corrosion-resistant.
- Accessibility: If your plumbing is hard to reach—like in homes with slab foundations or tight crawl spaces—expect higher labor costs.
- Number of Fixtures: More fixtures mean more piping and higher overall costs.
- Local Labor Rates: Prices can vary based on your location and the availability of licensed plumbers.
- Permits and Inspections: Many cities require permits and inspections for repiping projects, which can add $100 to $1,000 or more to the final bill.
Additional Costs to Consider When Repiping a House
When repiping a house, it’s important to account for other potential expenses. For example, wall repair and painting after the job can cost between $300 and $2,000, depending on how much drywall needs to be replaced. If the existing plumbing has caused any water damage, those repairs will add to your total cost as well.
Why PEX Is a Popular Choice for Home Repiping
When it comes to repiping a house, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) has become the go-to option for many homeowners—and for good reason. It’s flexible, affordable, and easy to install, making it ideal for both new construction and full repiping projects.
Flexible and Easy to Work With
PEX tubing is extremely flexible, which means it can be snaked through walls, around corners, and through tight spaces without the need for as many fittings or connectors. This not only reduces labor time but also minimizes the chances of leaks at connection points. In many cases, PEX can be installed with minimal disruption to your drywall and home structure.
Cost-Effective
One of the biggest benefits of PEX is its cost. PEX piping typically costs around $0.40 to $0.50 per linear foot, significantly less than copper. This makes it an economical choice for homeowners looking to repipe their home without breaking the bank.
Resistant to Corrosion and Scale
Unlike metal pipes, PEX doesn’t corrode or develop scale buildup over time. This means better long-term water quality and fewer maintenance issues down the line.
Performs Well in Cold Weather
PEX has some flexibility to expand if water freezes inside it, making it less likely to burst in cold weather conditions—especially useful for homes in areas that occasionally experience cold snaps.
Quiet Operation
Because PEX is flexible and not rigid like copper, it tends to reduce water hammer noise (the loud knocking sound that happens when water suddenly stops in metal pipes). This leads to a quieter plumbing system overall.
Not Ideal for Outdoor or UV-Exposed Areas
One limitation of PEX is that it shouldn’t be used in direct sunlight or exposed outdoor areas. UV light can degrade the material over time. It’s best used indoors or underground with proper insulation.
When Should You Repipe Your Home?
If your home has old galvanized steel pipes, frequent leaks, discolored water, or noticeable drops in water pressure, it’s likely time to consider a whole-house repipe. It’s also a smart move if you’re doing a major remodel or planning to sell your home, as updated plumbing adds value and peace of mind.
Local Repipe Services in Brevard County, FL
For homeowners in Brevard County, companies like Doug Herrell Plumbing specialize in whole-home repiping and can provide a personalized quote. Whether you’re in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, or surrounding areas, working with a trusted local plumber ensures quality service and code compliance.
What’s Next?
Doug Herrell Plumbing is a trusted leader in Brevard County, Florida, specializing in slab leak detection and re-piping services. Call us today for a free estimate before a slab leak causes unnecessary damage to your property.
About Doug Herrell Plumbing – lic#CFC 048487
Doug Herrell Plumbing has been Brevard County’s source for plumbing services since 1980. We are a family owned and operated business and take tremendous pride in providing honest and reliable plumbing services at an affordable price.
CALL 321-254-0004
Serving Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Suntree, Titusville, Merritt Island, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Rockledge, West Melbourne, Cocoa, and Cocoa Beach.
