What are expert tips for whole-house repipe costs?

Get 3+ quotes and ask each plumber to itemize materials vs labor. This reveals who's overcharging on materials. PEX repipes are significantly cheaper and faster than copper. Unless you specifically want copper for longevity or resale, PEX is the value choice. Ask if drywall patching is included. Some plumbers include it, others leave holes for you to patch. If you have polybutylene pipes, check with your insurance company. Some require disclosure and may adjust premiums or refuse coverage.

What mistakes should I avoid with whole-house repipe costs?

Doing a partial repipe to save money when the whole system is failing. The remaining old pipes will be the next failure. Choosing the lowest bid without verifying the plumber is licensed, insured, and will pull permits. Not planning for the disruption. A repipe means no water for hours each day, holes in walls, and noise. Plan to be out of the house during work days. Skipping the permit. Unpermitted plumbing work can cause problems when selling the home and may void insurance coverage.

Whole-House Repipe Costs | The Plumbing Directory

Overview

A whole-house repipe is one of the biggest plumbing investments a homeowner can make. It's also one of the most impactful -- replacing corroded galvanized or failing polybutylene pipes with modern PEX or copper eliminates leaks, improves water pressure, and adds decades of reliable service. The cost depends on house size, pipe material, number of fixtures, and access.

Cost Breakdown

PEX Repipe

Average cost: $4,000-$8,000 for a typical 1,500-2,500 sq ft home. PEX is the most affordable repipe option because the material is cheap and installation is fast. A PEX repipe can often be completed in 1-2 days. The flexible tubing routes through walls with fewer connections and no soldering.

Copper Repipe

Average cost: $8,000-$15,000+ for a typical home. Copper costs 2-3x more in materials and takes longer to install (soldering each joint). A copper repipe typically takes 3-5 days. The premium buys a 50+ year lifespan and higher resale value -- copper piping is considered a selling point.

What's Included

A full repipe replaces all supply lines from the main shutoff to every fixture. It typically includes: new hot and cold supply lines, new shut-off valves at every fixture, connections to all fixtures and appliances, wall patching where pipes were accessed (drywall repair, not painting), and code inspection.

What Drives Cost Up

Multi-story homes cost more (harder access, more pipe). Slab foundations cost more (pipes may run under concrete, requiring tunneling or rerouting through attic/walls). Finished basements add cost (drywall removal and repair). Number of fixtures -- each bathroom, kitchen, and appliance connection adds cost. Permit and inspection fees ($100-$500 depending on area).

When Repiping Is Necessary

Galvanized steel pipes (pre-1960s homes): corroding internally, restricting flow, and leaching rust into water. Polybutylene pipes (1978-1995): known to crack and fail without warning -- many insurers won't cover homes with poly pipe. Lead pipes: health hazard requiring removal. Multiple leak repairs in different locations: the system is failing, not just one spot.

Pro Tips

Get 3+ quotes and ask each plumber to itemize materials vs labor. This reveals who's overcharging on materials.
PEX repipes are significantly cheaper and faster than copper. Unless you specifically want copper for longevity or resale, PEX is the value choice.
Ask if drywall patching is included. Some plumbers include it, others leave holes for you to patch.
If you have polybutylene pipes, check with your insurance company. Some require disclosure and may adjust premiums or refuse coverage.

Mistakes to Avoid

Doing a partial repipe to save money when the whole system is failing. The remaining old pipes will be the next failure.
Choosing the lowest bid without verifying the plumber is licensed, insured, and will pull permits.
Not planning for the disruption. A repipe means no water for hours each day, holes in walls, and noise. Plan to be out of the house during work days.
Skipping the permit. Unpermitted plumbing work can cause problems when selling the home and may void insurance coverage.

When to Call a Pro

A whole-house repipe is always a professional job. It requires permits, code compliance, and expertise in routing pipes through an existing home's structure. Get quotes from at least 3 licensed plumbers.

Bottom Line

PEX repipe: $4,000-$8,000. Copper repipe: $8,000-$15,000+. The investment eliminates leaks, restores water pressure, and adds 25-50+ years of reliable plumbing. If you have galvanized or polybutylene pipes, repiping isn't optional -- it's a matter of when, not if.

Whole-House Repipe Costs