Whole house repipe cost
Replacing all the water supply pipes in a typical home costs about $4.50 per square foot, or $4,500 to $11,250 for a 1,000 to 2,500 square foot house. PEX is the cheapest and most common choice; copper costs more but lasts longer in many water conditions.
Quick answer
$7,500typical whole-house repipe
Most homeowners pay $4,500 to $11,250 to repipe a 1,000 to 2,500 square foot home. Small homes and mobile homes cost $1,500 to $4,000, while large multistory homes with copper can exceed $20,000.
Cost by home size
Labor is about 70% of a repipe. The number of bathrooms, the number of floors and access through an attic or crawl space matter as much as square footage.
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| 800 sq ft | $3,600 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $4,500 |
| 1,200 sq ft | $5,400 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $6,750 |
| 1,600 sq ft | $7,200 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $9,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $11,250 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $13,500 |
PEX vs. copper vs. CPVC
| Material | Per foot |
|---|---|
| PEX | $0.40 – $4 |
| CPVC | $0.50 – $3 |
| Copper | $2 – $12 |
PEX
- Lowest total cost
- Flexible, fewer fittings and wall openings
- Resists freeze bursts better
- Must be kept out of direct sunlight
Copper
- Long track record
- Recyclable and heat resistant
- Higher material and labor cost
- Can corrode in acidic water
What plumbers charge for this job
Most of the price of a plumbing job is labor. Licensed plumbers in the U.S. typically charge $45 to $150 per hour, and many add a $50 to $200 service call fee that often covers the first hour. Expect evening, weekend and holiday visits to cost noticeably more; emergency hourly rates commonly run $150 to $350. Master plumbers and plumbers in high-cost metro areas sit at the top of these ranges.
Before work starts, ask whether the quote is a flat price for the whole job or an hourly estimate, and whether parts, permits and haul-away are included. See Plumber rates per hour and Emergency plumber cost for the full breakdown.
Drywall, permits and other costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Permit | $50 – $500 |
| Re-inspection if needed | $25 – $150 |
| Drywall patching, small | about $300 |
| Drywall repair, larger projects | $900+ |
| Main water line replacement (if added) | $600 – $2,500 |
When should you repipe?
- Galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes
- Repeated pinhole leaks in copper
- Rusty or discolored water
- Low water pressure throughout the house
- Two or more slab leaks
Can you repipe a house yourself?
Repiping requires a permit, inspection and opening walls throughout the home. Experienced DIYers sometimes run PEX, but most homeowners hire a licensed plumber so the work passes inspection and carries a warranty.
How to save on repiping
- Choose PEX unless your area or water conditions favor copper.
- Ask whether drywall patching is included or priced separately.
- Repipe before remodeling, while walls are already open.
- Get three quotes from companies that specialize in repiping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to repipe a house?
Most single-family homes take two to five days, plus a day or two for drywall repair.
Is PEX as good as copper?
PEX is now the most common choice for repiping. It costs less and resists freezing; copper lasts a long time but costs more and can corrode in some water conditions.
Can I stay in my house during a repipe?
Usually yes. Water is typically shut off only during working hours.
Sources
Prices are national estimates for 2026 based on published cost surveys and labor data. Your local price can be higher or lower. FairFix Costs is not a plumbing contractor; read our disclaimer.