How Much Does a Whole House Repipe Cost?

How Much Should A Repipe Cost?

Here at Repipe Specialists, most of our repipes fall somewhere between $4,500 for a two-bedroom, one-bath house, and up to $15,000 for a much larger, more complicated job. Further down in this article, we review key factors to consider when comparing repipe quotes.

If you are researching repipe pricing for large multi-family properties (HOA's, condos, apartments, etc), then visit our Multi-Family Division site. Repipe Specialists' Multi-Family Division can provide quotations on complex multi-unit projects; including project management support across tenant units and project financing.

Key Factors That Influence Residential Repipe Pricing:

1. Type of Piping Material: The main piping options are copper pipes or PEX tubing, with PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) often being significantly less expensive than copper. For more information about PEX pipes, read our article: Is PEX a Good Choice for Repiping?
2. Pipe Quality and Specification: The quality and cost of plumbing materials can vary widely. Copper comes in a variety of different thicknesses and grades, and some non-US suppliers have been known to have inconsistent manufacturing quality. PEX tubing is also made by various companies with varying quality levels. At Repipe Specialists, we only use Uponor PEX-A tubing and American-made Grade L copper pipes, both backed by lifetime warranties.
3. Types of Connectors and Fittings: There are many types and grades of fittings and connectors used in a repipe project, including pressure regulators, shut-off valves, and tube connecting systems.
4. The Number of Plumbing Fixtures and Outlets: Showers, faucets, toilets, laundry facilities, etc.
5. The Total Linear Feet of Plumbing required.
6. Accessibility of Plumbing: Labor costs can vary greatly depending on the plumbing's accessibility. Features like attics, raised foundations, open sub-flooring, basements, or standard hollow wall construction (drywall over wood framing) can reduce the labor costs involved in running new pipes.

7. Included Services and Common Add-ons: These might include drywall repair and painting, new water heaters, pressure regulators, main service lines from street to house, repipe permit coordination, and expectations around cleanup and protection (e.g., plastic sheeting and floor coverings to protect home interiors).
8. And finally, the type of plumbing company used for the repipe: Specialist repiping companies can usually complete a repipe at a lower cost than a generalist plumber. Here at Repipe Specialists, we've found our quotes are often as much as half the cost of some generalist plumber quotes. For more information, you can read our article: Choosing a Repipe Company: Specialists vs General Plumbers.

Our local repipe consultants can provide you with a fixed price quote, with a clearly specified scope-of-work and material specifications. Contact us by phone or email to arrange a free consult.

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Repair vs Repipe: Which Is More Cost-Effective?

If you've experienced one or more leaks, you are faced with a choice: continue repairing each leak as it happens, or opt for a complete replumbing of your home. Which option is more cost-effective?

When deciding between repair vs repipe, the most important factor is determining whether your plumbing problem is a systemic problem or just a localized issue.

If you have a systemic plumbing issue, there's virtually no scenario where repairing a pipe is more cost-effective than a full home repipe.

If your plumbing issue involves pipe leaks, one failure often leads to more. Water damage remediation (or mold remediation in the case of a slow leak) is almost always more expensive—and more disruptive—than a repipe. That's without even factoring in the cumulative costs of successive plumbing repairs.

If clogged or corroded water pipes cause your plumbing issue, leading to low pressure and rusty water, you should consider a repipe as your only viable solution.

When low water pressure and low flow are caused by constricted plumbing—such as old, corroded galvanized plumbing—it's common to increase the pressure setting on the water pressure regulator. While this may temporarily improve flow and pressure, it doesn't address the root problem and raises the risk of pipe leaks because of the higher-than-normal pressure.

Many customers have told us they wish they had known earlier how easy and affordable a whole-home repipe can be, after spending so much money on successive repairs and water damage.

We've perfected our One Stop Repipe™ process and can typically complete a whole home repipe in just one or two days. We manage everything, including drywall repairs and building permits, and we always make sure to turn your water back on at the end of the day if the job takes longer than a day.

To take the sting out of unexpected repipe costs, we also offer several financing options, including a Nothing Down, No Interest offer, on approved credit. Repiping will guarantee your peace of mind and save you money in the long run.

Signs of Systemic Plumbing Issues

• Copper Pinhole Leaks: A copper pinhole leak indicates the copper piping has corroded internally, making it highly unlikely that the problem is isolated to just one section of pipe.
• Multiple Connection Leaks: If you've noticed more than one leak at pipe connections, then chances are high that you either have a defective plumbing connection system or your plumbing is approaching the end of its lifespan.
• Slab Foundation Leaks: These leaks can be the result of a pipe failure (such as corrosion), or a shift in the slab, leading to mechanical failure in the piping. In either case, if you've experienced one slab leak, your best option is to reroute the plumbing, bypassing the slab completely.

• Low Pressure or Low Flow at Multiple Outlets: If the municipal pressure is high and your home's water pressure regulator is working properly, you most likely have constricted flow water pipes due to corrosion and/or sediment buildup.
• Rusty or Discolored Water: Check if your water source—whether from a well or municipal water supply—is clear. Rusty or discolored water usually comes from corroded galvanized pipes. You can read more about this in our article: Should I Replace My Galvanized Plumbing?
• The Age of Your Plumbing System: While all plumbing systems have an expected lifespan, actual longevity can vary significantly, even among the same material. This means that published life expectancies serve only as general guidelines. For instance, hard water with high mineral content can reduce the lifespan of a system by decades.

Our experienced local estimators would be happy to help you determine if you have a systemic issue that would benefit from a repipe. Contact us for a free consult.

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Choosing a Repipe Company: Specialists vs General Plumbers

Whole-home potable water repiping is just one of many services that general plumbing companies offer. These companies tackle various tasks, from clearing blocked drains and repairing dripping faucets to larger projects like installing new plumbing for a bathroom remodel.

They address all aspects of home plumbing systems; including gas, sewer, vent lines, fixtures, irrigation systems, etc. Generalist plumbing technicians typically work alone or in pairs, which requires them to keep their vans well-stocked and to have a diverse skill set.

In contrast, when a company specializes in whole-home repiping (as we do here at Repipe Specialists) they can focus all their efforts on excelling at that one service.

At Repipe Specialists, we can deliver a whole home repipe at a lower overall cost, provide a more convenient experience, and do it at a quality standard that is equivalent to or better than a generalist plumber.

How Does Repipe Specialists Offer Quality Repipes at Lower Costs?

1. Our repipe crews work in teams, with sufficient manpower to get the job done in one or two days. This teamwork often reduces overall man-hours and lowers average labor costs. With a diverse range of experience and skills, our teams are more efficient than plumbing crews consisting of one or two fully qualified plumbers. Additionally, at Repipe Specialists, we always assign an onsite foreman to each repipe crew.
2. Crews only need repiping-specific van stock and tools (a small subset of what a generalist plumber needs to carry). This is a significant operational cost saving.
3. As a national company dedicated solely to repiping, we can purchase repipe materials in bulk at lower prices than generalist plumbers, passing these direct savings on to our customers.
4. Because our crews specialize and complete several repipes each week, they naturally gain experience that allows them to work more efficiently and cost-effectively than plumbers who only perform whole-home repipes occasionally.
5. Additionally, all our crews undergo a repipe certification process that includes thorough online and on-site training. This certification ensures that every crew follows the best practices outlined in our standardized One Stop Repipe™ process, developed and refined over more than 30 years and 75,000+ repipes of experience.

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Comparing Repipe Quotes? Factors To Consider

Comparing repipe quotes from different companies can be tricky, and you want to ensure you are not comparing apples to oranges.

Key Factors to Consider When Comparing Repipe Quotes:

• Pipe and Connector Type Specifications: You can't directly compare a copper repipe to a PEX repipe quote, and not all copper pipes or PEX tubing are of equal quality. Different pipe connection methods also vary. Ensure you get specific details on materials and connection methods in writing as part of your quote. Also have your estimator explain their recommendations for material grades and types.
• Angle Stops/Compression Valves and Supply Lines: This detail is often where companies may cut corners. Angle stops are the shut-off valves at each fixture in your home, while supply lines are the short lengths of tube connecting the angle stop to the fixture. High-quality angle stops will last longer, be less prone to leaks, and function properly when you need them to.
• Pressure Regulator Valve: In areas with high municipal water pressure, homes typically have a pressure-reducing valve.
• Cleanup & Site Protection Practices: Ensure you have in writing what the plumber will do to protect your home during the repipe and the condition they will leave it in upon completion. At Repipe Specialists, we place floor coverings and plastic sheeting on all surfaces and furniture, then thoroughly clean up after ourselves at the end of the project.

• Warranties: Find out what's covered, including any exclusions, time periods, transferability, etc.
• Building Permits: Will the repipe company handle pulling permits and supervising their approval and sign-off?
• Main Service Line Repipe: Many repipes do not require a replacement of the main service line from the street to the home. However, this can significantly affect the overall price, so you should discuss with estimators whether to include it and, if yes, ensure you add it to the overall quote for accurate comparisons to avoid surprises with mid-project change orders.
• Water Heaters: It's common to upgrade or replace your water heater during a repipe.
• Drywall Repair: All repipes require cutting into walls to some extent. At Repipe Specialists, we can include drywall repair costs as part of our overall repipe service. Many generalist plumbers often expect you to hire a separate drywall contractor for this work.

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Get a Quote for Repiping Your Home

Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced the plumbing in over 75,000 homes since 1991 using both copper piping and PEX tubing. We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their overall home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:

• Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
• Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
• Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
• Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
• Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
• Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high-quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.

Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.

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