How Much Does It Cost to Repipe a House? Complete Pricing Guide
Repiping a home is a significant investment. But for many older homes, it becomes a necessary one.
If your home was built before the 1980s and still has original galvanized or aging copper piping, understanding the cost of replacement helps you plan instead of react.
For a full overview of aging plumbing systems, start with the complete guide to repiping older homes here:
The Complete Guide To Repiping Older Homes
Average Cost to Repipe a House in the United States
The cost to repipe a home typically depends on:
Square footage
Number of bathrooms
Accessibility of piping
Pipe material selection
Local labor market
Extent of drywall access required
In general, smaller single-story homes fall at the lower end of the pricing range, while larger multi-bath, two-story homes fall at the higher end.
Because every home is different, accurate pricing requires evaluation.
What Impacts Repipe Pricing the Most?
1. Home Size
More square footage requires more pipe, more labor, and more access points.
2. Number of Fixtures
Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, outdoor faucets — each adds complexity.
3. Pipe Material
PEX piping is typically more cost-effective.
Copper piping generally carries higher material and labor costs.
For a material comparison, see:
PEX vs Copper Repipe: Which Is Better for Older Homes?
4. Accessibility
Homes with open attic access are often easier to repipe.
Slab homes may require more strategic routing.
If your home has hidden leaks, review:
Hidden Pipe Leaks In Older Homes
Is It Cheaper to Repair Instead of Repipe?
This is one of the most common questions.
One leak repair is usually inexpensive.
Multiple leaks over time can become costly.
If you are repairing pipes repeatedly, reviewing whether your house needs repiping may provide clarity:
How Do I Know If My House Needs Repiping?
Repiping becomes cost-effective when:
Leaks are recurring
Pressure continues to decline
Corrosion is widespread
Does Repiping Increase Home Value?
In many cases, yes.
Benefits include:
Improved water pressure
Cleaner water delivery
Stronger inspection reports
Reduced risk of future damage
Increased buyer confidence
We will cover valuation impact more deeply in:
How Does Repiping Affect Home Value?
How Long Does Repiping Take?
Project timeline affects cost planning.
Most whole-house repipes are completed within 1–5 days depending on home size and complexity.
More here:
How Long Does A Whole-House Repipe Take?
When to Schedule a Cost Evaluation
You should consider pricing consultation if:
Your home is over 40 years old
You’ve repaired multiple leaks
Water pressure has declined
Water is discolored
Inspection reports flag corrosion
Waiting often increases the risk of emergency replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Repipe Costs
What is the average cost to repipe a house?
Repipe costs vary based on home size, layout, material selection, and accessibility. A professional evaluation provides the most accurate pricing.
Is PEX cheaper than copper for repiping?
In most cases, PEX is more cost-effective due to lower material and labor requirements.
Can I repipe in stages to save money?
Partial repiping is sometimes possible, but widespread corrosion often makes full replacement more reliable long-term.
Is repiping covered by insurance?
Homeowners insurance typically covers water damage from sudden leaks but does not cover preventative pipe replacement.