Cost guide · Plumbing
How much does a whole-house repipe cost in 2026?
Typical range
$4,500 – $15,000
whole-house repipe (typical 1,500-2,500 sq ft)
Whole-house repipe runs $4,500–$15,000 in 2026 for a typical residential home. PEX repipe averages $4,500–$8,500. Copper repipe averages $8,500–$15,000. Pricing depends on home size, accessibility, and whether walls need to be opened and restored.
Why the range is wide
Repipe is a major project usually triggered by repeated leaks in old galvanized or polybutylene pipe. PEX is the modern standard for repipe — flexible, fast install, durable. Copper remains the premium option. The cost split is roughly 30–40% materials, 40–50% labor, 10–20% drywall + restoration.
Factors that affect price
Material
PEX: $4,500–$8,500 typical. Copper Type L: $8,500–$15,000 typical. Copper costs roughly 2x PEX in labor + materials.
Home size
1,500 sq ft single-story: low end. 2,500 sq ft two-story: mid. 3,500+ sq ft or multi-bath: high end.
Bathroom count
Each additional bathroom adds $500–$1,500 due to more fixture branches and supply runs.
Slab vs crawlspace vs basement
Crawlspace/basement: cheapest (open access). Slab: more difficult — overhead reroute through attic + walls is common. 2-story with slab: highest.
Drywall + restoration
Repipe usually requires opening walls. Plumber handles holes; drywall + paint typically a separate scope ($1,500–$4,000) unless you find a contractor that bundles.
Permits
Most jurisdictions require permit ($150–$400) and inspection. Some cities require licensed plumber + signed-off inspection.
Regional variation
Polybutylene (PB) pipe failures peaked in the 1990s–2000s; many southern and western US homes built 1978–1995 are still on PB and ripe for repipe. Galvanized pipe failures are common in homes built pre-1970. California adds Title 24 + earthquake-bracing requirements that bump pricing 5–10%.
Whole-house repipe — frequently asked
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