How Much Does It Cost to Repipe a House?
Whole-house repiping costs $4,000-$15,000 for PEX and $8,000-$20,000+ for copper. A small home (under 1,500 sq ft) runs $4,000-$7,000, a medium home $6,000-$10,000, and a large home $8,000-$15,000. PEX piping is the most popular choice — flexible, corrosion-resistant, and 40-60% cheaper than copper.
Cost Breakdown
| Service | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEX repipe (small home) | $4,000 | $7,000 | Under 1,500 sq ft |
| PEX repipe (medium home) | $6,000 | $10,000 | 1,500-2,500 sq ft |
| PEX repipe (large home) | $8,000 | $15,000 | 2,500+ sq ft |
| Copper repipe (any size) | $8,000 | $20,000 | 2-3x PEX cost |
| Permit + inspection | $100 | $500 | Required in most areas |
| Drywall patching | $300 | $1,000 | Included by most plumbers |
Repiping Costs in 2026
PEX vs Copper
PEX piping is the clear winner for most repiping projects. It costs $4,000-$10,000 for a typical home, installs faster (fewer joints, flexible routing), resists freezing better than copper, and lasts 40-50 years.
Copper piping costs $8,000-$20,000+ but lasts 70-100 years and has higher resale appeal. It is more labor-intensive to install and susceptible to freezing in cold climates.
What Is Included
- Removal of old pipes (or abandonment in place)
- New supply lines to every fixture
- New shut-off valves at each fixture
- Main shut-off valve replacement
- Wall patching (drywall repair, not painting)
- Permit and inspection
When You Need Repiping
- Polybutylene pipes (gray): Known defect, many insurance companies will not cover homes with poly pipes
- Galvanized steel pipes: Rust from inside out, causing low pressure and discolored water after 40-60 years
- Lead pipes: Health hazard, must be replaced
- Frequent pinhole leaks: Multiple leaks in different locations means systemic corrosion
- Low water pressure throughout the house: Buildup inside old pipes
The Process
A typical repipe takes 2-5 days. Plumbers cut small access holes in walls and ceilings, run new pipes, connect to fixtures, pressure test, and patch the openings. You will be without water for portions of each day but not overnight.
Related Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover repiping?
Standard policies do NOT cover repiping as it is considered maintenance. However, if a pipe bursts and causes water damage, insurance covers the damage (not the pipe itself). Some policies offer optional water line coverage.
Can you repipe a house without opening walls?
PEX makes this partially possible since it is flexible and can be routed through existing openings. However, some wall access is always needed. Experienced plumbers minimize holes and patch them as part of the job.
Is PEX safe for drinking water?
Yes. PEX is approved for potable water by all major US building codes and has been used safely in Europe since the 1970s. It does not leach chemicals and is BPA-free. Most new homes built today use PEX.