Plumbing Replacement Cost Calculator
TL;DR: In 2026, repiping a U.S. home typically costs $4,800–$22,000, with the national median near $8,400 for a 2,000 sq ft single-story PEX repipe and $14,500 for copper.
Bottom line
- Typical range: $4,800 – $22,000 (whole-house repipe)
- Median: $8,400 (PEX, 2,000 sq ft) · $14,500 (copper, 2,000 sq ft)
- Biggest driver: Material (copper costs ~1.7× PEX) + access (slab vs crawl vs basement)
- When this applies: Replace galvanized at any age, polybutylene immediately, copper at 50+ yrs with pinhole leaks, PEX at 40+ yrs.
2026 installed whole-house repipe cost by material and home size
| Material | 1,500 sq ft | 2,000 sq ft | 2,800 sq ft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEX-B (basic) | $5,400 | $7,200 | $10,800 | 40–50 yrs |
| PEX-A (premium) | $6,400 | $8,400 | $12,400 | 50+ yrs |
| CPVC | $5,800 | $7,800 | $11,400 | 40–60 yrs |
| Copper Type L | $11,200 | $14,500 | $21,200 | 50–80 yrs |
| Drain/waste lines (PVC) | $4,200 | $5,800 | $8,400 | 75+ yrs |
| Single-bathroom repipe | $1,800 | $2,400 | $3,200 | — |
Overview
Whole-house plumbing pricing depends on five variables: material (PEX-A, PEX-B, copper Type L, CPVC), home square footage, number of fixtures, number of stories, and access conditions (slab-on-grade is the most expensive scenario, basement homes the cheapest). This calculator uses 2026 plumber labor rates plus material commodity pricing to estimate both partial (single bathroom or wet wall) and full repipes. Use this page if you have multiple pinhole leaks, low water pressure throughout the house, discolored water, or a pre-1995 home with polybutylene or galvanized supply lines. Output includes a confidence band, a recommended material based on your water chemistry, and a drywall-restoration cost estimate.
FAQs
How much does it cost to repipe a house in 2026?
Whole-house repipe costs $4,800–$22,000 in 2026 depending on material and home size. PEX repipe of a 2,000 sq ft home runs $7,200–$8,400 nationally. Copper repipe of the same home runs $14,500. Slab-on-grade homes add 30–50% because lines must be re-routed through walls and ceilings rather than cut through concrete.
Is PEX or copper better in 2026?
PEX-A is the modern default for residential supply lines: cheaper ($7K vs $14K for a 2,000 sq ft home), more freeze-resistant, faster to install, and silent. Copper still wins on three fronts: longevity in alkaline water (60–80 yrs), resale perception in luxury markets, and resistance to rodent damage. For 90% of U.S. homes built post-2010, PEX-A is the recommended choice.
Do I have to repipe if I have polybutylene?
Yes — polybutylene (gray plastic, installed 1978–1995) was the subject of a class-action settlement and is now uninsurable in many states. Failure rates climb rapidly after year 20. If you discover polybutylene during inspection, budget $7,000–$11,000 for a PEX repipe and treat it as 'replace within 12 months.'
How long does a whole-house repipe take?
A typical 2,000 sq ft PEX repipe takes 2–4 days for the plumbing work, plus another 3–5 days for drywall patching and painting. Copper repipes take 4–7 days. You can stay in the home for most of it, but expect water shutoffs of 4–8 hours per day.
What does a partial (single-bathroom) repipe cost?
A single bathroom or single 'wet wall' repipe runs $1,800–$3,200 in 2026 including drywall repair. This is the right call when one fixture is failing and the rest of the system is sound. It's the wrong call when you have systemic issues like polybutylene or low pressure throughout.
Will my homeowner's insurance pay for a repipe?
Insurance generally pays for water damage from a sudden pipe failure (drywall, flooring, contents) but does not pay to replace the failing pipes themselves. Once you've had 2+ leak claims, insurers may non-renew unless you complete a full repipe at your own expense.