How Much Does It Cost to Redo Plumbing in A House?

redoing pipes

The cost to redo plumbing is fairly high when you compare it to other household maintenance costs. However, in many cases, this job is necessary to undertake in order to prevent plumbing disasters. For instance, the pipes in your house are vulnerable to decay, rust, and corrosion, which can lead to leaks. This can potentially inundate your house with water or raw sewage and destroy your home and belongings.

Here is a complete guide on the cost to redo plumbing in a house.

Factors That Influence the Cost to Redo Plumbing in Your House

The cost to redo plumbing in your house depends on the factors listed below:

1. The Size of Your Home and the Extensiveness of the Project

The cost to redo plumbing in your home is directly proportional to the extensiveness of the project. This means that the cost to redo plumbing in an entire structure will be significantly higher than minor fixes.

Additionally, the size of your home will also greatly impact your cost. So, if you have a larger house, you will have to pay more for a plumbing project. A plumbing job in a house with more than one-story can also result in increased costs.

2. Replumbing vs. New Build

The cost of plumbing a new build will be quite different from the cost of replumbing a house. It typically costs less to install similar plumbing material of the same length in a new build than to replumb a house. Replumbing usually involves obstacles like insulation and drywall which cost more in terms of time, effort, and money.

3. Accessibility of the Plumbing

The most accessible plumbing is the one behind the walls and it typically requires fewer hours of work. So, your cost to redo plumbing will be less if your faulty plumbing is situated right behind your walls. Contrarily, your cost to redo plumbing will be higher if it is in inaccessible areas like closets and crawl spaces.

4. Number of Plumbing Fixtures That Needs Replacement

In a lot of cases, the cost to redo plumbing depends on the number of faulty plumbing fixtures. Here is a list of common plumbing fixtures found in homes

  • Sinks
  • Toilets
  • Bathtubs
  • Water heaters
  • Dishwashers
  • Showers
  • Washing machines.

Thus, your overall cost to redo plumbing will increase if you have a lot of damaged plumbing fixtures. This is because the plumber will have to replace the incoming lines and secondary drain separately for each fixture. Moreover, replacing the pipes for multiple plumbing fixtures needs more pipe and labor which adds to the cost.

5. Size and Type of Pipe You Use

This is one of the most important factors that influence your cost associated with your plumbing project. Generally, your costs will rise if you use a pipe with a large diameter. This might not seem too much for an individual fixture, however it can contribute to a major cost difference over the entire project.

The type of pipe you use also impacts your cost to redo plumbing in your house. Here is a list of options you have regarding the type of pipe

  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Galvanized steel
  • PEX

PEX is the cheapest of all these available options.

6. Labor Costs

You will have to hire a plumber to replumb your house, which will increase your cost. Remember, the more complex the project, the more the cost is going to be.

Note – A low price from a plumbing contractor could indicate that the quality of their work is not up to the mark.

7. Local Permit Fees

Some states such as Florida require you to get a permit before taking up a major plumbing job. This can further increase your cost to redo the plumbing.

A Complete Breakdown of the Cost to Redo Plumbing in a House

The cost to redo plumbing in an average house with a kitchen and 2 bathrooms lie between $1,500 and $15,000. Homeowners typically spend $8,250 on replumbing their house. The per square foot cost comes to be approximately $4.50.

Replacing or installing a small section of piping or a new fixture such as a toilet, sink, or bathtub can cost between $450 and $1800 per fixture. This cost depends on whether it is a full fixture or a rough install. The average cost for this job is estimated to be $1,042.

Cost of Removing Plumbing Pipes

The cost to redo plumbing can be high because it involves the removal of existing plumbing pipes. It typically costs between $1,000 and $5,000 to remove the current plumbing. In most cases, the removal cost is built into the cost of replumbing a home and is not accounted for separately.

This cost can be especially high in homes where there is drywall. You will probably have to spend around $500 more to redo the drywall that was cut to access the pipes.

Note – The removal process is done simultaneously with the repair or installation. Therefore, don’t attempt to do it yourself.

Material Costs

The main equipment used in a replumbing job are the pipes. Here is a list of common pipes along with their costs.

Copper 

Copper pipes are extremely durable and can easily last 70 – 80 years. The per linear foot cost of copper pipes is between $3 and $8. The difference in price is primarily due to the difference in diameters. The cost of redoing plumbing with copper pipes in a 1500 square foot house with two bathrooms ranges from $8,000 and $10,000.

Copper pipes are highly preferred in areas that are susceptible to earthquakes because of their resilience. Moreover, they are also easy to install, manageable, and resistant to bacteria.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes can last anywhere between 80 and 100 years and are very common in old homes. Replacing these pipes costs approximately $4,650. However, the price can range between $2,000 and $15,000.

These pipes have now been discontinued in plumbing because they are vulnerable to rust and have blockage problems.

PEX Pipes

PEX pipes are made with cross-linked polyethylene. They are 20 – 40% cheaper than copper pipes but have a shorter lifespan and can only last 50 – 70 years.

PEX pipes cost between $0.40 and $0.50. Redoing plumbing with PEX pipes can cost between $1,500 and $2,500 in a small home with one bathroom. In a two-story home with 3 bathrooms, the cost of PEX pipes comes to be between $3,000 and $7,000. The average cost to redo plumbing with PEX pipes comes to be $4.50

There are numerous benefits of using PEX pipes. For instance, they are very flexible which makes the installation process easier. PEX pipes are also non-corrosive.

CPVC Pipes

Chlorinated Polyvinylchloride or CPVC piping are popular substitutes for metal and steel pipes. These pipes typically cost between $0.40 and $1.56 per linear foot.

CPVC pipes are very rigid and are perfect to be used for hot and cold drinking water pipes. They are also quite easy to install.

Labor Costs

Homeowners generally spend between $250 and $500 for basic plumbing repairs or work. This includes repairing things like repairing leaks, unclogging drains, and installing new plumbing fixtures like a sink, toilet, or faucet.

Licensed plumbing contractors charge somewhere between $70 and $90 per hour. More experienced plumbers can even charge up to $120. Since the charges are calculated on a per hour basis, it all boils down to the pipe you choose and its ease of installation.

Flat Charge

Most contractors a flat fee for visiting your home which ranges from $150 to $300. This cost generally includes inspection and the first hour of work.

Travel Fees

Some plumbing contractors charge separate traveling fees which ranges from $50 to $200. The actual charge depends on the distance they have to travel. Many companies factor in this cost into their hourly rates and don’t charge separately for it.

Cost of Emergency Plumbing Jobs

A plumbing disaster such as water leaks or burst pipes requires immediate professional help. Many contractors charge approximately $70 to $90 more per hour for emergency plumbing jobs. Therefore, you should be prepared to pay $150 to $400 for an emergency plumbing repair job. However, the actual cost depends on the time of the day, holiday, or weekend.

Remember that labor charges tend to vary a lot based on location. Plumbers will generally charge 20-25% more in states that have a higher income. It is a good idea to get quotes from multiple local contractors to get accurate estimates for your plumbing job.

Permit Costs

Many states require homeowners to get a permit from the building department before undertaking a major plumbing job. Permit fees vary according to states and generally lies between $70 and $400. Sometimes, this fee is added to the contractor’s quote. In many cases, contractors even charge $50-$150 to be available during such inspections.

Final Words

The cost to redo plumbing in your home might be more than what you expected. But it’s definitely going to have long-lasting benefits and save you from major trouble.

Remember, a great way to cut down on your cost to redo plumbing is to be proactive. Make sure you don’t wait till the eleventh hour to repair damaged pipes and plumbing in your home. This can result in a major plumbing disaster. A plumber who is called for an emergency job is going to charge more than a plumber who is working according to schedule. Therefore, keep an eye out for any plumbing issues in your home. Schedule an appointment with an experienced plumber as soon as you notice any major or minor problem or leak.

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