How Much to Repipe a House?
See factors that go into the cost of a whole house repipe, according to data from our Reliant Plumbers.
Whole House Repiping
How Much Does it Cost to Repipe a House?
According to data from our Reliant Plumbers, an average home repipe can cost anywhere between $6,500 and $35,000 for our service areas, but our clients can get up to 10 fixtures repiped on a pier and beam home for roughly $8,900. Houses go through these changes only rarely in the life of the home, but it is best to be prepared for the steps and tasks necessary to be prepared for a whole house repipe.
We are happy to work within your budget to provide the best possible solutions. Get your house or business repiped by the most reliable plumbers. We are proud to provide competitive financing options through GreenSky and Syncrony. Under our agreements with these lenders, customers can choose from options including up to 0% interest for up to 48 months. Contact Reliant Plumbing today so we can assist in your plumbing needs.
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Cost Considerations for Repiping a Home
Multiple factors go into the quote for a whole home repipe, and it can be a bit confusing. Luckily we talked with our plumbers and managed to grab some useful information about what to expect when needing a whole house repipe.
PEX Piping
Also called Cross-Linked Polyethylene, PEX piping is usually half the usual cost of copper plumbing. Plus, it can usually be installed in half the time, and its flexibility is preferred by plumbers and construction workers alike. This allows the pipes to slightly stretch when water temps fall below 32 degrees. While PEX is extremely popular, some appliances, such as water heaters, need a base copper pipe of 18 inches or greater before connecting PEX.
CPVC
The Plastic Pipes Institute says CPVC is produced by adding chlorine to PVC in a water slurry or fluidized bed chlorination. Basically, this chemical process makes the pipes able to withstand up to 100 psi at 180ºF. CPVC’s high temperature resistance plus resistances to deposits and corrosion make it a great inexpensive choice for plumbing.
Copper
Copper plumbing is the tried-and-true hero of the trade for its durability. Copper is a naturally rigid metal, so it requires much more work to install, increasing labor costs. However, they are made to last, because joints are soldered or “sweated” in place for a leak-free seal. Plus, copper pipes can be installed outside. Most homes that go through natural disasters, such as fires, still have copper pipes standing long after the house was destroyed. Because of this, copper is generally the most expensive to repipe with.
Copper plumbing is the tried-and-true hero of the trade for its durability. Copper is a naturally rigid metal, so it requires much more work to install, increasing labor costs. However, they are made to last, because joints are soldered or “sweated” in place for a leak-free seal. Plus, copper pipes can be installed outside. Most homes that go through natural disasters, such as fires, still have copper pipes standing long after the house was destroyed. Because of this, copper is generally the most expensive to repipe with.
Number of Fixtures
Most 3 bedroom homes have 2 bathrooms, including toilets and sinks plus showers, but depending on if it’s a jack-and-jill bathroom or a luxury master bathroom, the pricing changes due to parts and labor. If you are changing the layout of the toilet while repiping the home, for example, expect the costs to rise significantly to cover the extra water line reroutes and materials.
Diameter of the Pipe
Larger diameter pipes are made out of more materials than their smaller counterparts. Water pipes tend to be smaller in diameter than waste pipe lines. However, waste lines consist of PVC which is significantly cheaper than copper.
Labor Costs
Labor is the biggest cost business owners and homeowners alike face when getting the initial quote for a whole home repipe. The process overall is extremely labor intensive and requires multiple people to finish in a reasonable time. That can include but not be limited to:
- Gaining access to water pipes behind walls including cutting drywall and removing insulation
- Excavate concrete to expose water pipes in driveway or slab.
- Map and maneuver new pipes into walls, floors, and exterior of the home or business
- Soldering or “sweating” pipes.
- If a fixture needs to be relocated, additional piping is required.
Also, consider labor costs relative to the cost of living for your area. A whole home repipe in Austin, Texas is going to be significantly higher than a whole house repipe in Brownsville, Texas.
Additional Cost Considerations
These are some additional cost considerations that may apply to some homes or businesses. This can include accessibility, house or business size, inspection costs, permits, drywall repairs, and more.
Accessibility
Pipes behind walls are much easier to access versus pipes in the slab. That’s partially due to the concrete being a tougher material to cut through than drywall. This factor also affects labor costs.
Size of the House
You could need more or less plumbing than the average 3 bedroom house, depending on factors such as the square footage of your home and number of fixtures. Two story homes require more plumbing than a one story home because more pipe lines are required to connect the top and bottom stories plumbing together.
Inspection Cost
Most municipalities, including Travis County, require inspections to make sure the work is done up to code. The first inspection is usually at little or no cost, but if the inspector has to make another visit, you will have to pay for the inspector to come out again to approve the failed permit. To avoid another inspection fee, call a professional plumber who is licensed to do the job right the first time. That way, it is done faster and with precision.
Commercial vs Residential Repipe
Commercial buildings require much more plumbing that can withstand consistent use. This increases base prices of materials, plus requires more time and labor to install. Since commercial plumbing varies greatly, it is best to talk to a Reliant plumber who can provide complex commercial plumbing quotes.
Permits
Permitting costs vary by each region, so it is important to look into costs before repiping your home. Especially if you plan on moving any fixtures or changing the layout of your home or business. Overall costs will increase based on how much more pipe has to be installed for the repair or remodel.
New Water Heater Installation
Most homes have a tanked water heater that heats stored water in a vat with tens of gallons of water. When repiping your home, you may consider a tankless water heater as a better option. Not only do you lose the risk of a water leaking from the tank, you also get hot water whenever and wherever you need it in the home.
Drywall Repairs
In order to access pipes behind the wall, the drywall has to be cut out of the wall. Leaks from old pipes can also damage drywall, making it necessary to remove and dry up. This part should be left to professionals, as there is a possibility of cutting other lines or doing more-than-necessary damage to the wall.
Water Main Line Replacement
A water main could need to be replaced in the process of repiping the home. Depending on the town you live in, the town could be responsible for the water main. Make sure to check if your city provides a water main before replacing it on your own.
Conditions of the Soil
This only comes into play if your home needs new underground piping. Clay soil shifts significantly more than normal dirt, which can increase the cost for repairs. Buried lines such as underground pool lines or water mains depend on the right underground installation, unique as the soils themselves. Normally this would require digging huge trenches in the ground to access water or waste pipes, but Reliant Plumbing is fortunate enough to have trenchless pipe repair technology to repair pipes without digging.
5 Signs to Repipe your Home
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