House repiping cost calculator- Step by Step Guide

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What this calculator estimates

• Materials (by pipe type and price per linear foot)
• Labor (based on a realistic labor share and site accessibility)
• Permits and inspections
• drywall repair after repipe
• Cleanup and disposal
• Optional water main replacement

What drives repipe estimate cost

• Pipe material price per linear foot:
  • PEX: $0.40–$2.00/ft (most affordable, flexible, corrosion‑resistant)
  • CPVC: $0.50–$1.00/ft (mid‑range plastic alternative to copper)
  • Copper: $2.00–$8.00/ft (premium, longest lifespan)
• Home size and complexity (stories, fixture count)
• Accessibility (open walls vs. tight spaces/concrete slab)
• Repair work after access (drywall/ceiling)
• Permits, cleanup, and optional water main replacement

2025 cost ranges at a glance

Use these ranges as direction; the calculator narrows them based on your inputs.

By material (whole‑house, typical 2–3 bed, 2 bath)

• PEX repipe: 3,500–3,500–15,000
• CPVC repipe: 4,500–4,500–16,000 (market dependent)
• Copper (Type L): 8,000–8,000–25,000+

By home size (average complexity, includes permits/patch/paint)

• 1,200–1,500 sq ft, 1–2 bath:
  • PEX: 4,500–4,500–9,500
  • Copper: 10,000–10,000–18,000
• 1,600–2,000 sq ft, 2–2.5 bath:
  • PEX: 6,500–6,500–12,500
  • Copper: 12,000–12,000–22,000
• 2,100–2,800 sq ft, 2.5–3.5 bath (two‑story):
  • PEX: 8,500–8,500–15,500
  • Copper: 16,000–16,000–28,000+

Common add‑ons

• Main service line (trenchless 30–60 ft): 1,500–1,500–4,500
• Drywall patch/texture/paint: 800–800–3,500+
• Permits/inspection: 200–200–1,000+
• Shut‑off valves/supply lines: 20–20–75 each + labor
• PRV install or swap: 300–300–900
• Recirculation loop: 500–500–1,200

How to use the house repiping cost calculator

1. Enter project basics

• Home size (sq ft)
• Stories (1, 2, or 3+)
• Fixture counts: bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, outdoor hose bibs

2. Pipe length estimate (auto)

• The calculator auto‑estimates total linear feet:
  • 0.60 ft per sq ft × Story factor (1.00 for 1‑story, 1.25 for 2‑story, 1.40 for 3+)
  • Plus fixture add‑ons: +80 ft per bathroom, +60 ft per kitchen, +40 ft per laundry, +15 ft per hose bib
• Prefer your own measurement? Toggle “Use my own value” and enter your linear footage.

3. Choose pipe material and set price per foot

• Select PEX, CPVC, or Copper.
• Use the “average” price toggle or slide within the allowed range to match local pricing.

4. Set labor and accessibility

• Labor share: choose 40%–70% of the repiping portion (Materials + Labor).
• Accessibility multiplier:
  • Easy = 1.0
  • Moderate (drywall cuts) = 1.2
  • Difficult (tight spaces or slab) = 1.5

5. Add permits, cleanup, and repairs

• Permits/inspections: enter your local expected fee.
• Drywall repairs: enter area (sq ft) and rate ($50–$75/sq ft typical).
• Ceiling repairs: enter area (sq ft) and rate ($45–$90/sq ft typical).
• Cleanup & disposal: add any additional haul‑off fees.

6. Optional: Include water main replacement

• If needed, add $600–$2,500+ based on site conditions.

7. Calculate and review the breakdown

• You’ll see:
  • Linear feet and material unit cost
  • Materials total
  • Labor with the accessibility multiplier
  • Repair line items
  • Repiping Subtotal (Materials + Labor)
  • Project Total

The formula behind the calculator

• Linear feet estimate
  LF = (HomeSqFt × 0.60 × StoryFactor) + (Baths × 80 + Kitchens × 60 + Laundry × 40 + Hose × 15)
• Materials
  Materials = LF × PricePerFoot
• Labor (derived from labor share s of repiping portion)
  If labor is s of (Materials + Labor), then:
  LaborBase = Materials × s / (1 − s)
  FinalLabor = LaborBase × AccessibilityMultiplier
• Repairs and extras
  Drywall = DrywallArea × DrywallRate
  Ceiling = CeilingArea × CeilingRate
  WaterMain = As entered (optional)
• Project total
  RepipingSubtotal = Materials + FinalLabor
  Total = RepipingSubtotal + Permits + Drywall + Ceiling + Cleanup + WaterMain

Key inputs and typical ranges

• Materials per foot:
  • PEX: $0.40–$2.00
  • CPVC: $0.50–$1.00
  • Copper: $2.00–$8.00
• Labor share (repiping portion): 40%–70%
• Accessibility multiplier: 1.0 (easy), 1.2 (moderate), 1.5 (difficult)
• Drywall repair: $50–$75/sq ft
• Ceiling repair: $45–$90/sq ft
• Water main replacement: $600–$2,500+

Worked examples

Example 1: 2‑story home, moderate complexity (PEX)

• Inputs
  • Home: 1,800 sq ft, 2 stories
  • Fixtures: 2 baths, 1 kitchen, 1 laundry, 2 hose bibs
  • Material: PEX at $1.20/ft
  • Labor share: 60% (0.60)
  • Accessibility: Moderate (1.2)
  • Permits: $300
  • Drywall repairs: 60 sq ft @ $62.50
  • Ceiling repairs: 20 sq ft @ $67.50
  • Cleanup: $250
  • Water main: $1,600
• Calculations
  • LF = 1,800 × 0.60 × 1.25 + (2×80 + 1×60 + 1×40 + 2×15)
    = 1,350 + 290 = 1,640 ft
  • Materials = 1,640 × $1.20 = $1,968.00
  • LaborBase = $1,968 × 0.60 / (1 − 0.60) = $2,952.00
  • FinalLabor = $2,952 × 1.2 = $3,542.40
  • Repairs/fees:
    • Permits: $300
    • Drywall: 60 × 62.50 = $3,750.00
    • Ceiling: 20 × 67.50 = $1,350.00
    • Cleanup: $250
    • Water main: $1,600
  • Repiping Subtotal = $1,968 + $3,542.40 = $5,510.40
  • Project Total = $5,510.40 + 300 + 3,750 + 1,350 + 250 + 1,600
    = $12,760.40
• Estimated total: $12,760.40

Example 2: 1‑story small home, easy access (CPVC)

• Inputs
  • Home: 1,200 sq ft, 1 story
  • Fixtures: 1 bath, 1 kitchen, 1 laundry, 1 hose bib
  • Material: CPVC at $0.80/ft
  • Labor share: 55% (0.55)
  • Accessibility: Easy (1.0)
  • Permits: $200
  • Drywall: 20 sq ft @ $55
  • Ceiling: 0
  • Cleanup: $150
  • Water main: No
• Calculations
  • LF = 1,200 × 0.60 × 1.00 + (1×80 + 1×60 + 1×40 + 1×15)
    = 720 + 195 = 915 ft
  • Materials = 915 × $0.80 = $732.00
  • LaborBase = $732 × 0.55 / (1 − 0.55) ≈ $894.67
  • FinalLabor = $894.67 × 1.0 = $894.67
  • Repairs/fees:
    • Permits: $200
    • Drywall: 20 × 55 = $1,100.00
    • Cleanup: $150
  • Repiping Subtotal = $732 + $894.67 = $1,626.67
  • Project Total = $1,626.67 + 200 + 1,100 + 150 = $3,076.67
• Estimated total: $3,076.67

Reading your results

• Materials: Your chosen pipe type and cost to repipe a house per foot multiplied by total linear feet
• Labor: Derived from your selected labor share and adjusted for accessibility
• Repiping Subtotal: Materials + Labor (core repiping work)
• Project Total: Everything included (repiping subtotal + permits + repairs + cleanup + optional water main)

Price drivers and how to save

Material choice

• PEX is usually 25–45% cheaper than copper and faster to install; great for cold/freeze zones and remodels. Copper may be preferred in high‑heat/exposed runs or where code dictates.

Access and foundation

• Slab homes often require overhead reroutes and more drywall work. Crawl/basements are cheaper.

Stories and fixture count

• More vertical runs and fixtures = more labor and fittings. Manifold (home‑run) PEX can tame fixture labor.

Regional labor

• Coastal metros are 10–30% higher. Get 2–3 quotes and ask for a line‑item breakdown.

Combine projects

• Bundle with a bath/kitchen remodel to share patch/paint. Ask if the plumber includes patching or subcontracts drywall (often cheaper as a package).

Avoid hidden surprises

• Ask about permits, inspection, and code items (PRV, seismic strapping, bonding). Confirm Type L copper if choosing copper.

Extras that add value

• New shut‑off valves, proper pipe insulation in attics, upsized main if pressure/flow is low, whole‑home filtration if water quality is poor.

Pro tips to improve accuracy and manage costs

• Be honest about access: If walls must be opened or you’re on slab, choose Moderate or Difficult.
• Use realistic repair areas: Ask your contractor how many access points and square feet of repair to expect.
• Compare material scenarios: Run PEX vs. CPVC vs. Copper to see how material choice impacts the total.
• Schedule strategically: If you can plan work when access is easier (e.g., during renovations), you may reduce labor and repair costs.
• Confirm what’s included: Some bids include cleanup/disposal and permits; others list them separately.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is this house repiping cost calculator?

It gives planning‑level estimates using industry‑typical ranges. Actual quotes vary by market rates, home layout, unforeseen obstacles, and contractor scope (e.g., fixture replacements, patch/paint quality, haul‑off).

Can I set my own linear footage?

Yes. Enable “Use my own value” to override the auto‑estimate.

What labor share should I pick?

40%–70% is common. If access is difficult or you’re using copper (more fittings/solder), lean higher.

Does the calculator include painting/texture matching?

No. It estimates repair area and rates for drywall/ceiling. Finish quality and paint are often separate.

When do I need to include a water main replacement?

If your main supply line is aging, undersized, or failing. Ask your plumber during the site walk‑through.

You can explore Similar Calculator like this Land Clearing Cost Calculator​.