Whole-House Repiping Cost Guide for Plumbers
Whole-house repiping costs $5,000–$15,000 for a typical 1,500–2,500 square foot home. PEX manifold systems run $5,000–$10,000 while copper trunk-and-branch layouts cost $8,000–$15,000. These are multi-day projects (2–5 days) that require careful planning around wall access, fixture count, and pipe routing. Target 35–50% gross margins on residential repiping work.
Whole-house repiping is one of the largest residential plumbing projects you can sell, generating $5,000–$15,000 per job with strong margins. As aging galvanized, polybutylene, and early copper systems reach end-of-life, the demand for whole-house repiping continues to grow. This guide covers how to estimate, price, and execute repiping projects efficiently.
PEX Manifold System Pricing
PEX manifold systems are the most efficient and cost-effective method for whole-house repiping. A central manifold (Uponor, Viega, or SharkBite) with individual home runs to each fixture eliminates most in-wall fittings and allows each fixture to be shut off independently. Material costs for a typical 2-bathroom home include: manifold ($100–$300), PEX tubing in 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch ($0.50–$1.50 per foot, typically 300–600 feet total), hangers and supports ($100–$200), and shut-off valves at each fixture ($15–$25 each, 10–15 per home). Total materials run $500–$1,500. Labor for a PEX manifold repipe takes 2–3 days for a two-person crew: day one for routing tubing through walls, floors, and ceilings; day two for connecting fixtures, installing the manifold, and testing; day three for final connections, wall patching, and cleanup. Total to the homeowner should be $5,000–$10,000.
Copper Trunk-and-Branch Repiping
Copper repiping uses a traditional trunk-and-branch layout with main supply lines (3/4-inch or 1-inch) feeding branch lines (1/2-inch) to individual fixtures. Type L copper pipe costs $3–$6 per foot, with fittings adding 15–25% to the pipe cost. A typical 2-bathroom home requires 200–400 feet of pipe plus 50–100 fittings. Total materials run $1,200–$3,000. Copper installation takes longer than PEX — every joint must be soldered (or connected with ProPress fittings, which are faster but more expensive per fitting at $5–$15 each). Plan 3–5 days for a two-person copper repipe crew. Copper repiping totals $8,000–$15,000 to the homeowner. While copper is more expensive and time-consuming, some homeowners and markets prefer it for perceived quality. Offer both options and let the client decide based on their budget and preferences.
Project Planning and Site Assessment
A thorough site assessment before quoting is essential for profitable repiping projects. Walk the entire home and document: the number of fixtures (sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, laundry, hose bibs, water heater), the existing pipe material and layout, access points (basement/crawl space, attic, utility chases), wall and ceiling construction (plaster vs. drywall, open vs. finished spaces), and the location for the new manifold or main trunk line. Map your pipe routing path — the ideal route minimizes wall penetrations and uses accessible spaces (attics, crawl spaces, basements) for main runs. On slab-on-grade homes without a crawl space, you will route pipes through the attic (warm climates) or through interior walls (cold climates where attic pipes would freeze). Each routing scenario has different labor requirements that must be reflected in your estimate.
Wall Access and Restoration
Wall access is the biggest variable in repiping labor costs. Every connection to a fixture requires a wall opening for the new pipe stub-out. In a typical repipe, you will cut 15–25 access holes through drywall or plaster. For each hole, budget $30–$75 for basic drywall patching (cut drywall piece, secure with backing, tape, mud, and sand). Most plumbers perform the drywall patching themselves to control the scope — painting is typically excluded. For homes with plaster walls, patching is more time-consuming and may require a drywall subcontractor. Clearly define your wall restoration scope in the estimate: "We will patch all access holes with drywall, tape, and mud ready for paint. Painting and texture matching are not included." This prevents misunderstandings and scope disputes. If the home has tile walls in the bathroom, plan alternative access through adjacent rooms or install an access panel rather than disturbing the tile.
Scheduling and Client Communication
Repiping projects require 2–5 days during which the home has limited or no water for portions of each day. Communicate this clearly during the sales process: "You will have water each evening after we finish for the day, but during work hours, water will be shut off to sections of the home." Plan the work sequence to minimize disruption — complete one bathroom fully before moving to the next so the family always has at least one working bathroom. Schedule the project when the family can accommodate the disruption — school weeks, not holidays. Provide a day-by-day schedule in your proposal: Day 1, route main lines and connect kitchen; Day 2, complete bathroom 1; Day 3, complete bathroom 2 and exterior; Day 4, test, inspect, and patch walls. This level of detail differentiates your proposal from competitors who just quote a lump sum.
Selling the Repiping Project
Repiping is a significant investment that requires a consultative sales approach. Lead with the problem: show the homeowner their deteriorated pipe (corroded galvanized, discolored water, pinhole leaks) and explain why repairs alone are not a long-term solution. Use the cost-per-year comparison: a $8,000 repipe lasting 50+ years costs $160 per year, while repeated $500 leak repairs at 2–3 per year cost $1,000–$1,500 annually plus ongoing water damage risk and insurance claims. Offer financing options — many plumbing companies partner with GreenSky, Service Finance, or Synchrony to offer 0% interest financing for 12–18 months. A $10,000 repipe at $280 per month for 36 months is much more accessible than $10,000 cash. Present a professional, itemized proposal that includes scope of work, materials list, project schedule, warranty terms, and financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whole-house repiping costs $5,000–$10,000 with PEX manifold systems and $8,000–$15,000 with copper for a typical 1,500–2,500 square foot home. Price varies based on fixture count, pipe routing complexity, wall access conditions, and material choice. Slab-on-grade homes typically cost 15–25% more than homes with basements or crawl spaces due to routing challenges.
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