How Much Does It Cost To Install Or Replace Plumbing In A House In 2024?

The price to install plumbing in new construction consists of material and labor costs for the entire system, including the water main hookup and sewer connection to the municipal system.

Labor Cost

Typically, in new construction plumbing, labor is included in the pricing bid instead of a separate line item. Labor makes up a large percentage of the final invoice and costs between $50 and $120 per hour per individual plumber, or a total of $1,500 and $6,000 for the project.

By Linear Foot

Although the pricing quote for new construction plumbing seldom includes per-linear-foot costs, you’re paying between $1.40 and $10 for labor and materials or $1,400 to $10,000 for 1,000 linear feet of pipe.

By Square Foot

New construction plumbing estimates often rely on per-square-foot prices. On average, the cost of new construction rough-in plumbing is between $4.50 and $5.25 per square foot or $11,250 and $13,125 for a 2,500-square-foot home.

By Location

Labor pricing varies depending on market conditions in the home’s location. Expect to pay up to $60 per hour higher or lower than the national average, with urban areas costing more than rural areas.

By Pipe Material

The three most common types of pipe materials allowed by the building code are copper, PEX, CPVC and PVC. Copper pipe is typically used for supply lines and costs an average of $3 per linear foot. Copper drain lines are less common and can cost $8 per foot. PEX piping costs an average of $1.15 per linear foot, while CPVC averages $0.98. PVC piping is used for drain, waste and venting applications only and costs an average of $2 to $4.50 per linear foot depending on the pipe’s diameter.

Commercial vs. Residential

Commercial plumbing installation is subjected to more rigid building code standards and is generally larger in scope. Expect per-square-foot pricing to average $6 for most situations.

Rough-in plumbing for new construction projects consists of installing the supply and drain lines and connecting them to the water and sewer mains. Rough-in plumbing doesn’t include the cost of plumbing fixtures or their installation. The rough-in cost for each appliance ranges from $400 to $1,800.

Rough-In Plumbing Costs Per Bathroom

Bathrooms have several plumbing fixtures in close proximity to each other which demand precise installations. The average cost for rough-in bathroom plumbing is $2,250, depending on the number and types of fixtures.

By Plumbing Type

Replacing old plumbing with new includes the removal of the old system and installation of a new one. Old plumbing must be replaced with plumbing materials approved by the building code.

By Pipe Location

Repiping a home requires the plumber to gain access to all of the home’s water lines. In some situations, this may prove difficult for pipes hidden in crawl spaces, concrete or other hard-to-reach areas, and can drive up the cost of installing a new plumbing system in an existing home.

Labor Cost

Labor cost is a major factor in repiping an existing home. The project requires experience and can take much longer than expected. Expect to pay labor costs of between $60 and $200 per hour for repiping projects.

Several factors affect the cost of removing and installing new pipes in an existing structure.

Removing Existing Pipes

Part of the process of repiping consists of removing the existing pipes. This cost is often reflected in the bid as a labor and disposal cost and can range from $1,000 to $4,500.

Installing PEX Tubing

In addition to removing the old pipes, installing PEX tubing as the primary replacement material costs between $1.50 and $4 per linear foot or $1,500 to $4,000 for 1,000 linear feet of pipe.

Installing Copper Piping

Replacing old pipes with copper piping costs, on average, between $4 and $12 per linear foot or $4,000 and $12,000 for 1,000 linear feet of pipe and doesn’t include removal of the existing supply lines.

Installing Water Main (Meter to Home)

Installing or replacing a water main from the water meter to the home’s plumbing system costs between $30 and $60 per linear foot. However, the cost may exclude trip charges or other costs.

Install Water Main (Street to Home)

New construction projects require the water main to be connected to the municipal water supply. Expect to pay an average of $2,000 to $2,700 for the project.

Install Drain Lines (PVC)

Replacing the drain, waste and vent systems in an existing home costs an average of $4 to $8.50 per linear foot and can depend on access to the pipes and the pipe’s diameter.

Replace Galvanized Pipes

Replacing galvanized pipes requires removing and disposing of the old pipes and installing a completely new system. Expect to pay prices on the high side of the spectrum for this work.

Other costs that affect the price of your plumbing installation or replacement.

Permit

A building permit is necessary for new plumbing or replacement projects. Your plumber will obtain the appropriate permits. The typical cost range is from $50 to $500 per project.

After Plumbing Repairs

Replacing a plumbing system often requires making holes in walls, ceilings or floors. Hiring a contractor or handyperson to perform drywall, plaster, wood or concrete repairs costs between $40 and $120 per hour.

Several factors affect the cost of all plumbing installations or replacement projects.

Scope of the Project

The scope of the plumbing project is the most significant factor affecting the project costs. The project scope includes the size of the home, materials used, access to the system, number of fixtures and rooms, labor hours and material quantities.

Fixture Quantity

Whether the project is for a single room or a whole house, the total number of plumbing fixtures being installed will require rough-in and finish plumbing.

Access to Plumbing

Pipes in existing homes may be buried under or behind walls and floors. Gaining sufficient access to the existing pipes, and creating enough space for new pipes, can increase the project’s cost.

Labor and Material Cost

Labor and material costs can fluctuate depending on market conditions and location. Securing a firm price quote for your project can offer protection from large price swings.

There are several ways to determine if your home requires new plumbing.

Water Color or Taste

Discolored water or a sudden change in the taste of your water indicates that corrosion has occurred inside the existing plumbing. Call a plumber to assess the situation and determine a solution.

Water Pressure

Prolonged or intermittent water pressure drops are a trouble indicator for plumbing supply lines.

Frequent Back-ups

Clogged drains or sinks and tubs that drain slowly are signs that your drain, waste and vent lines need replacement.

Water Leaks

Even a small water leak from a pipe or a pipe fitting could indicate more severe plumbing troubles. Have leaks repaired and inspected as soon as possible to avoid further water damage.

Age of Existing Plumbing

If your home’s plumbing is over 50 years old, it’s wise to have periodic professional inspections even if no signs of trouble have surfaced.

Installing plumbing requires a lot of planning. Before you start, knowing if you are dealing with a new or existing house and what plumbing system you have is important. Plumbing installations can be suited for various homes, and several different types are available. Before any work begins, it’s always best to ask your plumber to explain in detail which one will be right for you.

Everyone wants to save money, and replacing your plumbing system can be expensive. You can avoid large bills by making a little effort to maintain and repair your current fixtures.

• Preventative Maintenance: Plumbing problems can be solved by implementing a proactive approach. Don’t leave pipe maintenance for emergencies – check them frequently and get ahead of issues before they occur.
• Be Prepared: If you’re prepared with an accessible, organized space and adequate lighting, you may be able to save some labor hours. Ensure furniture is cleared away from access points and that outlets are available wherever applicable.
• Piping Options: If you’re worried about the cost of replacing your home’s water lines, consider PEX piping. It will save you money upfront and help you avoid high installation fees.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, a number of providers and cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.