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House Repiping Cost Calculator: PEX vs Copper vs CPVC 2026

Estimate house repiping cost by square footage, pipe material, and bathroom count. Compare PEX vs copper vs CPVC with 2026 labor and material rates.

Total finished square footage

Each bath beyond 2 adds ~$800

Flexible, freeze-resistant, easiest to install. Industry standard for repiping.

Multi-story adds 15–28% labor

Slab adds ~32% — requires cutting concrete

How to Use This Calculator

  1. 1

    Enter your home's square footage and bathroom count

    Type your total finished square footage and the number of full and half bathrooms. Each bathroom beyond two adds approximately $800 in labor because of additional fixture connections.

  2. 2

    Select your pipe material

    Choose PEX for the lowest cost and fastest installation, Copper for maximum longevity, or CPVC for a mid-range rigid plastic option. The calculator shows a side-by-side cost comparison for all three after you calculate.

  3. 3

    Set stories and foundation type

    Multi-story homes cost 15–28% more due to additional pipe runs. Slab foundations add ~32% because the concrete must be broken and patched. Crawl space access adds ~10%.

  4. 4

    Choose your location

    Select high-cost area (CA, NY, MA, WA, HI) for above-average labor rates, rural for below-average, or typical US for national average pricing.

  5. 5

    Review the cost breakdown and get quotes

    Use the estimate as a budget baseline. Get at least 3 quotes from licensed, bonded plumbers. Ask each for a written scope of work specifying what drywall repair and permit fees are included.

What Each Value Means

Cost Per Square Foot (dollars per sq ft)
The total repiping cost divided by the home's finished square footage. Used to compare quotes and benchmark your estimate against regional averages. PEX averages $3.50–$7.00/sq ft; copper $8.00–$14.00/sq ft; CPVC $4.00–$8.50/sq ft nationally in 2026.
Slab Foundation Multiplier (multiplier (1.32×))
Homes built on slab foundations have all pipes buried in or under the concrete. Accessing them requires cutting through the slab, patching the concrete, and additional labor — typically adding 25–35% to the base repiping cost versus basement or crawl-space access.
Labor Percentage (percent of total cost)
The portion of total repiping cost that goes to labor (vs materials). PEX is ~60% labor because the flexible pipe installs faster. Copper is ~52% labor because the material cost is high. Understanding this split helps evaluate whether a quote is competitive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to repipe a house in 2026?
Whole-house repiping costs $3,500–$15,000 for PEX, $8,000–$21,000 for copper, and $4,500–$13,000 for CPVC on a typical 1,500 sq ft, 2-bathroom home with standard foundation access. Costs depend on square footage, pipe material, number of bathrooms, stories, and foundation type. Slab foundations add 25–35% because concrete must be cut to access pipes.
Is PEX or copper better for repiping a house?
PEX is the most popular choice for whole-house repiping because it costs 50–60% less than copper, installs faster, and performs equally well for residential water supply. PEX lasts 25–50 years, handles freezing better, and resists corrosion. Copper lasts 50–70 years and is preferred in high-end homes or where local codes require metal pipe. For most homeowners, PEX offers the best value.
How long does it take to repipe a house?
Most whole-house repipes take 2–4 days for a single-story home under 2,000 sq ft. A two-story home or homes with slab foundations take 4–7 days. Water is shut off during active work periods but restored each evening. Drywall patching (included in some quotes, separate in others) adds 1–2 days. Plan for 1–2 weeks total from start to finished walls.
Does homeowners insurance cover repiping?
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover elective repiping. However, if a pipe fails and causes water damage, insurance typically covers the resulting damage but not the cost to replace the failed pipe itself. Some insurers offer 'water backup' or 'service line' riders that cover some plumbing repairs. Check your policy and talk to your insurer before scheduling a repipe.
What signs mean a house needs repiping?
Key warning signs include: rusty or discolored water (orange/brown tint), frequent pipe leaks (more than 1–2 per year), low water pressure throughout the home, visible corrosion or green staining on exposed pipes, pipes over 50 years old (galvanized steel or lead), and polybutylene (gray/blue plastic) piping installed before 1995 — this material is prone to catastrophic failure and should be replaced.
What is not included in a repiping quote?
Standard repiping quotes usually exclude: building permits ($200–$600), drywall repair and repainting ($500–$2,000), water heater replacement if needed ($800–$1,500), fixture upgrades, landscaping restoration for slab homes, and disposal fees for old pipe. Always ask your plumber for an all-in quote and get at least 3 bids.