Replacing Copper Pipes Cost

• Re-piping a house can cost $1,500 -$15,000 or more. Re-piping costs are typically based on the number of fixtures, with each sink, bathtub, shower, toilet, dishwasher, water heater, etc. counting as one fixture. Total costs also depend on the size of the house, if the holes in the walls and ceilings are repaired and repainted or just left open, whether it's one story or two, and ease of access (basement, crawlspace or slab foundation).
• Re-piping a house with plastic pipes -- either PEX (flexible plastic tubing made of cross-linked polyethylene) or PVC-CPVC (rigid plastic pipes made of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) -- typically costs $1,500 -$8,000 or more, depending on the number of fixtures. Re-piping a small 1-bathroom home with plastic pipes might cost $1,500 -$2,500, and a typical 3-bedroom, 2-1/2-bathroom, two-story home might cost $3,000 -$7,000 or more. Although there are some regional differences -- PEX tends to be more common in the West and Southwest, CPVC in the East -- in many areas one plumber may prefer PEX and another CPVC.
• If a home has acidic water, a water treatment system to restore the correct pH balance (before installing new copper pipes) can cost $600 -$2,000. Re-plumbing with copper pipes can cost $2,500 -$15,000 or more, depending on the number of fixtures and the ease of access -- and prices may vary significantly over time depending on the price of copper. For example, Pete Rodriguez of Atlantic Re-Plumbing in Virginia says costs for re-plumbing a 2-1/2-bathroom house with 12-13 fixtures would start at about $4,500, and could cost more. At Repipe1 in California, Danny Zilberberg says re-piping a 2-bathroom house would cost more than $5,000 with copper pipes.
• Most experts do not recommend re-piping a house as a do-it-yourself project because a single error can result in an expensive and damaging leak. However, for DIY replacement of small sections, building supply stores sell 10' lengths of 1/2"- to 1"-diameter hard copper pipe for about $10 -$60 or more.

• Copper pipes come in two types, rigid or flexible, and three classifications -- Type M is thin walled, Type L (for most residential plumbing applications) is medium walled and commercial-grade Type K is thick-walled. Flexible copper tubing is typically used for short projects, like leading up to a water heater or for cold water supply in tight spots. Rigid copper pipe is typically used to distribute the water supply.
• A contractor will typically inspect the house before submitting a bid. Re-piping a house takes 1-5 working days and can require cutting 8-20 or more holes in the walls and ceilings. Usually the water will be turned back on each evening and the homeowners will be able to stay in the house during the re-plumbing. Copper typically takes longer and/or more workers to install than PEX or CPVC pipes. For example, Repipe1 in California typically schedules one day for any re-plumbing project, but uses a three-member crew to install PEX and a five-member or larger crew for copper pipes.

• A permit from the local planning or building department is typically required. The city of Hercules, CA, posts its re-piping inspection checklist describing common code violations in re-plumbing projects. Permit fees vary, but typically cost $70 -$400. This may be included in a contractor's bid or be an additional charge. The contractor may also charge $50 -$150 to be present during required inspections by the local building or planning department.

• Prices can vary significantly, so get several estimates and ask about re-plumbing experience. Homewownernet.com explains how to hire a plumber and ProToolReviews.com lists tips for choosing between CPVC, PEX and copper pipes.
• Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, or search for local plumbing contractors through the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association. Make sure the company is properly bonded, insured and licensed; ask for and check references; and look for complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
• A written contract should include a detailed outline of the work required and materials to be used, whether the company will be doing the work or subcontracting any of the project, and the dates within which the project will be done.

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