New Plumbing Installation

Installing entirely new plumbing can run the gamut in terms of cost, depending on a number of variables—like how big your house is, what sorts of plumbing materials you want to use, and how intricate the installation itself is. Most average-sized homes can expect to pay between $7,000 and $15,000 for a tear out of their old plumbing and a fresh install of new pipes, valves, and fixtures. Still, if there's more plumbing to do (larger houses or more complex systems), costs can go up, up, up! Your best bet for a more tailored estimate? Call a contractor and ask for a quote.

New plumbing installation can be any project from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the project's scale, the materials chosen, and your local labor costs. For example, putting in new plumbing in an average-size bathroom might cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. In contrast, a whole-house plumbing system—substantially more akin to a "plumbing installation" project than the bathroom example—is generally going to run you anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 or more. Again, a competent, licensed plumber with no ulterior motives is your best bet for an accurate price estimate.

In 2024, developments in plumbing technology center on smart plumbing systems, which utilize the Internet of Things (IoT) to create a new level of efficiency in water usage. These systems can inform the user about anything from a half-open main valve to a missing grommet on a smart water heater—half those problems indoor smart plumbing can now handle efficiently! Innovations in this "smart" direction also include water purification in real time as we use it; fixtures that can talk to us, the smart phone apps we're likely to have; and the old standby of indoor plumbing, the toilet. But all this talk about water and plumbing has us missing the important trend that'll impact your bottom line as a plumber.

When estimating costs for plumbing in new construction, carry out these steps: Review the architectural plans thoroughly to grasp the extent of the plumbing work. Count and calculate the number of systems serving bathrooms, kitchens, and any unusual water fixtures, like that additional 50-foot-high rooftop fountain. In terms of quantity, you're going to need a lot of piping, so make sure to scale up appropriately. Next, to make a decent estimator out of yourself, factor in the type of pipe you'll be using—copper, PVC, or PEX—and their respective costs. That includes not just the supply line and the drainage systems but also any special fixtures, faucets, and the kind of water heater that would make even the most jaded plumber weep. And then there's labor: another huge component that varies enough week to week to keep a plumber guessing. Finally, remember that permits are an absolute must. And make sure to add a contingency buffer.

Several factors affect the cost of repiping a house with a 1,500 square foot area. One important factor is the type of piping material you choose. Your options include copper, PEX, and CPVC. Another factor is the complexity of the installation itself. And then there are labor rates, which vary depending on where you live. So, what does it all boil down to? Generally speaking, you're looking at something in the neighborhood of $4,000 to $15,000. Obtaining three to four quotes from licensed contractors gives you a better chance of hitting the true bullseye.

Home insurance usually protects plumbing problems only when they arise from unexpected events like a burst pipe or a leaking faucet that suddenly starts to leak. When it comes to flooding that's the result of a "negligent" plumbing job, or maintenance that's just not up to standard, home insurance isn't likely to help you pay for repairs. And what about the kind of plumbing problem that seems to happen gradually over time, like a slow leak? Does that count as a sudden and accidental plumbing problem, or not? Consult your insurance policy and your insurance agent for the answers to questions that are specific to your situation.

Repiping a house is usually not covered by homeowners insurance, as it is deemed a maintenance issue. Home insurance typically covers only unexpected and sudden damages. Unless the home requires repiping because of a covered peril like a burst pipe that suddenly and dramatically caused a lot of damage, repiping just isn't something insurance covers. To know for sure, though, you need to read your actual policy and talk with your actual insurance agent.

Generally, PEX plumbing has a lifespan similar to copper—40 to 50 years. The range is quite broad due to the nature of math: some use factors like water quality, installation method, and environmental conditions more conducive to lasting plumbing; others use factors that are less conducive.

The most inexpensive method to repipe a home generally uses PEX tubing, which has a low material cost and is very easy to work with. Doing the repiping as part of a renovation is a good strategy, as it lets you use the open walls and floors to your advantage. If you are equipped to do some of the work to open up the space, that also makes it much easier and less costly for the plumbers to do their part. Of course, it is best to get multiple quotes from licensed plumbers before going with any single plumbing service. Replacing sections of pipe according to some order of priority that reflects your immediate and future plans for the house is also a good way to manage costs over time.

Generally, when you repipe a house, it is considered a capital improvement and not something you can directly deduct from your taxes. However, a piped house may be worth more than a non-piped house, and the increase in value might help you dodge some nasty taxes when you sell the house. As with most tax-related issues, consult a professional if you're unsure; your specific situation and the ways local laws interact with it can make a big difference.