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Installing plumbing in a new home or replacing the existing pipes in an existing home is a large expense. New construction rough-in plumbing costs $6,000 on average, or between $1,500 and $17,500. In general, installing new plumbing hose fixing clamp
To replace the plumbing in an existing structure, expect to pay between $50 and $200 per hour for labor plus the cost of materials. The total cost to replace the plumbing system in a typical 2,000-square-foot home averages between $3,000 and $16,000.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Prolonged or intermittent water pressure drops are a trouble indicator for plumbing supply lines.
Clogged drains or sinks and tubs that drain slowly are signs that your drain, waste and vent lines need replacement.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Replumbing an entire home is typically a job for a professional, not a DIY plumber. First, the old plumbing system is evaluated to determine the project’s scope. Next, each room or fixture is addressed by removing the old pipes and replacing them with new pipe material.
Water leaks, frequent drain clogs, diminished water pressure, water discoloration, unusual water taste or visible signs of corrosion outside of pipes indicate that your plumbing may need replacing.
Compare local plumber listings to the Better Business Bureau website, talk to neighbors who have hired plumbers recently and check local review platforms for company reviews when deciding which plumbing company to hire.
Some people might decide to repipe their house if they experience a significant leak or other plumbing problem. However, home repairs can be expensive. Hiring a professional plumber to diagnose the problem and recommend possible solutions before you repipe your home may be better.
However, if you decide to upgrade your piping system, you will improve the quality of your water and reduce the chances of a leak. By replacing older pipes, you can ensure that they don’t corrode or break, which could lead to costly repairs.
With any home improvement project, adding value to your home is the goal. Replumbing is no exception. When preparing a home for sale, many people want to update the plumbing system to make it more modern and efficient.
Having spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance and home repair, Deane now contributes DIY, informational and financial content as a freelance writer and consultant for several publications such as Angi, Trusted Company Reviews, USNews and World Report and Small Spaces Great Life.
With over 10 years of experience in writing, editing and SEO content strategy for digital properties, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, buybuy BABY, Harmon and Macy's, Corinne Tynan brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of all things related to enhancing and beautifying homes. Corinne is a highly skilled contributing editor at Forbes Home, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas such as interior design and home improvement.
sink stainer Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of experience in the home space and 10 years of editing experience.