Average Cost of Re Plumbing a House | CountBricks Guide
Price source: Costs shown are derived from our proprietary U.S. construction cost database (updated continuously from contractor/bid/pricing inputs and normalization rules).
Eva Steinmetzer-Shaw
Head of Marketing
Understanding the Average Cost of Re Plumbing a House
For construction professionals, determining the cost to re plumb a house involves multiple variables. Factors such as square footage, fixture count, pipe material, labor rates, and regional regulations all influence the final estimate. Typically, costs range from $6,000 – $20,000 depending on the home's size and complexity. CountBricks provides real-time data and AI-driven analytics to streamline this process, offering accurate estimates quickly.
National Cost Ranges at a Glance
- Small homes (1–2 baths, under 1,500 sq ft): $3,500 – $7,000
- Mid-size homes (2–3 baths, 1,500 – 2,500 sq ft): $6,000 – $10,000
- Large homes (3+ baths, over 2,500 sq ft): $10,000 – $20,000+
These figures include the replacement of supply lines with PEX or Type L copper, covering demolition, installation, and finishing. Market fluctuations in material costs can affect these estimates by 10-15%.
Key Factors That Drive Re Plumbing Costs
1. Pipe Material Selection
- PEX: Flexible, fewer fittings, 25-30% cheaper than copper, faster labor
- Type M Copper: Mid-grade, moderate price, durable but more joints
- Type L Copper: Premium, thicker wall, 15-20% cost increase over Type M
Choosing PEX over Type L copper can save approximately $3,800 on a 2,000 sq ft home with three baths.
2. House Layout and Access
- Single-story slab homes require more invasive demolition, increasing labor hours
- Two-story framed houses allow vertical chases, reducing demo but adding safety fees
- Crawlspace access lowers ceiling demo but adds PPE and confined-space premiums
3. Fixture Count and Complexity
Additional sinks, showers, or hose bibs increase material length and rough-in time. CountBricks' voice-capture takeoffs update pipe footage and fitting counts in real time.
4. Regional Labor Rates
Labor costs vary significantly by region. CountBricks accesses local Department of Labor tables to ensure estimates align with actual crew costs.
Breaking Down the Typical Estimate
- Demolition & Surface Protection – 10%
- Rough-in Labor – 35%
- Pipe & Fittings – 30%
- Insulation & Fire-stopping – 5%
- Drywall, Paint & Finishes – 15%
- Permit & Inspection Fees – 5%
Itemizing these components in a CountBricks estimate helps clients understand cost allocation, reducing disputes.
How CountBricks Streamlines Your Re Plumbing Project
Real-Time Voice Capture
Use your phone to call out specifications, and our AI transcribes and prices the takeoff instantly.
Live Material Pricing
CountBricks integrates with suppliers to adjust estimates based on real-time material cost changes.
Instant Quote Documents
Generate branded PDFs with scope, exclusions, and payment schedules quickly.
AI Blueprint Takeoffs
Upload plans, and our engine measures and labels every run, improving accuracy and saving time.
Case Snapshot: 1960s Ranch Retrofit
CountBricks collaborated with GreenTree Plumbing on a 1,400 sq ft ranch in Austin. The project reduced estimate creation time from 3 hours to 18 minutes, with a final contract value of $9,750.
Five Pro Tips for Lowering Re Plumbing Costs
- Bundle projects to share demo and finish costs
- Opt for trunk-and-branch PEX layouts
- Schedule inspections in advance
- Use push-fit valves for temporary water restoration
- Leverage CountBricks for real-time pricing comparisons
Next Steps
For precise estimates, start a free CountBricks trial. Visit CountBricks.com for more information.
Beyond the Average: Turning Estimates into Profits with CountBricks
Price clarity is just the beginning. Profitability is achieved through controlled execution, and CountBricks enhances value post-bid.
Dynamic Change-Order Management
- Capture scope shifts with a voice note
- Recalculate additional requirements instantly
- Generate digital change-order forms for e-signature
Field-Ready Material Lists
- Download supplier-specific pick lists
- Match part numbers to live inventory
- Reduce returns and restocking fees
Real-Time Budget Tracking
Log daily progress, and CountBricks reconciles percent-complete against the original estimate, flagging variances.
Case Study: Multi-Bath Addition
A contractor re plumbed a 2,800 sq ft addition with three baths. Using CountBricks, they updated pricing quickly and maintained a 24% gross margin.
Why Contractors Stick with CountBricks
- Single source of truth from takeoff to invoice
- Cloud access for alignment
- Continuous updates for accurate estimates
Boost your margins and eliminate guesswork. Explore CountBricks.com for more.