One of the first questions Austin-area homeowners ask our team is, “How much does it cost to install a water line?” The answer depends on a mix of material, distance, access, and labor variables that can swing the final invoice from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. At CountBricks, we combine on-site expertise with AI-driven estimating tools to pin down accurate numbers in minutes, not days.
Across Central Texas we usually see three tiers:
• Short internal runs (refrigerator or icemaker lines) • $250 – $650
• Medium runs from crawl space or basement to a new fixture • $650 – $1,500
• Full service line from meter to house, trenching included • $2,000 – $5,500+
These figures include materials, labor, basic permits, and standard restoration. Use them as a starting point—then let CountBricks refine the numbers with a real-time voice conversation and AI-generated material takeoff.
During a recent Barton Hills remodel, our estimator opened the CountBricks mobile app, spoke the scope into the microphone, and within 90 seconds delivered:
• 48 ft of ¾" PEX line with fittings • $312 materials
• Two hours licensed plumber labor • $270 labor
• Permit & inspection allowance • $85
Total projected cost: $667 before tax. The final invoice? $663—less than a 1% variance, thanks to AI-updated supplier pricing.
Material Type
• PEX: Flexible, fast to install, typically lowest cost
• Copper: Durable, higher cost, may be required by HOA or historic district
• HDPE or PVC: Common for exterior service lines, mid-range pricing
Line Length & Route
• Every additional 10 ft inside walls adds roughly $45 in labor
• Exterior trenching over rocky ground can double excavation fees
Accessibility
• Finished drywall removal and patching increases costs 15-30%
• Tight crawl spaces slow crews, adding billable hours
Local Permits & Codes
• Austin Water inspections require backflow prevention on most new connections
• Failure to schedule re-inspection can lead to costly delays—CountBricks handles the paperwork for you
• AI voice capture builds a scope while you walk the site
• Live materials database updates copper and PEX pricing every 30 minutes
• Integrated blueprint takeoff auto-measures trench length from your uploaded plans
• One-click export generates branded quote documents ready for homeowner e-signature
Homeowners see professional, transparent numbers, and you lock in profit-protecting margins.
1. Voice-scope the project in CountBricks and generate the estimate
2. Obtain permits through CountBricks.com/services
3. Shut off main water and verify utility locates
4. Drill or trench the new path, respecting setback codes
5. Run PEX, copper, or HDPE line and secure with approved fasteners
6. Pressure test to 80 psi for 30 minutes
7. Schedule inspection, backfill, and patch finishes
• Hardscape restoration (driveways, patios) can add $500-$1,200—plan the route early
• Undocumented sprinkler lines often get cut; use CountBricks AR locate to avoid re-work
• Emergency after-hours tie-ins carry premium rates; schedule during daylight to save 20-30%
If your project involves a new refrigerator line, outdoor kitchen, or a full meter-to-home replacement, CountBricks delivers the fastest path from idea to flowing water. Speak your scope, see a price, and book licensed installers—all before your competitors finish their first site visit. Visit CountBricks.com/consultation to get started.
An Allandale homeowner wanted a dedicated water line for a new steam oven but dreaded tearing into finished cabinetry. She opened a live session with a CountBricks estimator and described the kitchen layout while walking through it on video.
• Voice scope captured dimensions and fixture specs in under 4 minutes
• AI takeoff calculated a 26 ft ½" PEX route, two elbows, one tee
• Instant materials cost: $147 • Labor: $220 • Permit: $70
The signed quote hit her inbox within ten minutes. Because CountBricks dispatch integrates local plumber calendars, the install was scheduled for the next morning. By day two, the oven was steaming and the homeowner left a five-star review on CountBricks.com/portfolio.
• Opt for PEX where code allows—flexibility reduces wall cuts and labor hours
• Group multiple fixture additions under one permit to avoid duplicate fees
• Use CountBricks AR overlay to pre-plan routes and avoid existing electrical or HVAC lines
• Schedule trenching during dry weather; wet soil slows excavation and increases labor
• Realtime pricing shields bids from metal market swings
• Voice-to-estimate lets foremen create accurate proposals without stepping into the office
• Integrated invoicing pushes data straight to popular accounting platforms—no double entry
• Branded PDFs and e-signatures close deals faster, improving cash flow
Ready to see exactly how much it will cost to install your next water line? Start a live voice estimate at CountBricks.com/services and watch the numbers appear in real time.
