How much does Pipe installation cost?

Whether your home has a leaky pipe that needs replacement or you’re planning to install new plumbing for an entire home remodeling project, it’s important to know how much pipe installation will cost. 

This guide explains the cost to have a licensed professional plumber install various types of pipes for large and small plumbing jobs. Pricing data is based on estimated project costs provided to Yelp users by real plumbing businesses, along with industry research. Learn more in the methodology section at the end of the guide. 

The cost of pipe installation for common home plumbing jobs is typically $310, according to Yelp data. However, the cost of these projects range from $155–995, depending on the type and complexity.

Because residential plumbers are usually called on for smaller pipe installation jobs—like replacing a short section of faulty pipe—this price range doesn’t account for major projects, such as installing new plumbing for a master bathroom remodel. The cost of a large job can go much higher, depending on how long the project takes, the type and amount of pipe, and other factors detailed below. 

For most pipe installation jobs, plumbers typically charge $148 per hour, according to Yelp data. Across the US, however, their rates for installing pipes range from $85–230 per hour, based on location and nature of the job. Most common pipe installation projects—such as replacing a section of water-supply pipe or an easy-to-access broken drain pipe—take 2–4 hours.

Most plumbers provide a firm quote (or “bid”) for pipe installation jobs after evaluating the situation to determine how long the job will take. Some may give you an estimate, but the final charge will be based on the number of hours worked plus the cost of the pipes and other materials.

Avoid surprises by making sure your pipe installation quote covers all potential costs, says master plumber Steve Hutkin, owner of Advantage Plumbing & Rooter in Montrose, California. That might include the following:

In most cases, a plumber’s quote won’t include restoration of landscaping (beyond replacing dug-up turf) for underground pipe installation, or replacing drywall or other surface materials that have been removed for interior pipe installation. Be sure to ask your plumber how these costs will be handled (see “Cost factors” below).

For larger jobs, it’s a good idea to get 2–3 quotes from local plumbing pros. While cost is an important factor, you should also consider which plumber will be the right match for your project.

Pipe installation can vary, from replacing a short length of leaking water pipe or adding new plumbing for a new appliance, to installing all the plumbing for an entire home, and may involve water supply pipes, gas pipes, and/or drain pipes. Here’s what you’ll typically pay for common pipe installation jobs, including the pipe. (See the next section for larger/whole home plumbing project prices.) 

Leaky pipe replacement typically costs $89–350, according to Yelp data. The project usually involves replacing just a section of water pipe, but your cost will depend on the size and type of pipe, how easy it is to access the section of pipe that needs repair, and the circumstances of the project. (See more about the cost of different types of pipe materials below.)

The cost for installing an underground water pipe ranges from $165–2,085 for labor and materials, according to Yelp data. A sewer pipe can cost from $250–7,500. Both of these wide ranges are influenced by several factors: distance, type of pipe, and site conditions. The low end of this price range represents labor and materials for a very small job, like replacing a 1-foot section of pipe. The top end of the range covers labor and materials up to about 100 linear feet. 

Homeowners are usually responsible for maintaining the main water supply and sewer pipes that commonly run underground from the house to the street, where they connect to the water meter or the city sewer system. If underground sewer or water pipes become damaged and need to be replaced—which can happen due to shifting soil, tree roots, or other causes—there are 2 common pipe replacement methods, each with different cost factors. 

Traditional trenching replacement typically costs $50–175 per linear foot, depending on location, the cost of any required permits, and any unexpected issues (such as tree roots and stumps or other obstacles that need to be removed). Trenching involves digging up the old pipe, disconnecting it at both ends, (sometimes) removing the old pipe, installing and connecting the new pipe, and backfilling the trench. The total cost will include both pipe installation and the excavation work.

Trenchless pipe replacement is more expensive but less invasive to lawns, landscaping, and driveways. It starts by looking for damage with a special camera that’s inserted into the sewer pipe (or water main if it’s large enough). The installers then dig only at the ends of the section of pipe that needs to be replaced. From there, they’ll use 1 of 2 different techniques, bursting or lining, which will also affect the cost. Ask your plumber for the recommended method for your circumstances and to give you a quote on the entire job.

If you’re building or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, the cost of installing new pipes for various appliances and fixtures ranges from $155–2,870, according to Yelp data. The price you’ll pay depends on the type of pipe, the plumber’s hourly rate, and other factors. 

The distance from the appliance to the source also plays a major role, because it affects the amount of pipe needed. Installing a dishwasher for the first time will typically cost $295, according to Yelp data, because the sink plumbing is nearby so less pipe is needed. You’ll pay $465 or more, to add a washing machine to a garage or basement, if existing plumbing isn’t nearby. 

When your pipe installation project requires replacing most or all of the piping in a home, or adding all-new plumbing during new home construction, the costs are significantly higher. 

Replacing home pipes (also called “repiping”) with copper pipes was once the most popular method, but PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes are much more affordable, and now more common. In a typical, 2,000-square-foot house, repiping with copper costs $5,000–20,000, but repiping with PEX typically costs $4,200–6,000.

While expensive, repiping is sometimes a smart investment because it increases plumbing system reliability and improves water pressure. In addition, some home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by leaks from older galvanized or polybutylene pipes. Over time, aging galvanized steel water pipes are known to accumulate mineral buildup that slows the water pressure at sinks, showers, and other fixtures. Old pipes can also become rusty, corroded, or cracked. Even copper pipes can develop pinhole leaks over decades of carrying water, especially in areas where hard water (water with high mineral content) is a problem. 

Pipe installation typically accounts for 5.8% of the overall cost of building a new home, according to a 2022 survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), an industry organization. 

“Rough-in” plumbing—that is, installing pipes when the walls are still under construction—can be less expensive than installation in an existing structure, because the areas are more accessible. For new construction of a typical 2,500-square-foot home with 3 full bathrooms and a kitchen, the average cost of whole-house, rough-in plumbing would be $22,706, the NAHB report found. Installing rough-in plumbing for a smaller house is likely to run $10,000–12,000.

The cost of pipe installation also depends upon the price of the pipes being installed. Pipes manufactured from different materials have different average costs, characteristics, and uses. 

The most common types of pipe installed in homes today are:

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and galvanized steel pipes are already in many older homes. Because of concerns about their longevity, they’re seldom installed anymore (and are often not covered by homeowners insurance).

Here’s a rundown of costs by type of new pipe, based on industry sources. 

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe is widely used for water supply lines and radiant heating applications (in which the pipes carry heated water under a slab or floor). At a cost of $0.40–2.00 per linear foot, for sizes ranging from ½–1 inch in diameter, it’s much less expensive than copper pipe, which was the go-to material for pipes carrying drinking water until the 1980s. PEX is also easier to work with than copper, because it’s flexible and easy to connect. PEX piping has dramatically reduced both material and labor costs for plumbing. 

However, not all plumbers favor PEX over copper. “In my opinion, copper plumbing systems are superior because of the nature of the material itself, and with properly soldered joints, they’ll hold up longer than plastic,” says Faust. “I like to install copper pipe if my customers are willing to pay for it.”

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe costs $0.50–4.50 per linear foot, while CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipe costs $1–5 per linear foot, depending on diameter. These materials are commonly used in home construction today because of their affordability, durability, and ease of installation. PVC excels for cold-water supply lines, drainage and vent systems, and irrigation systems. CPVC is used for hot-water supply lines, because it can tolerate temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Black steel pipe costs $2–4 per linear foot, for sizes ranging from ½–2 inches in diameter. Also called “black pipe,” black steel pipe withstands high temperatures better than plastic materials and can hold up under fire conditions. As a result, it’s used in home plumbing systems for gas lines, oil burner supply lines, steam pipes, and fire sprinkler systems. 

Black pipe is harder to work with than plastic, because its ends must be threaded and screwed into threaded fittings.

Copper pipe ranges from $2–8 per linear foot, depending upon diameter and wall thickness. In addition to being more expensive than other types of pipe, copper pipe is more difficult and time-consuming to work with, because joints must be soldered or joined by compression. Still, copper remains a popular choice for various residential plumbing jobs due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to carry both hot and cold water. 

Here are some additional issues that can affect the cost of a pipe installation project.

If your plumbing work is more complex than a simple replacement of existing pipes, many municipalities will require a permit. The cost can range from $30–500+, depending on the type of project and local regulations. While a plumber may handle obtaining permits, the homeowner is responsible for any fees.

Replacing water-supply pipes often requires removal of drywall or flooring to expose existing pipes. Expect to pay an additional $300–1,400 to restore the wall and floor. If your plumber lacks the skills for restoration work, you’ll need to get a quote from a general contractor or carpenter.

If a trench needs to be dug to repair or replace an outdoor sewer line, this will increase the cost of your project by $4–12 per linear foot. (Ask if that’s included in your total quote.) Backfilling and restoring landscaping after the plumbing work is complete generally adds an additional $4–12 per square foot.

Here are some ways to reduce or limit your costs.

Depending on the intended use, you may have options for the pipe material you install. In general, plastic pipe is significantly less costly than copper for water-supply and drain lines. For water-supply lines, PEX is often the most sensible, affordable option.

When it comes to pipe sizes, bigger isn’t always better—but it’s always more expensive. Ask your plumber to choose the most appropriate pipe diameter, based on flow requirements and local regulations. Also ask them to plan a layout that minimizes the amount of piping—and fittings—needed.

Move furniture, appliances, and other obstructions away from the areas that will need work before the plumber arrives. This will save time and can reduce your total cost.

Compare prices from 2–3 qualified professional plumbers before choosing one. Prices of plumbers can vary significantly from one plumbing company to another. Also ask about the availability of discounts or package deals for multiple projects. 

A homeowner with DIY experience can often make basic repairs, such as replacing a short length of plastic pipe. For more extensive piping work, you’ll want to hire a professional plumber.

Professional plumbers have the equipment and experience to diagnose issues accurately and the problem-solving savvy to handle installations efficiently. They also know how to apply for permits and complete work in compliance with local building codes. Plumbing installations that don’t comply with codes can require expensive do-overs and cause complications when selling a home.

When interviewing a plumber for pipe installation, ask about their qualifications and billing practices. This information is often available on the pro’s Yelp Business Page.

Questions about the business 

Questions about pipe installation costs

How long do plumbing pipes last in a house?

Copper water lines typically last up to 100 years, unless they burst from freezing or develop pinholes from exposure to water with high mineral content. Old-style galvanized pipe may become clogged with corrosion and minerals within 30–50 years. Your replacement costs will largely depend on the pipe material: A ½-inch-diameter copper pipe costs about $2 per linear foot, while the same-size PEX (plastic) pipe costs about $0.40 per linear foot.

Is it worth it to repipe a house?

Faulty or outdated plumbing can significantly lower the value of a home at resale. If you don’t want to repipe the entire house, selective repiping—replacing pipes only where they’re leaking or water pressure is low due to clogging—is more affordable. The typical cost for PEX (plastic) pipes is $0.40–2 per linear foot. In a typical, 2,000-square-foot house, repiping with PEX pipes usually costs $4,200–6,000, while repiping with copper is typically $5,000–20,000.

How much does it cost to run a water line?

Specific costs for adding a water line depend on the length, accessibility, and type of pipe used. Copper pipe costs $2–8 per linear foot (plus labor), but various types of PVC (plastic) pipe costs $0.50–4.50 per linear foot (plus labor, with a quicker installation time). If you install water supply lines underground or behind wall and ceiling finishes, you’ll usually face additional charges for demolition and restoration.

Find a licensed plumber in your area. 

Cost data in this guide is based on project quote estimates provided to Yelp users by licensed professionals and businesses on Yelp (as well as analysis of industry data). Actual project costs may vary depending on location or complexity of the project. Cost data has been reviewed by our industry expert, Don Vandervort, a nationally known home improvement author. Don is the founder of the website HomeTips.com and has written or produced more than 30 home improvement books.