When homeowners start searching for the cost to plumb a house or wonder about how much to repipe a house in California, they’re usually facing serious plumbing problems. Repiping means removing and replacing all the water supply pipes in a home. In California, many older houses have galvanized or other aging pipes that eventually corrode or leak. When that happens, homeowners often ask, “How much is it going to cost to repipe a house in California?”
Repiping is a major project: it involves tearing out wall or floor sections, installing new pipes (usually PEX or copper), and repairing finishes. As I can’t stop myself from saying, repiping is not routine plumbing – it’s done only when old pipes are failing. In short, repiping is the complete replacement of a home’s plumbing lines, which can fix leaks, improve water quality, and restore pressure.
If you’re considering this project, it’s important to understand what affects the cost, what the process involves, and how to plan for it. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of what goes into repiping a house in California, including cost ranges, material choices, and tips for managing your budget.
Average Cost to Repipe a California Home
The cost to repipe a house in California varies widely. Nationally, homeowners spend about $7,500 on average (typical range $1,500–$15,000). In California, costs tend to be on the higher side of that range. For example, a Northern California contractor estimates a 1–3 bedroom home costs roughly $5,000–$30,000 to repipe (including wall repairs and painting). A cost calculator also notes California repipes run about $6,000–$15,000 on average. In practice, a small or simple repipe might be as low as a few thousand dollars, while a large home or complicated job can run well over $20,000.
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According to industry data, repiping including drywall/paint in Sacramento-area homes runs about $5k–$30k
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Major factors (home size, pipe material, access) cause the range to be wide.
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Expect labor to be the biggest piece: roughly 70% of total cost
Factors Affecting Repiping Costs
Several key factors influence how much to repipe a house in California. In summary:
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Home Size & Layout: Larger homes have more plumbing and take more labor. A 2-story house needs extra piping to reach upstairs, and more holes cut in walls. As Angi notes, big or multi-level homes cost more to repipe.
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Number of Fixtures: Each sink, toilet, shower, etc. must be re-connected. More bathrooms or laundry rooms mean more pipe work. Running new lines to precise fixture locations is labor-intensive.
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Pipe Material: Copper, PEX, and CPVC are common. Copper costs much more (about $2–$8 per foot) and requires soldering, increasing labor. PEX is cheaper ($0.40–$2 per foot) and easier to install. We discuss materials below.
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Labor & Access: Most of the project cost is labor (around 70%). If pipes run under concrete slabs or behind walls with difficult access, costs rise. For example, concrete cutting or basement crawlspace work adds time.
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Permits and Location: California cities charge permits and inspection fees. Fees vary by county, and big cities (LA, SF) often have higher permit and labor costs.
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Complexity: Homes with old lead or galvanized pipes need extra care. Homes with unusual architecture or hard-to-reach plumbing (e.g. slab leaks) take longer.
Most contractors will give an itemized quote so you can see how these factors add up
Piping Materials: Copper vs PEX (and Others)
The choice of pipe material greatly affects cost. The three main options are copper, PEX (plastic), and CPVC. Copper is the traditional choice – it lasts 50–70+ years and is very durable, but it is expensive. New copper pipe costs about $2–$8 per foot and must be soldered by hand, which raises labor costs. PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a flexible plastic tubing that has become very popular. It costs much less (roughly $0.40–$2 per foot and is quicker to install (it snugs around corners without many fittings). CPVC is another plastic option (about $0.50–$1/ft) but is less common today.
Copper: Very reliable and long-lasting (often guaranteed 50+ years), but it’s rigid. Installing copper requires cutting and soldering joints, so plumbers spend more time. The price of copper pipe is high and can fluctuate with metal markets. In wet or corrosive water conditions, copper can corrode (often after many decades), but it generally outlasts plastic pipes.
PEX: A modern favorite due to cost savings. PEX tubing comes in color-coded rolls (red for hot, blue for cold). It’s much cheaper than copper and faster to run through walls, which lowers labor. However, PEX cannot be used outdoors or near high-UV light, and it can degrade if exposed to very chlorinated water. In California, PEX has been popular for over a decade. Many contractors recommend PEX to save money. For example, a San Jose repipe quote shows PEX homes costing about $8,000–$10,000, versus $9,000–$11,000 with copper for a ~1,500 sq ft home.
CPVC: A rigid plastic similar to copper in shape. It’s cheaper than copper but more brittle, so it’s mostly used in small jobs (like replacing a short run). If allowed by local code, some may repipe with CPVC for savings, but it’s less common in whole-house repipes.
In summary, PEX typically costs the least overall, copper costs the most, and CPVC is in between. Choosing PEX can significantly lower your repipe bill.
Typical Cost by Home Size
Cost scales with home size. As a rough guide (based on contractor data), typical whole-house repipe costs are:
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~1,000 sq ft home: roughly $5,000 – $20,000. Smaller homes (around 2 bedrooms) tend to be on the low end of the range.
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~1,500 sq ft home: roughly $5,000 – $30,000 (This matches data for a 1,200–1,500 sq ft home.)
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~2,000 sq ft home: roughly $10,000 – $40,000. (Larger homes may approach the high end, especially with multiple stories.)
These ranges include all new piping work plus repairs to walls and painting. For example, a Northern California estimate shows 1,200–1,500 sq ft homes costing about $5k–$30k and a 2,000 sq ft home $10k–$40k to completely repipe. Your exact cost may vary: a 1,000 sq ft older bungalow might be toward the $5k-$10k side, while a custom 2,000+ sq ft home with many bathrooms could easily hit the upper range.
City-to-City Variations
Location matters. In California’s major cities, labor and permit fees differ:
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Sacramento Area (NorCal): Repipe costs here are often on the lower side for California. The example above ($5k–$30k) came from a Sacramento-based contractor. Permits in Sacramento County are relatively moderate.
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Bay Area (e.g. San Jose): Expect higher costs. In the San Jose area, a typical 1,500 sq ft home repipe (with PEX) is quoted at $8k–$10k (copper ~$9k–$11k) plus about $1k for permits. After adding wall repairs and other services, total San Jose projects can run $11k–$19k. Higher labor rates and permit costs in Silicon Valley drive this up.
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Southern California (Los Angeles/Orange): Costs are similar to the Bay Area. For example, Orange County plumbers report a 2-bedroom house repipe with PEX costing $10k–$20k. Los Angeles County likely sees comparable or slightly higher prices. Very urban areas often have expensive permit fees.
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Other Cities: Coastal cities (SF, San Diego) usually align with these big-city rates. Inland or smaller cities (Fresno, Bakersfield) might be cheaper.
In summary, repiping in LA or the Bay Area will generally cost more than in Sacramento or Central Valley. As one guide noted, California’s average range is about $6,000–$15,000, but city specifics can push a job above that. Always ask local plumbers for area-specific rates, including permit fees.
Signs You Need to Repipe Your House
Knowing the warning signs can help you decide if repiping is due. Common indicators include:
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Poor Water Pressure: If water flow has weakened over time, it may be due to mineral buildup or corrosion narrowing old metal pipes. Low pressure in multiple fixtures often means the whole system is clogged.
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Frequent Leaks: Constant pinhole leaks or recurring plumbing leaks suggest the pipes are failing. Even small drips, if happening often, can signal widespread pipe decay.
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Noisy Pipes: Banging, hissing or gurgling sounds (often called water hammer) when you turn faucets on/off can mean rusty, corroded pipes or loose fittings. These unusual noises are a warning the plumbing is deteriorating.
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Visible Corrosion: Rust-colored stains or greenish corrosion on exposed pipes are a clear sign of aging metal pipes. If you see flaking metal or rust around fittings, the piping is weakening.
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Discolored, Bad-Tasting Water: Brown, yellow, or metallic-tasting tap water often comes from rust or sediment in the pipes. Odors or odd-tasting water indicate contamination from corroded piping and are a serious health concern.
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Fluctuating Temperature: Water that suddenly alternates between scalding hot and cold (even when faucets aren’t adjusted) can mean failing pipes or mixing valves. This instability often comes from internal pipe damage.
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Frequent Clogs or Blockages: If clogs occur in multiple drains often, it could mean the pipes themselves are clogged with scale or debris. Persistent blockages throughout the house may warrant a full repipe.
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Age and Material: Finally, the age of your home’s plumbing matters. Galvanized steel pipes (common pre-1960s) typically fail after 50 years. If your house is 40+ years old with original plumbing, it’s wise to plan for a repipe even before trouble starts.
If you notice any of these signs—especially multiple issues at once—it’s a good idea to call a licensed plumber. They can inspect your system. Replacing all the old pipes early can prevent a catastrophic leak later.
Tips to Save Money When Repiping
Repiping is expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down:
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Choose PEX Pipes: As noted, using PEX instead of copper can slash material and labor costs. PEX is cheaper and installs faster, so ask your plumber if PEX is an option.
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Get Multiple Quotes: Prices can vary significantly between companies. Shop around and ask for itemized estimates. Compare exactly what is included (new pipes, drywall repair, cleanup, permits, etc.) to avoid surprises.
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Bundle Projects: If you’re renovating anyway (new floors, walls or layout), combine the repipe with that work. Contractors can coordinate both jobs, reducing overall labor time. Some plumbers offer a discount when bundling services.
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Timing: Schedule your repipe for an off-peak season (often late fall/winter). Contractors may be less busy and offer better rates. Also, if your home is currently empty or you can vacation during the work, there’s less inconvenience.
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DIY Prep Work: Ask your plumber if you can handle any prep yourself to save labor costs. For example, you might remove furniture, floor coverings, or DIY the drywall removal around access panels. (Just be sure to coordinate with the crew so it’s done safely.) Even offering to clean up afterward or paint walls can lower the bill.
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Financing & Deals: Some plumbing companies offer financing or payment plans. Others run specials (e.g. off-season discounts) or may give a better price if you’re ready to schedule soon. Inquire about any rebates – occasionally local water agencies offer credits for repiping old lead/galleys.
By planning carefully and choosing cost-effective options, many homeowners save thousands. One home-improvement guide notes that making these choices (cheap pipes, off-season work, negotiating, and DIY tasks) is “the cheapest way to repipe a house”
Repiping is a major investment, but replacing failing pipes can protect your home and water quality for decades. With good quotes and smart planning, you can manage the cost while restoring your plumbing system’s safety and reliability.
Conclusion
Repiping a house in California is a significant investment, but it can greatly improve water quality, reduce plumbing issues, and protect your home from costly damage. The total cost to repipe depends on the size of your home, the type of piping material you choose, and the labor involved. With thoughtful planning and clear quotes, you can manage the cost and ensure the job is done right.
If you’re located in Orange County or nearby areas, Cyclone Plumbing USA is here to help. We’re a trusted local plumbing company known for honest pricing, skilled workmanship, and clear communication. Whether you’re dealing with frequent leaks, low pressure, or aging pipes, our experienced team provides reliable repiping services that suit your home and budget.
📞 Contact Cyclone Plumbing USA today to schedule an inspection or get a free quote for your repiping project. Let’s make sure your home’s plumbing is safe, efficient, and built to last.
Also read:
Water Heater Cost in Fullerton, California: A Homeowner’s Guide
Professional Drain Cleaning in Fullerton, CA – Protect Your Home the Smart Way
How to Unclog a Drain: Essential Tips for Fullerton Homeowners
Do You Need Hydro Jetting? Signs Your Drains Are in Trouble
Why Businesses in Orange County Rely on Hydro Jetting for Drain Maintenance
Smart Ways to Block a Bathtub Drain Without a Plug
Top Causes of Clogged Drains in Orange County and How to Avoid Them
