Inspection
If you're unsure if your home requires pipe replacement or you're unclear on the extent of possible pipe damage, it's a good idea to reach out to a local plumber for advice before committing to whole-house replumbing.
Many plumbers offer a thorough inspection service where they go through all the plumbing in your home (which could amount to hundreds of feet) to gauge its condition and identify trouble areas. This inspection can tell you whether you need to replace all the plumbing, replace some of the plumbing, or take no action because there are no issues.
This inspection can run around $250 to $1,200, but it can save you thousands of dollars in unnecessary work if the plumbing inspector finds you only need a minor repair or no work at all.
You may also need to factor in the cost of a permit. Part of the plumbing cost for a new house typically includes the permit price, which can range from $50 to $500. Many plumbing projects for existing homes may also require a permit.
Labor
Plumbers cost around $45 to $200 per hour, with hourly rates varying depending on the plumber's level of expertise. However, when providing a quote for a piping installation or replacement, a plumber will generally offer a per-project bid rather than bill you by the hour. Assuming you have a standard-size home with two bathrooms, a plumber will typically take 28 hours for the project. This translates to total labor charges of around $1,260 to $5,600, which include demolition—such as cutting through ceilings and walls to access hidden piping—and removing old piping.
"I would advise homeowners to exercise caution whenever hiring a plumber who wants to do every project on a time-plus-material basis rather than providing an upfront quote for the work,” says Jeff Botelho, Angi Expert Review Board member and Massachusetts-licensed journey-level plumber. This is “often an indication of a lack of confidence in themselves to complete the work on time and within a budget. Some jobs have too many unknown factors and will have to be done on time and materials, but they're few and far between," says Botelho.
Also, assuming your plumber has to cut through the ceiling or drywall, you may need to hire a drywall contractor or handyperson to make repairs. Ceiling repair costs generally run from $45 to $90 per square foot, while the cost to repair drywall is around $50 to $75 per square foot.