There is not a set price to replace plumbing in a house and there are factors that will help you determine the cost before proceeding. The size of your house and the material you wish to replace plumbing pipes with can have an influence on the overall cost of your project.

Case in Point: pipe replacement in an average home with one to two and a half baths can range from $1,500 to $15,000. That is a big difference in cost for a homeowner, so having an estimate before you begin will help you stay on budget and keep a realistic view of the project.

How are Your Pipes?

Newer homes may require repair of plumbing but many older homes may need more than repair and to replace plumbing pipes in Sacramento you have options whether you're on a tight budget or not. The life cycle of water pipes and sewer lines is not infinite—and there are many homes in Sacramento that are reaching their 100-year construction anniversaries.

Plumbing pipes and fittings of homes can be copper, galvanized steel, brass, or PVC. Or, they may have a mismatched combination of all of the above if the home has been kept patched together over the years. Homes can have the same age issues with sewer lines due to age and the materials from which the lines are constructed; which can include clay, cast iron, asbestos cement, PVC, or ABS plastic.

The life expectancy of supply lines is 80 to 100 years for brass pipe, 70 to 80 years for copper plumbing pipe, and 80 to 100 years for galvanized steel. Drain lines that carry wastewater and sewage away from your home have a life expectancy of 80 to 100 years for cast iron plumbing pipe and 25 to 40 years for PVC replacement plumbing pipes.

Although your plumbing pipes may be as old as or older than their useful lifespan it does not mean you need to replace them throughout your entire home. A home that has been well-maintained may have pipes that last well beyond the typical replacement date.

Size of Your Home and Its Plumbing

The size of your home, the number of bathrooms, their location to each other, and the kitchen is another determining factor of cost when you replace pipes in your home. Estimates will allow for the length of pipe to be used for replacement, as well as any fittings and connectors that may be needed.

You can request estimates for different types of replacement pipe material so that you can determine what is best for you. Just because your current home is outfitted with copper plumbing does not mean that you must replace it again with copper. A professional plumber can give you estimates for different types of plumbing pipe and the advantages of each. 

Construction Style of your Home

Since many Sacramento homes are built on slabs, it may be necessary to bust up floors and walls to replace pipes.

New systems for replacing pipes in homes and commercial buildings allow plumbers to pull pipes into place. This method of pipe replacement takes less time and causes less mess than conventional methods of replacing water and sewer pipes. Homes built on crawl spaces and basements have pipes that are easy to access, and whether you're using PEX pipe, PVC, or copper, they are generally easier to plumb. 

These are all factors when making estimates to replace plumbing because time is a factor in the cost to replace plumbing pipes.

Products to Replace Plumbing Pipes

Not all pipe products are the same; some materials may be more advantageous than others for your home plumbing. Be sure to review with a professional plumber before purchasing pipe material.

Copper

Copper, the superior water supply line of choice for professionals, is the best (and most costly) way to replace plumbing pipes. Besides being recyclable and bacteria-resistant, copper piping doesn't leach harmful chemicals into the surrounding environment and has significant corrosion-resistance and durability qualities. 

However, copper pipes are also the most expensive of plumbing pipe options. They typically cost between $2 and $8 per linear foot for the materials alone without the labor.  

PEX

Also known as polyethylene pipe, PEX is a cheaper alternative to other piping options and offers more flexibility than both PVC and Copper. PEX is about a third of the cost of copper pipes and is installed in continuous runs for a more efficient method of repiping your house. PEX has the added advantage of being able to be pulled into place, which requires fewer openings to be made in walls and floors when you replace plumbing pipes in your home or commercial property. However, the specialized tools needed for PEX installation adds to the total costs of PEX pipes.  

While PEX pipes themselves start at $0.40 per linear foot, added tools and labor bring the average costs between $1.50 to $3.50 per linear foot. 

PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) piping is an affordable option for homeowners looking for corrosion-resistant and durable low-cost pipe. It’s also relatively easy to maintain and it’s affordable cost of around $0.75 - $0.90 per foot  has made it an increasingly popular option for contractors working on a budget.

There are some weaknesses to PVC piping, primarily its susceptibility to bursting when the soil shifts. PVC also should not be used for outdoor use since it has low resistance to UV rays; high exposure to UV light can eventually degrade PVC piping. 

Galvanized Steel

An alloyed metal, galvanized steel pipes offer more strength than typical piping options. They are preferable for pipe systems operating under higher pressures. Galvanization is the process of applying a protective layer of zinc to the steel, preventing rust. However, acidic chemicals can eventually affect the integrity of galvanized steel pipes 

Galvanized pipe is pricier than other options due to the metals used in the alloy and is roughly $8 a linear foot. 

When replacing copper, galvanized, or PVC pipe with the same, demolition of walls and floors may be necessary. This is an added cost when you replace plumbing pipes, and it may be necessary to hire another tradesperson to make repairs for damages caused when replacing plumbing pipes.

Estimate to Replace Plumbing Pipes

As you see, many factors can dictate the cost to replace plumbing pipes in your home. A company that is well equipped with professionally trained technicians will offer a job that is done quickly and done right. If you have questions about your plumbing pipes and have a new home or one that was built a hundred years ago, call a professional and get an estimate to replace plumbing pipes in your home in Sacramento.