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We tend to take for granted the plumbing pipes in our homes (until and unless they break, of course). But if youre building, adding onto or renovating a home especially an older one the type of pipe is something you may well have to consider.
Not all pipes are created equally, and they certainly dont have the same price tag. And that, of course, begs the question: how much do pipes cost? The price of pipes ranges from about $0.40 to $10.00 per linear foot, depending on the type of pipe material. Metal pipes cost more than plastic ones as a general rule.
The cost to replace plumbing will depend on which type of pipe material you choose and the rate for installation in your area. Some pipes are easier to install than others. Bear in mind that installation may require the removal and replacement of any drywall or flooring, too.
Still, the bulk of your costs are likely to come from the pipes themselves. Your primary choices are:
Before we look at the pros and cons of the different types, lets talk about the costs to install them.
The right pipe for your project should consider the durability and longevity you require, plus the cost of materials and labor. Less flexible and heavier pipes can be more expensive to install because they require expertise and are more complex to work with, but they might last longer.
When youre budgeting for your overall plumbing pipe cost, be ready to pay $1-2 per linear foot for labor. Installing metal pipes generally costs more than plastic.
Material Material Cost Per Linear Foot Material and Labor Cost Per Linear Foot Common Uses What You Should Know Copper $2$8 $3-$10 High-end plumbing projects, all water temperatures The gold standard in plumbing pipes, can last up to 100 years PEX $0.40$2 $1.50-$3 Any, including in-floor heating Leak resistant, designed to last long, affordable CPVC $0.50$1 $1.40-$4 Most water temperatures, budget projects Can last 5070 years, needs to be fitted precisely to avoid leaks Galvanized Steel ~$8 $9-$10 Older homes, high-pressure plumbing Shorter lifespan (~40 years) Cast Iron $2$10 $3-$12 Sewage, drainage Likely to corrode ABS $1$10 $3$12 (for indoor plumbing costs, higher for sewage projects) Sewage, drainage, venting Dangerous for drinking water, degrades in sunlightWhat it is: Copper is sort of the gold standard in pipes. Known for its durability, it can last as long as 100 years. Copper pipes are naturally resistant to bacteria and are less likely to break down if exposed to UV rays. As a result, the cost of copper pipe per foot exceeds a lot of other piping options. Many brass pipes, which are not as common, are also composed primarily of copper with slightly less durability.
Cost: $28 per linear foot
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What it is: Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) piping is one of the oldest types of modern pipes, in use since at least the s. Its the cousin of PVC piping, made of very similar material but altered with chlorine to make it better able to withstand a wider range of temperatures, especially on the high end. This type of plastic pipe has thick walls that can be used for both cold and hot water lines (PVC only works well for unheated water), and its extremely well-priced. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks in exchange for that low plumbing pipe cost. CPVC can be more likely to leak, especially if not fitted precisely at the time of installation. It also has a shorter lifespan about 50-70 years.
Cost: $0.50$1 per linear foot
What it is: Cross-linked polyethylene pipes (PEX) are highly flexible, both literally and figuratively. They can be used with other types of pipes, making them ideal for repairs or complex system replacements. Developed in the s, they are a relatively new type of piping material that is quite durable theoretically about on a par with copper, though the exact lifespan is yet unknown and unlikely to leak. In other words, if youre looking for something with a long lifespan without the high cost of copper pipe per foot, PEX is a solid option.
Cost: $0.40$2 per linear foot
What it is: Galvanized steel pipes, sometimes called just galvanized pipes, are most likely to be found in homes that are 40 years old or more. Made from steel dipped in a zinc coating, they used to be quite popular a safer alternative to lead, it was once thought. While their zinc coating survives, the pipes can be quite durable; however, once their coating corrodes over time, the exposed steel is very likely to rust and become unstable. Add the fact that the price of pipes made from galvanized steel is fairly high and its no surprise these arent commonly used anymore.
Cost: About $8 per linear foot
What it is: Cast iron pipes were the standard until about the s, when steel and PCVC began to take over. Their walls are thicker than that of steel pipes, and they may also sport a protective lining. Unfortunately, while strong, cast iron pipes are not flexible and are susceptible to rust. While these pipes may still be an optimal choice for sewage and drainage, nowadays they are unlikely to be recommended for a residence because they are heavier and more likely to become corroded than the more malleable materials that are now available.
Cost: $210 per linear foot
What it is: Pipes made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ABS, for short are known for their ability to withstand extreme hot or cold temperatures and pressure. Usually colored black, these plastic pipes work best for drainage, sewage and ventilation. They shouldnt connect to your houses drinking water supply, because they contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that enhances their durability, but can cause cancer when consumed. ABS pipes are typically installed underground to carry waste away from homes.
Cost: $1$10
Mortgage
The bad boys
You might notice we left two types of pipes off this list: lead and polybutylene (PB). Lead primarily used from is a toxic metal that can leach into your water, and PB pipes mostly used from have a high risk of rupturing. If you encounter these types of pipes in your home, they need replacing, and fast.
Nothing lasts forever, including your homes plumbing system. Whether youre ready to replace outdated pipes with money from a home equity loan or youre shopping your options because your homeowners insurance will pay to repair a burst pipe, you wont be left wanting for choices. Beyond the price of pipes, you should also consider the use case, labor cost and lifespan.
Its widely recommended that, because of corrosion issues, homeowners replace galvanized steel and cast iron pipes with either traditional copper (which costs the most, but also comes with a very long lifespan) or one of the newer plastic options (PEX and CPVC). Of those two, CPVC is cheaper and offers lots of bang for the plumbing buck, but PEX is widely praised for offering coppers durability at close-to-CPVC prices plus its own characteristic flexibility.
Galvanized Steel Pipe and Cast Iron
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Two additional types of pipe are sometimes found in older homes and are infrequently installed, especially by DIYers: galvanized steel and cast iron pipe.
Galvanized steel is rigid, corrosion-resistant steel piping that was used for decades for drainage, water supply, gas supply, and several other purposes. While galvanized steel pipe is still around (particularly for gas supply), it is far less common and not used for water supply in new construction or remodel projects. While it has good durability, it's also pricey to install. Each end of the pipe is threaded, and individual pipes are screwed into each other with connecting fittings.
Cast iron is rigid, dark gray piping that was often used for sewer and other drainage purposes. It is still found in many homes and is used today in some commercial and high-rise building applications. Cast iron is expensive but durable with good longevity. It's viable until the point that it rusts completely through. It's also very heavy and difficult to cut. Retrofits tend to replace cast iron pipes with rigid plastic pipes, such as ABS.
Use for: Use galvanized steel pipe for water supply lines, drain, and vent lines. For most homeowners, galvanized pipe will mainly be found in the form of gas supply lines. Though once commonly used for sinks, showers, tubs, and other fixtures, galvanized pipe still can be used in this manner, if local plumbing codes permit.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of connecting pex pipe to galvanized. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.