How Much Does Whole House Repiping Cost in San Francisco, CA? (2026)

Average Cost

$9,432–$17,174

Materials

$4,420–$9,060

Labor (San Francisco)

$2,835–$4,151

Labor rates in San Francisco are +35% compared to Sacramento Metro baseline.

Whole house repiping replaces aging galvanized steel, polybutylene, or deteriorated copper supply pipes with modern PEX tubing or Type L copper. NorCal homes built in the 1950s-1980s frequently have galvanized pipes that rust from the inside, reducing water pressure and producing discolored water. A full repipe includes running new hot and cold lines to every fixture, installing a manifold (for PEX), patching drywall access holes, and pressure testing the entire system. Most homes are completed in 2-3 days.

NorCal's hard water accelerates corrosion in galvanized pipes. PEX is resistant to mineral buildup, making it an excellent choice for the Sacramento area's water chemistry.

San Francisco is located in San Francisco County (San Francisco). Iconic fog city with Victorian painted ladies, Edwardian flats, and modern high-rises. The local utility provider is PG&E.

Cost Calculator

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City

Fixtures (connection points)

Materials Included

PEX Tubing (3/4" & 1/2", per 100 ft)40 roll

$1,800–$3,400

PEX Manifold (8-port, hot & cold pair)1 pair

$80–$160

PEX Fittings & Crimp Rings (assorted)20 bag

$600–$1,300

Fixture Shutoff Valves (1/4-turn)100 each

$800–$1,600

Drywall Patch Kit (access holes)60 kit

$900–$2,100

Pipe Hangers & Support Clips20 bag

$240–$500

Labor(San Francisco +35%)

Licensed Plumber15h @ $128–$189/hr

$1,924–$2,835

Plumber's Helper15h @ $61–$88/hr

$911–$1,316

Contractor Markup30%

0%Avg 30%100%

Materials

$4,420–$9,060

Labor

$2,835–$4,151

Markup

$2,177–$3,963

Estimated Total Cost

$9,432 – $17,174

$943–$1,717 per unit

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California Building Code

California Plumbing Code approves PEX (ASTM F876/F877) and copper (Type L or M) for residential water supply. PEX cannot be used within 18 inches of a water heater connection — a copper stub is required. All supply piping must be pressure tested before concealment.

Project Timeline

Assessment & Layout

2-3 hrs

Map all existing plumbing, count fixture connections, plan the manifold location, determine access points through walls/ceilings, and create a pipe routing plan.

Access & Old Pipe Removal

4-6 hrs

Cut access holes in drywall at strategic points, disconnect old galvanized or polybutylene piping from fixtures, and cap the main supply. Remove accessible old piping.

New Pipe Installation

8-12 hrs

Install the PEX manifold near the main shutoff, run home-run PEX lines to each fixture through walls, floors, and ceilings. Connect to each fixture with new shutoff valves.

Pressure Test & Inspection

1-2 hrs

Pressurize the new system to 80 PSI and hold for 2 hours to verify zero leaks. Schedule the city plumbing inspection.

Drywall Patching & Cleanup

3-5 hrs

Patch all drywall access holes with mesh tape and joint compound (ready for the homeowner to paint). Clean the work area and restore fixtures to operation.

Materials Breakdown

Material	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
PEX Tubing (3/4" & 1/2", per 100 ft)	40	roll	$45–$85	$1,800–$3,400
PEX Manifold (8-port, hot & cold pair)	1	pair	$80–$160	$80–$160
PEX Fittings & Crimp Rings (assorted)	20	bag	$30–$65	$600–$1,300
Fixture Shutoff Valves (1/4-turn)	100	each	$8–$16	$800–$1,600
Drywall Patch Kit (access holes)	60	kit	$15–$35	$900–$2,100
Pipe Hangers & Support Clips	20	bag	$12–$25	$240–$500

Whole House Repiping in San Francisco — FAQ

How much does a whole house repipe cost in Sacramento?+

A typical 3-bedroom, 2-bath NorCal home costs $4,500-$8,000 for a PEX repipe and $7,000-$12,000 for copper. Larger homes or those with slab foundations cost more due to access difficulty.

Should I choose PEX or copper for repiping?+

PEX is the most popular choice in NorCal: it's 30-50% cheaper than copper, resists corrosion and freezing, and installs faster with fewer joints. Copper lasts longer (50+ years) and has a higher resale perception. Both are code-approved.

How long does a whole house repipe take?+

Most single-story homes are completed in 2 days. Two-story homes with 12+ fixtures typically take 3 days. You'll have running water at the end of each day.

Will repiping damage my walls?+

Access holes (typically 12x12 inches) are cut at strategic points. Our plumbers minimize the number of holes by routing through attics and crawl spaces. We patch all holes with drywall ready for painting.

How do I know if my house needs repiping?+

Signs include rusty or discolored water, low water pressure at multiple fixtures, visible corrosion on exposed pipes, pinhole leaks, and galvanized or polybutylene pipe (common in NorCal homes built 1950-1990).