Pipe material choice: PEX vs copper vs CPVCPEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is the most popular repiping material in San Francisco today — flexible, freeze-resistant, and easier to install, running $7,000–$11,200. Copper is the traditional premium choice at $11,200–$26,250 — longer-proven track record but more expensive and harder to install. CPVC is a midpoint option. In San Francisco, where local climate conditions, copper's susceptibility to pinhole leaks in acidic water makes PEX an increasingly preferred choice.
Home size and stories drive labour costRepiping cost scales with the number of fixtures (bathrooms, hose bibs, appliances) and floors. A one-story, 2-bathroom home runs $7,000–$9,800. A two-story, 4-bathroom home runs $11,200–$26,250. Multi-story homes require running pipes through walls between floors — accessing and patching these wall openings adds significantly to both labour and drywall repair costs. Get a fixture count from your contractor before accepting any quote.
Wall access and drywall repair is a major variableRepiping requires cutting access holes in drywall to run new pipes. The number of holes, their location (tile vs. drywall vs. concrete), and who handles patching dramatically affects total cost. Some plumbers quote pipe installation only — leaving you to hire a drywaller and painter separately. Confirm whether wall patching is included in your quote or a separate scope.
Water heater replacement is often bundled at a discountIf your water heater is more than 8–10 years old, replacing it during a whole-house repipe is significantly cheaper than doing it separately — the plumber is already on-site and the lines are already open. Ask for a bundled price. A tank water heater adds $1,400–$3,500 during a repipe vs. $2,800–$5,600 as a standalone call.
Water quality in San Francisco affects which material to chooseHigh-chlorine or low-pH (acidic) water accelerates copper pipe corrosion and is a primary cause of pinhole leaks that trigger repiping in the first place. If your original pipes failed from corrosion rather than age, PEX is the right replacement material. Ask your plumber specifically whether water quality contributed to your pipe failure — the answer should inform the material recommendation.
Permits and inspection protect your home's insurabilityWhole-house repiping requires a plumbing permit and inspection in San Francisco. Unpermitted repiping work can void your homeowner's insurance for water damage claims and create problems at resale when a home inspector finds evidence of unpermitted work. Always confirm permits are included. Post-inspection sign-off is your documentation that the work meets code.