Which plumbing pipes cost the most money?

We tend to take the plumbing pipes in our homes for granted (until they break, of course). But when you’re building, adding, or renovating a home—especially an older one—you may need to consider the type of plumbing.

Not all whistles are the same and certainly not the same price. And of course the question arises: How much do pipes cost? Pipe is priced from about $0.40 to $10.00 per linear foot, depending on the type of pipe material. Metal pipes are usually more expensive than plastic pipes.

The cost of replacing piping depends on the type of piping material you choose and the cost of installation in your area. Some pipes are easier to install than others. Keep in mind that the installation may also require removing and replacing drywall or flooring.

However, most of your costs are likely to come from the tubes themselves. Your primary options are:

• copper

• PEX

• CPVC

• Galvanized steel

• cast iron

• Section

Before we look at the pros and cons of each type, let’s talk about the cost of installing them.

How much does the installation of pipes cost?

The right pipe for your project should take into account the durability and longevity you require, as well as the cost of materials and labor. Less flexible and heavier pipes may be more expensive to install because they require expertise and are more complex to handle, but they may last longer.

When you factor in the overall cost of your plumbing pipe, you should be prepared to pay $1 to $2 per linear foot for the labor. Metal pipe is generally more expensive to install than plastic pipe.

copper pipe

What it is: Copper is sort of the gold standard for tubing. It is known for its durability and can last up to 100 years. Copper tubing is naturally resistant to bacteria and is less likely to break when exposed to UV rays. As a result, the cost per foot of copper tubing is higher than many other tubing options. Many brass tubes, which are not as common, are also made primarily of copper with slightly less durability.

The story goes on

Cost: $2-8 per running foot

Advantages

• Stands the test of time

• Tolerates heat well

• Can increase the value of the house

Disadvantages

• More expensive than other tube types

• There is a risk of theft if materials are left unattended

• Like any metal, it can be subject to corrosion

CPVC pipe

What it is: Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe is one of the oldest types of modern pipe, having been in use since at least the 1960’s. It’s the cousin of PVC pipe and is made of a very similar material, but modified with chlorine so that it can better withstand a wider range of temperatures, particularly in the upper temperature range. This type of plastic pipe has thick walls that can be used for both cold and hot water (PVC is only good for unheated water) and is extremely inexpensive. Unfortunately, in return for the low cost of plumbing pipe, there are also some downsides. CPVC is more likely to leak, especially if it’s not properly installed at the time of installation. It also has a shorter lifespan – around 50-70 years.

Cost: $0.50-$1 per running foot

Advantages

Disadvantages

PEX pipe

What it is: Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe is extremely flexible, both literally and figuratively. They can be used with other types of tubing, making them ideal for repairs or replacing complex systems. Developed in the 1990s, they are a relatively new type of piping material that is fairly durable – in theory about as long as copper, although the exact lifespan is not yet known – and unlikely to leak. In other words, if you’re looking for something with a long service life without the high cost per foot of copper tubing, PEX is a solid option.

Cost: $0.40-$2 per running foot

Advantages

• Cheaper than copper

• Good for underfloor heating

• Can last 80-100 years

Disadvantages

Galvanized tubular steel

What it is: Galvanized steel pipe, sometimes just called galvanized pipe, is most commonly found in homes that are 40 years or older. Made of galvanized steel, they were once very popular – once thought to be a safer alternative to lead. While retaining their zinc coating, the tubes can be quite durable; However, once their coating corrodes over time, the exposed steel is very likely to rust and become unstable. In addition, the price of galvanized steel pipes is quite high and it is not surprising that they are not used very often anymore.

Cost: About $8 per walking foot

Advantages

• Durable as the zinc coating is strong

• Can handle high pressure situations

• The lifespan is only about 40 years

Disadvantages

cast iron pipe

What it is: Cast iron pipe was the standard until around the 1960’s when steel and PCVC started to gain the upper hand. Their walls are thicker than those of steel pipes and can also have a protective lining. Unfortunately, while cast iron pipes are strong, they are not flexible and are prone to rust. While these pipes are still an excellent choice for sewage and drainage, they are probably not recommended for a home today as they are heavier and more likely to corrode than the more malleable materials available today.

Cost: $2-10 per walking foot

Advantages

Disadvantages

ABS piping

What it is: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene – ABS for short – tubing is known to withstand extremely hot or cold temperatures and pressures. Usually black in color, these plastic pipes are best used for drainage, sewage, and ventilation. They shouldn’t be connected to your home’s drinking water supply because they contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that increases their shelf life but can cause cancer if eaten. ABS pipes are typically laid underground to carry waste away from homes.

Cost: $1-10

Advantages

Disadvantages

mortgage

The Bad Boys

You may have noticed that we removed two types of tubing from this list: lead and polybutylene (PB). Lead – used primarily in the years 1900-1986 – is a toxic metal that can get into your water, and PB pipes – used primarily in the years 1975-1995 – come with a high risk of breakage. When you come across these types of pipes in your home, they need to be replaced, and fast.

Conclusion on the types of plumbing pipes

Nothing lasts forever, not even your home’s plumbing system. Whether you’re ready to replace obsolete pipes with money from a home equity loan, or you’re weighing your options because your home insurance will cover the cost of repairing a burst pipe, you won’t be short of choice. Beyond the tube price, you should also consider the use case, labor cost, and lifespan.

Due to corrosion issues, homeowners are generally advised to replace galvanized steel and cast iron pipe with either traditional copper (which is the most expensive but also has a very long lifespan) or one of the newer plastic options (PEX and CPVC). Of these two, CPVC is cheaper and offers good value for money, but PEX is widely acclaimed for offering the durability of copper at near CPVC prices—plus its own signature flexibility.

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