contractor · 2026-05-01
Estimate plumbing rough-in cost for a residential remodel or new build, priced by fixture count plus permit and water-heater carve-outs.
| Toilets | 2 |
| Sinks (kitchen + bathroom) | 4 |
| Showers / tubs | 2 |
| Washing machine hookups | 1 |
| Dishwashers | 1 |
| Hose bibs / outdoor faucets | 2 |
| Rough-in $ per fixture | $850 |
| Water heater install (if replacing) | $0 |
| Permit fee | $350 |
| Contractor overhead + profit % | 22% |
| Total fixtures | 12 |
| Fixture rough-in cost | $10,200 |
| Water heater cost | $0 |
| Overhead + profit | $2,321 |
Plumbing pros price rough-in by fixture unit, not by linear foot of pipe. A "fixture" is each connection point: toilet, sink, shower, tub, washer hookup, dishwasher, hose bib, fridge ice line. The rate per fixture covers supply, drain, vent, and shut-off — all the way to where the finish plumber takes over.
Multipliers: PEX is cheaper than copper (~30%). Manifold home runs are cleaner but need extra material. Old galvanized replacement adds ~50% because every line gets touched.
A plumbing permit is required for any new fixture, any re-route, any water heater swap (in most jurisdictions). $200-500 typical. Failed inspections cost a re-trip ($150-300) and time. Don't skip — it's the cheapest insurance in construction.
Because plumbing labor varies wildly by what's behind the wall. A bathroom rough-in might be 8 hours or 24 hours depending on access, framing, and existing conditions. Per-fixture pricing pools the risk — a fast bathroom subsidizes a slow one. Hourly pricing only protects the contractor, not you.
PEX is faster to install (30-40% labor savings), more freeze-resistant, and fully accepted in code in 49 states. Copper is rigid, looks more permanent, and recyclable at end-of-life. For new construction or remodels, PEX is usually the right answer unless you have a specific reason for copper (hot water recirc loops, exposed runs).
Up-front cost is 2-3× a tank ($3,500-6,500 vs $1,400-2,500). Annual operating savings: $80-300 in gas, slightly less in electric. Lifespan: tankless 20+ years, tank 10-12. Total 20-year cost favors tankless if you have natural gas; for electric, the math is closer.
Galvanized supply lines built before ~1970 are corroding from inside, slowly. A re-pipe is typically $4-8/sqft of conditioned space — so $8k-16k for a 2,000 sqft home. The signal: rusty water at first draw, low flow, frequent leaks. Re-pipe before the leaks chain.