How Much Do Plumbing Renovations Cost?

You may not even realize but the smooth running of the plumbing system in your home is integral for maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Of course, as with all good things, it is common for a hiccup or two to occur and sometimes the unthinkable plumbing problem will happen. If this is the case, you may need to invest in a plumbing renovation.

So, are you planning a plumbing renovation project? If you answered yes, you’re in luck. We’ve prepared a price guide so that you’ll get a general idea of how much it’ll cost to get the job done.

The different types of plumbing renovations and their prices

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Replacing house pipes

Replacing the pipes in your home is crucial, especially if you come across a leaky or broken one. Depending on the extent of the damage to your pipes, this could entail major renovations. On average, you may spend $180 to $240 per linear foot for this type of work. Hiring a professional is highly recommended, as performing a pipe replacement incorrectly will only lead to further problems which could include replacing the pipe shortly as well as mould and mildew growth as a result of any escaping water.

Installing a water heater

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The lifespan of a water heater varies depending on its level of quality. Working with the highest quality water heater within the best conditions, you can expect it to last up to fifteen years. However, several factors may cause accelerated ageing, namely the number of minerals present in the water. If a significant amount of sediment and rust build-up, it could cause the water heater to deteriorate much quicker.

Installing a water heater is much more complicated than one may think. Several norms relating to electricity and plumbing must be respected. As mentioned, an installation done by a professional will help increase the product’s lifespan and will reduce the risk of complications.

There are a few signs you can look for that’ll help you identify whether your water heater needs to be replaced. Firstly, if your water is not as warm as it used to be or the warm water runs out extremely quickly, this is a definite sign that there’s a problem. Another sign is the presence of rust, as this points to cracks in the water heater surface. Lastly, if the water isn’t running as clear as it used to be, there is likely a buildup of minerals present. If you take stock of any or all of these signs, chances are it’s time to get in touch with a professional.

For an installation done by a professional, plan out a budget that varies between $400 and $600 plus, and these numbers are before taxes.

Replacing a toilet

Replacing a toilet is quite a pain in the….behind. Several reasons may mean you’ll need to replace your toilet. First, it could simply be due to the fact that your toilet is old or an outdated model. Another reason why many replace their toilet is that it ceases to work properly or is broken.

To replace a toilet with a brand new model, you’ll spend at least $300 for the installation, with most plumbers working at an hourly rate of $75.

Replacing a sink

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Replacing your sink is a necessary solution if the one you currently have is broken, old or is having trouble functioning properly. In order for you to replace a sink, you’ll need to have knowledge and experience in terms of plumbing and safety. With the help of a professional, you’ll be set back approximately $200 to $300.

Replacing a bathtub

Installing a bathtub is a difficult task that should not be completed by just anyone. If you begin to notice cracks forming in your bathtub, it will need to be replaced as soon as possible in an attempt to avoid water infiltration. Major water infiltration can lead to mould and mildew growth, which is exceptionally bad for the health of yourself and your loved ones. For this project, the help of a plumber will be necessary as they’ll inspect your infrastructure to determine whether you currently have the appropriate plumbing system needed for your new bathtub.

Depending on the size of your new bathtub, the contractor you’re working with may have to remove mouldings, the floor covering material as well as pieces of the floor. They will also test out to see if the floor can sustain the weight of the new bathtub. To replace your bathtub, you should plan to spend around $1500 before taxes for the labour alone.

Renovating  the whole bathroom's plumbing

If your bathroom needs to be completely renovated (plumbing, bathtub, toilet, shower, etc.), prices can vary from one extreme to another. However, for the renovation project to benefit from optimal conditions, which signifies working with a professional- on average, you will end up spending at least $5000. This amount can increase greatly depending on the nature of the work being done as well as the materials and fixtures in your current bathroom and the ones you intend on installing in their place.

Installing a kitchen sink

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Changing your kitchen sink implies the installation or modification of the pipes that are connected beneath the sink and are used for draining the water. As with all of the other jobs mentioned, this type of work can be quite complicated. Hiring a professional to complete this task will greatly reduce the risk of potential errors as well as future plumbing problems. If you’re hoping to install a new kitchen sink with the help of a professional, budget between $300 and $400 to complete the job.

Recap of the prices for plumbing renovations

Note: the estimated costs represent averages and may differ greatly from one case to another, depending on the difficulty of the work, the area in which the job is done or any number of factors that are independent of the contractor’s will. For a personalized quote, contact a plumbing renovation specialist.

To find out about the average prices of different home renovation projects, check out our Home renovation price guide.