Cost to Kitchen Plumbing Rough-In in Houston, TX (2026)
If you’re budgeting a kitchen plumbing rough-in in Houston, most projects run $1,743-$7,408, 13% below the $4,500 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Sink Relocation. On its own it can swing the cost by $800 - $3,500, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Keep the sink in its existing location - this single decision saves $800-$3,500 in rerouting costs.
$1,743-$7,408 in Houston
13% below the national average · 0.87x cost multiplier
In Houston, a kitchen plumbing rough-in runs $1,743 to $7,408 on average - about 13% below what homeowners pay nationwide. The South market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.
Cost Breakdown in Houston
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per linear ft of pipe | $39 | $83 | $174 |
| Materials | $576 | $1,728 | $4,320 |
| Labor | $969 | $2,423 | $5,653 |
| Permits | $192 | $384 | $576 |
| Total | $1,737-13% vs. national avg | $4,535-13% vs. national avg | $10,549-13% vs. national avg |
Budget
Basic sink rough-in with supply and drain lines in same location as existing plumbing. No layout changes.
Mid-Range
Sink relocation, dishwasher stub-out, ice maker line, and new shutoff valves. Moderate pipe rerouting.
Premium
Full kitchen layout change with new sink location, pot filler installation, island plumbing, and complete supply line replacement.
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Houston may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PEX Pipe (Supply Lines) | $0.50-$2/linear ft | Most residential remodel supply linesFlexible, freeze-resistant, fast to install, low cost |
| Copper Pipe (Supply Lines) | $2-$8/linear ft | Premium remodels, areas where PEX is restrictedProven long-term durability, accepted everywhere, premium finish on exposed runs |
| ABS Drain Pipe | $1-$3/linear ft | Drain and waste lines in most residential applicationsLightweight, easy to cut, common and available everywhere |
| PVC Drain Pipe | $0.75-$2.50/linear ft | Drain and vent lines, universal acceptanceStrong, widely accepted, chemical resistant |
| Cast Iron Drain Pipe | $3-$9/linear ft | Premium builds, multi-story homes where quiet drains matterQuietest drain lines, very long lifespan |
Other Projects in Houston
Houston Estimate
Typical Range
$1,743-$7,408
vs. National Average
13% below national
Cost Multiplier
0.87x
Cost Per linear ft of pipe
$39-$174
This 0.87x estimate prices Houston labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →