Plumbing comparisons
The three comparisons that decide the most money in residential plumbing are PEX versus copper for repiping, tank versus tankless for hot water, and snaking versus hydro jetting for drains. PEX runs roughly $0.40-$2 per linear foot versus $2-$8 for copper. Tank heaters cost $900-$1,900 installed and last 8-12 years; tankless costs $1,500-$4,500 and lasts 15-20 years.
PEX vs copper. PEX is cheaper, faster to install, requires fewer fittings, and tolerates freezing better because it can expand. Copper is rigid, long-proven, and unaffected by UV or rodents. The cost gap is large: PEX at roughly $0.40-$2 per linear foot against copper at $2-$8, before labor. Local code acceptance varies, so confirm with your building department before you commit.
Tank vs tankless. The decision is ownership horizon and water hardness. Tankless costs more up front and rewards you over 15-20 years; a tank costs less now and is replaced in 8-12. In hard water, tankless needs disciplined descaling or the advantage evaporates. If you're selling within a few years, the honest answer is usually a tank.
Snaking vs hydro jetting. Snaking clears a path; jetting cleans the pipe. For a one-off clog, snaking at $175-$600 on a main line is the right call. For grease buildup, scale, or a drain that clogs every few months, jetting at $350-$1,600 addresses the cause. Jetting is not appropriate on badly deteriorated pipe - a camera inspection should come first.
Trenchless vs open-cut sewer repair. Trenchless methods avoid tearing up a yard or driveway but aren't suitable for every failure mode, particularly a fully collapsed or badly misaligned line. Any contractor recommending one over the other should show you camera footage justifying the choice.
Choosing plumbing between the options
The judgement calls that decide the bill, before anyone quotes you.
- Confirm local code before choosing pipe material PEX acceptance is broad but not universal, and some jurisdictions restrict it in specific applications. Your building department answers this in one phone call.
- Let ownership horizon decide tank vs tankless Under about five years in the home, the longer life of tankless mostly benefits the buyer after you.
- Require a camera before agreeing to jetting Jetting deteriorated pipe can make things worse. Footage first, method second.
- Ask for both sewer repair methods to be priced If a contractor only quotes trenchless, ask for the open-cut number too - and vice versa. The comparison tells you a lot about the actual condition of the line.
- Compare warranty on labor separately from parts Manufacturer part coverage and contractor labor coverage are different things and expire at different times. Get both in writing.
All plumbing comparisons
Tank vs Tankless Water Heater
Repipe vs Spot Repair
Copper vs PEX
Where these figures come from
Sources last checked
- HomeGuide - Water Heater Installation Cost (2026) · retrieved 2026-07-25
- HomeGuide - Hydro Jetting Cost (2026) · retrieved 2026-07-25
- Repipe Solutions - Sewer Pipe Replacement Cost (2026) · retrieved 2026-07-25
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