What’s the Real Damage? A No-Nonsense Guide to Rough-In Plumbing Costs
Whether you're staring at blueprints or bare studs, you’ve reached the "rough-in" phase—the critical step where pipes are installed under floors and behind walls before finishing begins. If you’re wondering about the rough-in plumbing cost for a new powder room or a finished basement, it remains the first major financial hurdle. In 2026, pricing has shifted, so here is a direct look at what you can expect to pay for the essential plumbing that lives out of sight.
Generally speaking, for a standard project, your cost of rough-in plumbing is going to land somewhere between $1,500 and $5,000. We know, that's a wide range—it’s like saying the weather might be "breezy" or it might be a "blizzard."
The best way to wrap your head around it is to look at the rough-in plumbing cost per fixture. A "fixture" is just fancy talk for anything that needs a pipe—a toilet, a sink, or a floor drain.
| The Job | What You’re Likely Looking At |
| Standard 3-Piece Bath | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Kitchen Setup | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| The Full Basement Bath | $5,000 – $10,000+ |
| Per Fixture (The "Per-Drain" Price) | $300 – $800 |
"How Much for a New Bathroom, Specifically?"
If you’re asking, “How much does it cost to rough-in plumbing for a new bathroom?” you’ve gotta consider what’s under your feet.
Main-floor installs with a crawlspace are straightforward, but basement bathroom cost is a different story. Site prep usually requires a plumber to jackhammer through the concrete slab to lay drain lines. If you're below the main sewer line, you’ll also need an ejector pump system. Between the extra labor for concrete work and specialized equipment, expect these factors to add several thousand dollars to your total rough-in plumbing cost estimate.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
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The Materials: PEX (that flexible red and blue tubing) is the gold standard these days because it doesn't burst when it gets chilly, and it’s way cheaper than copper.
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The Fancy Stuff: If you’re eyeing one of those Woodbridge Whirlpool Tubs—and hey, after a long winter, who wouldn't want a soak?—just keep in mind they need a bit more "elbow room" in the plumbing and maybe some extra electrical. Tell your plumber early so he can prep for it.
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The Permitting: Don't skip the city inspector. It costs a few bucks up front, but it's a whole lot cheaper than having to tear out your new drywall because a vent wasn't placed right.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, you want those drains to drain and the water to stay in the pipes. It’s one of those things where you really get what you pay for.