Sinks, faucets, and supply pipes are where most SW Washington homes leak first. Whether you're finishing an ADU kitchenette in Vancouver or replacing rusted galvanized in a 1940s Hazel Dell house, here's what the work really involves and what it costs.
What each job costs locally
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Faucet replacement | $225–$500 labor | Add stop valves and braided lines while open |
| Drop-in sink + faucet | $450–$900 labor | New drain, tailpiece, P-trap |
| Undermount sink swap | $700–$1,600 | Counter support, clips, resealing |
| Angle stops & supply lines | $150–$350 | Quarter-turn stops; do it once, not twice |
| Section repipe (bath or kitchen) | $1,200–$3,500 | Wall opening and patching included |
| Whole-home PEX repipe | $6,500–$14,000 | 1,500–2,000 sq ft, crawlspace access |
| ADU kitchenette plumbing | $2,500–$6,000 | Supply, DWV, vent, permit, inspection |
Pipe material, plainly
| Material | Life expectancy | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| PEX-A (expansion) | 40–50 yrs | Repipes, ADUs, freeze-prone runs, fewest joints |
| Type L copper | 50–70 yrs | Exposed runs, water-heater connections, UV areas |
| CPVC | 30–50 yrs | Rare locally; brittle with age |
| Galvanized steel | 40–60 yrs (expired) | Replace — do not extend or tap for an ADU |
| Polybutylene (grey) | Failed | Replace entirely; known failure product |
Rule of thumb: if you're opening walls for a remodel or feeding a new ADU off an old house, repipe that section now. Adding demand to corroded galvanized is the fastest way to get a pressure complaint and a leak within a year.
Get your repipe or fixture job priced
Whole-house repipe, a single failing faucet, or ADU kitchenette supply lines — one licensed contractor, one written scope.
Signs your supply pipes are done
- Rust-tinted water after the house sits unused for a day
- Pressure that drops hard when a second fixture opens
- Visible green or white crust at threaded joints
- Pinhole leaks — one usually means more are coming
- Aerators clogging repeatedly with grit
ADU kitchenette specifics
- Confirm the ADU is allowed a full kitchen versus a limited kitchenette in your zoning district.
- Run a dedicated 3/4" supply branch, not a 1/2" tap off the nearest fixture.
- Size the drain and vent for the sink plus dishwasher; wet-venting rules are strict under the WA-amended UPC.
- Add an accessible shutoff for the whole ADU so future repairs don't take down the main house.
- Plan the water heater — a compact tank or heat-pump unit needs clearance, drain pan, and a routed T&P discharge.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a sink and faucet in Vancouver, WA?
Faucet-only replacement typically runs $225–$500 in labor. A sink and faucet together, including new supply lines, drain assembly, and P-trap, generally runs $450–$1,200 plus the fixtures. Undermount sinks on stone counters cost more because the counter has to be supported and resealed.
What does a whole-house repipe cost in Clark County?
A PEX repipe of a 1,500–2,000 sq ft Vancouver home usually runs $6,500–$14,000 including drywall patching. Copper repipes run roughly 40–70% higher. Crawlspace-accessible homes cost less than slab-on-grade.
Should I replace galvanized pipes?
Yes, if your home still has them. Galvanized steel corrodes from the inside, cutting pressure and releasing rust-colored water. Most galvanized supply in SW Washington homes is 60–90 years old and past service life; partial patches accelerate failure elsewhere.
Is PEX allowed in Washington State?
Yes. PEX is approved under Washington's adopted Uniform Plumbing Code for potable water in residential construction, including ADUs. PEX-A with expansion fittings is the most common system used locally.
Do I need a permit to replace pipes?
Replacing a faucet or a sink like-for-like does not require a permit. Repiping, relocating supply or drain lines, and new ADU kitchenette plumbing do require a plumbing permit and inspection in Vancouver and Clark County.
Why does my ADU kitchenette have low hot water pressure?
Usually one of three things: the ADU is fed off an undersized 1/2 inch branch, the home's service line can't carry two dwellings, or aerators and a new cartridge are clogged with debris from an older galvanized system. A pressure and flow test at the meter tells you which.
Keep reading
RestorationRepublic handles fixture replacement, section and whole-home repipes, and ADU kitchenette plumbing across Vancouver, Ridgefield, Washougal, La Center, and Brush Prairie.
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Call now or send the details — a project lead responds within 24 hours with a fixed-scope proposal.
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RestorationRepublic handles kitchens, baths, repairs, and water damage across SW Washington — one licensed contractor, one written scope, one accountable point of contact.
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