How much does a pipe leak repair cost?
How much does a pipe leak repair cost?
$150 – $500 small repair cost (simple & easy to access)
$500 – $5,000+ large repair cost (hidden or complex)
Average pipe leak repair cost
Pipe leak repair costs $150 to $500 for small, simple repairs that are easy to reach. The cost to repair a leaking pipe in a wall ranges from $500 to $5,000+, depending on the damage. Repair costs vary widely based on the pipe material, location, and complexity of the repair.
| Pipe leak severity | Average repair cost |
|---|---|
| Small accessible leak | $150 – $500+ |
| Larger or hidden leak | $500 – $5,000+ |
| Major disaster leak | $2,000 – $10,000+ |
In addition to the direct repair, you may also need to factor in water damage restoration, mold remediation, or any structural fixes required. While a quick patch job might only cost a couple hundred dollars, ignoring or missing hidden damage can multiply expenses down the road.
Pipe leak repair cost by type
The type of pipe that's leaking can influence the repair cost. Different pipes require different materials and techniques to repair. Here's a breakdown of common pipe types and their typical repair costs:
| Leak repair type | Average repair cost |
|---|---|
| Interior plumbing pipes | $100 – $500 |
| Drain pipe | $100 – $800 (minor) $800 – $8,000+ (major) |
| Main water service line | $150 – $600 (minor) $600 – $5,000 (major) |
| Gas line | $150 – $300 (minor) $300 – $3,000+ (major) |
| Sewer line | $150 – $3,800+ |
| Pool pipe | $500 – $1,500 |
Interior plumbing pipes
Repairing a leaking pipe inside the home costs $100 to $500 when it is easy to reach, such as an exposed water pipe in the basement or under a sink. Fixing a major leak or one hidden behind a wall, ceiling, or under flooring may cost thousands due to the repairs needed afterward.
Drain pipe
Drain pipe leak repair costs $100 and $800 for minor leaks or up to $8,000+ for major repairs, depending on the location and damage. Drain pipes carry wastewater away from fixtures and often leak due to corrosion, clogs, or broken seals. Repairs may include replacing sections of pipe, removing blockages, or re-sealing joints.
Main water line
Main water line leak repairs cost anywhere from $150 to $5,000, depending on the length, materials, and accessibility. This main service line supplies water to the entire home, so even a small leak can significantly affect water pressure and potentially cause major water damage.
Repairs may involve digging to access the pipe, replacing segments, or re-routing lines. For repairs that involve replacing sections of the line, water line replacement costs $50 to $250 per linear foot.
Gas line
Gas line leaks are extremely dangerous and require immediate professional attention. Minor gas line leak repairs cost $150 to $300 on average, but the cost can reach $3,000+ for extensive or hard-to-reach damage. The repair must be performed by a licensed professional to ensure everyone's safety.
Sewer line
Sewer line leak repair costs $150 to $3,800, depending on the damage and labor required to access it. Sewer line leaks can cause foul odors, slow drains, or backups. Repairs usually require locating the damaged section, which might be under the yard or driveway.
Pool pipe
Pool pipe leak repair costs $500 to $1,500 on average but may reach $5,000 depending on the leak's location. Pool pipes can be tricky to access due to decking and landscaping. Identifying leaks often requires specialized testing equipment. Repairs may involve digging around the pool, patching the pipe, or replacing entire sections.
Pipe leak repair cost factors
Plumbing estimates for pipe leak repair vary depending on many factors, including:
Labor cost: Plumbers' rates range from $45 to $150 per hour. After-hours, weekend, and holiday calls often cost significantly more.
Age of pipes: Older pipes are more prone to corrosion and leaks, often requiring replacement instead of just patching. Replacing outdated plumbing materials raises overall repair costs.
Diagnostic fees: Some plumbers charge a diagnostic fee or a minimum call-out fee to assess the leak, typically ranging from
$50 to $200.
Camera inspection fees: If the leak's location is unclear, a sewer camera inspection costs $125 to $500 to identify the source of the hidden leak. Some pros waive this cost if you proceed with the repair.
Size: Larger or more complicated leaks require more labor and materials, increasing costs.
Pipe material: Different materials—PVC, copper, PEX, galvanized steel—have different repair or replacement costs. Copper and steel tend to be more expensive to replace than PVC or PEX.
Urgency: In many cases, an emergency repair, like fixing a burst pipe, costs more than average. However, these situations need immediate attention to prevent major water damage. Emergency plumber calls cost anywhere from $120 to $300+ per hour.
Leak location
The location of the pipe leak significantly impacts the complexity and cost of the repair. Leaks in easily accessible areas are generally less expensive to fix.
Accessible: Leaks in exposed pipes are the easiest and cheapest to repair, typically costing $150 to $500.
Behind a wall: The cost to repair a leaking pipe in a wall ranges from $500 to $5,000+, depending on how long it's been leaking and whether major damage has occurred. These jobs often require cutting into drywall and opening up the wall to access and repair the pipe.
Underground: An underground water pipe leak repair costs anywhere from $500 to $10,000 or more, depending the location and what needs replacing after the repair. Finding and fixing an underground pipe leak may involve digging up a lawn, breaking through concrete, or pulling up a floor, significantly increasing the cost.
For underground leaks, trenchless repair methods can reduce some costs but aren't always feasible.
Repair method
The specific technique used to fix a leak depends on the damage severity, pipe type, and location. For minor pinhole leaks, a plumber can often quickly patch it. For extensive damage, replacing segments with new pipe material may be the only option, and will cost much more.
| Repair method | Cost | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Repair tape or epoxy putty | $ |
|
| Pipe replacement | $$ – $$$ |
|
| Pipe lining or trenchless repair | $$ – $$$$ |
|
Additional repairs & restoration
Plumbing repairs may involve than just the leaking pipe itself. If other components need fixing or replacing, labor and material costs increase. Additionally, you may need to repair drywall, flooring, or ceilings once you fix the leak. The table below shows the average cost for typical plumbing and restorative repairs.
| Repair type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Water pressure regulator cost | $300 – $650 |
| Main water shut-off valve cost | $250 – $600 |
| Drywall repair cost | $50 – $100 per square foot |
| Ceiling repair cost | $50 – $100 per square foot |
| Floor repair cost | $200 – $1,200 (minor) $500 – $6,000+ (major) |
| Cabinet repair cost | $120 – $600 |
| Foundation repair cost | $250 – $800 per crack |
| Landscaping replacement cost | $4 to $12 per square foot |
| Concrete removal cost | $3 to $8 per square foot |
| Concrete slab replacement cost | $6 to $12 per square foot |
If a leak has been hidden and ongoing water damage restoration costs will be much higher than average, especially if it involves mold remediation.
Signs of a pipe leak
Hidden leaks can be especially destructive because they often go unnoticed. Look for these warning signs:
Discolored or bubbling paint and wallpaper
Musty, damp odors
Unexplained increases in your water bill
Decreased water pressure
Warped walls, floors, or ceilings
Damp or discolored spots on the floor
Mold spots on drywall
If you see any of these symptoms, contact a professional plumber right away for an inspection before more damage occurs.
What causes a pipe to leak?
Although leaks vary, the underlying causes often stem from:
Corrosion or rust in older metal pipes
High water pressure stressing joints and fittings
Freezing temperatures that cause pipes to expand and burst
Worn-out seals or fittings
Clogs leading to backed-up water pressure
Tree root intrusion or added stress from ground movement in underground lines
Prevention
Preventive measures can extend the lifespan of your plumbing and reduce the likelihood of expensive leaks. Here are some recommendations:
Inspection / maintenance checks: Regularly inspect your pipes for signs of corrosion, leaks, or damage. Schedule a plumbing inspection every one to two years to identify small issues before they escalate into significant leaks.
Pipe insulation: Insulate exposed pipes in cold climates to help prevent freezing. Apply UL-approved heating tape to pipes in especially cold areas, like crawl spaces or garages.
Leak detection: Install water leak detectors to alert you to leaks early on. These devices monitor moisture levels or water flow in real time and alert you the moment they detect a leak.
Consistent temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature in your home to prevent pipes from expanding and contracting excessively.
Faucet drip: In freezing weather, let faucets drip to keep water flowing and prevent pipes from freezing.
Seal cracks: Small cracks can let cold air seep in, raising the chance of frozen pipes. Seal any cracks in the walls, floors, or ceilings, and any openings around windows, doors, and pipes.
Open cabinet doors: Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, especially on cold nights.
Pipe leak repair FAQs
Does home insurance cover pipe leaks?
Home insurance coverage for pipe leaks depends on your policy and the cause of the leak. Insurance often covers "sudden and accidental" water damage from burst pipes. However, policies often exclude gradual leaks due to wear and tear, negligence, or lack of maintenance.
Always review your policy or contact your insurance provider for specifics.
How can I stop a leaking pipe?
You can temporarily stop a leaking pipe by turning off the home's main water supply and applying repair tape or epoxy putty. However, professional repair is usually necessary, so contact a qualified plumber near you to assess the damage and provide a permanent solution.
How long does it take to fix a leaking pipe?
The time it takes to fix a leaking pipe depends on the complexity of the repair. Simple fixes might take as little as 30 minutes, while more extensive work—such as slab leak detection, excavation, and repair—can take several days. If additional restoration or mold remediation is required, the timeline grows longer.
Getting estimates from plumbers
When searching for a plumber near you for pipe leak repair, be sure to:
If it’s not an emergency, get at least three quotes to compare.
Look for plumbers with consistently positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Only hire a company that is insured, bonded, and has been in business for 5+ years.
Request a written estimate detailing labor, materials, and all other costs.
Confirm they'll update the quote if new expenses arise during the repair.
Discuss the repair timeline, work hours, and expectations with the crew.
Don't pay in full until the repair is complete.
Questions to ask a plumber
Asking the right questions can help you choose a qualified and trustworthy plumber. Here are some essential questions to ask:
Are you licensed and insured?
How much experience do you have with pipe leak repairs?
Can you provide references from previous clients?
What is your hourly rate, and do you charge a diagnostic fee?
What repair method do you recommend, and why?
How long will the repair take?
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
Will you provide a written estimate?
Who will be performing the work?
Do you guarantee your workmanship if the pipe leaks again?
Do you handle restoration or partner with a restorative service?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.