How Much Does a Burst Pipe Repair Cost in 2025?
The average cost to repair a burst pipe is $500
Burst pipe repairs cost an average of $500, with prices ranging from $100 to $5,000.
Your total bill depends on the extent of damage, labor requirements, and the location of the pipe.
Hiring a pipe repair pro immediately helps you avoid major water damage and mold growth.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Repairing a burst pipe is a crucial task that protects your home from costly water damage. Expect to spend an average of $500, with most jobs ranging from $200 to $3,000. The pipe material and location, extent of damage, and local labor rates determine your final bill. Budget for the repair and bring in a licensed plumber so the problem is solved correctly the first time, and your investment stays safe.
Burst Pipe Cost Factors
After you locate the leak, several key factors will shape your repair bill. Here’s a breakdown of the main cost drivers that will influence your total cost.
Labor
Nearly 80% of a burst-pipe repair bill goes toward labor. That means for an average repair costing $500, you might spend $400 on labor alone. Local plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour, or they may charge a flat fee ranging from $100 to $1,250, plus a possible travel fee of $50 to $300.
Thawing frozen pipes often has a flat fee of $100. If you need immediate assistance and can't manage a temporary DIY fix, an emergency call-out fee may add $100 to $300 to your bill.
Material
In most modern homes, you'll only pay between $0.50 and $15 per linear foot for plumbing pipe. However, if your home was built before 1986, you may still have cast-iron piping, which costs up to $30 per linear foot—or worse, lead pipes, which are hazardous to your health.
Keep in mind that once you factor in labor, burst pipe repair or replacement can run between $150 and $250 per linear foot, primarily when pipes have severely corroded or have multiple damage points.
Given the cost and health concerns, many homeowners opt to replace older pipes with a cost-effective, contemporary material such as PVC. Cast iron is prone to corrosion as it reacts with the waste flowing through it, allowing it to rust from the inside out. Additionally, it's extremely heavy, which causes sinkage and can lead to pipe fracturing as it can no longer withstand the strain.
Here is the cost breakdown of different pipe materials and their associated costs.
| Material | Average Cost Range per Lin. Ft. |
|---|---|
| PVC | $0.50–$8 |
| Galvanized | $3–$8 |
| Polypropylene | $1–$15 |
| Fiberglass | $6–$10 |
| Copper | $2–$15 |
| Cast iron | $10–$30 |
Cost to Fix a Burst Pipe by Type
How much you'll pay to fix a burst pipe is strongly influenced by the type of pipe that needs fixing. Call a plumber who can quickly identify the type of pipe that has burst and locate it using a plumbing line inspection.
| Type of Pipe | Average Cost Range (Including Labor) | Average Cost (Including Labor) |
|---|---|---|
| Main line | $150–$2,000 | $1,080 |
| Sewer | $1,300–$4,700 | $2,250 |
Cost of Repairing a Burst Pipe by Location
The location where the pipe bursts significantly impacts the cost of the repair. A simple fix in the kitchen or bathroom could cost as little as $150. These are the average repair cost ranges based on the location of the burst pipe in your home.
| Location | Average Cost Range (Including Labor) |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | $150–$500 |
| Wall | $150–$500 |
| Bathroom | $150–$800 |
| Basement | $200–$600 |
| Sprinkler | $150–$350 |
Burst Pipe Signs and Prevention
There are several ways to detect a burst pipe, as well as ways to prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.
Signs of a Burst Pipe
Watch for these telltale signs of a burst pipe:
Water stains on the walls and ceilings
Higher water bill
Mold growth
Puddles
Strange smells
Sounds of clanging pipes and/or dripping
How to Prevent Pipe Bursts
Burst pipes are not only inconvenient and costly to repair, but they can also be hazardous, leading to mold growth and damaged appliances. These tips will help prevent burst pipes and frozen pipes, especially in the wintertime:
Set your thermostat to at least 55°F to keep your house warm, even when you’re not home.
Turn on water faucets to keep the water moving through the pipes.
Leave your cabinet doors open to allow warm air in.
Install heat tape to keep your pipes warm.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pipe Repair Pro
Tempted to fix a burst pipe yourself? Weigh these risks first. Unless you're certain the leak is small and isolated, attempting a DIY fix could lead to more damage. You can use a pipe repair kit, costing around $25, as a temporary solution while you wait for a professional to arrive. Remember to turn off your water supply and, if necessary, the electricity in the affected area. Hiring a licensed plumber ensures the repair is done safely and effectively, preventing further issues down the line.
Hire a trusted local plumber today to repair your burst pipe before it causes further damage.
Budgeting for Burst Pipe Repair
To keep your burst pipe repair costs within budget, consider the following tips:
Get quotes from multiple plumbers to find the best rate in your area.
Check your homeowners' insurance for coverage for burst pipe repair.
Factor in related costs, such as water damage and mold remediation.
Set aside an emergency fund for unexpected plumbing repairs.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you suspect a burst pipe, act quickly to limit the damage. Start by turning off your home's main water supply and draining your faucets, showers, and toilets. If it's safe to do so, shut off the electricity in the affected area. Then, contact a local plumber immediately. Prompt action can prevent serious water damage, structural issues, and mold growth.
The location and accessibility of the damage determine the time required to repair a burst pipe. Repairing an exposed pipe under a kitchen sink takes 30 minutes, while concealed pipes require two to four hours of dedicated work. Extensive repairs that involve excavation or structural modifications take a full day or longer to complete. These defined timeframes ensure a complete restoration of your plumbing system.
Several proven methods are available to repair a burst pipe. Firstly, you can temporarily seal the leak using specialized silicone tape or epoxy designed for pipe repairs. Additionally, a pipe repair kit offers an effective short-term fix while waiting for professional service. For a more permanent solution, a licensed plumber will remove the damaged section and install a new coupling or replace the entire affected pipe segment. This systematic approach ensures both immediate safety and long-lasting plumbing reliability.
Homeowners' insurance often covers burst pipe repairs if the damage results from sudden and accidental events. However, if the burst pipe results from a lack of proper maintenance or neglect, your policy may not provide coverage. It is important to review your individual policy or speak directly with your insurance provider for specific details, as coverage terms and limits can vary widely among insurers.
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