How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Burst Pipe [2023 Data]?

Average Cost to Fix a Burst Pipe

Estimating Burst Pipe Costs

How much does it cost to fix a broken water pipe? Labor makes up to 80% of the project price to fix burst pipes. The remaining 20% goes toward materials, including the cost of the pipe itself. You'll also need to plan for any other issues that may arise during the repair.

Materials

The materials for fixing a burst pipe cost between $0.50 and $30 per linear foot. Modern materials typically cost $15 per linear foot or less, with only cast iron reaching $30 per linear foot. Cast-iron repairs are difficult and costly, and your plumber may recommend you upgrade to a different material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Labor

Labor accounts for around 80% of the total cost to repair a burst pipe, so for the average $500 project price tag, you'd spend $300 to $400 on labor. The cost to hire a plumber isaround $45 to $200 per hour. On top of this, if you need immediate help and can't do a temporary DIY fix yourself, you'll have to pay an emergency call-out fee, which could be anywhere from $100 to $300.

Overage

When dealing with an issue like a burst pipe, it's crucial that you work a buffer into your budget of at least 15%. While it might look like a simple fix, once the plumber gets in there, they could find that the damage is much more extensive. For example, the rupture could be much larger than anticipated, with fissures running along a longer length of pipe that requires replacement.

“A typical pinhole water leak on copper pipe usually indicates that about 3 feet of pipe in either direction from the leak needs replacing,” says Jeff Botelho, Angi Expert Review Board member and Massachusetts-licensed journey-level plumber. “Once the pipe has corroded enough to leak through, the damage inside the pipe will be much more extensive than what’s visible on the outside.”

Plus, you'll need to account for the cleanup and the possibility of calling a pro that repairs water damage.

Cost to Repair a Pipe by 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, which is hazardous to your health. 

In either case, due to the cost or health concerns, it may be worth considering having your plumbing pipework replaced with a more cost-effective, contemporary option like PVC. Cast iron is prone to corrosion as it reacts with the waste flowing through it and can rust from the inside out. Plus, it's extremely heavy, which causes sinkage and can result in a pipe fracturing because it can no longer cope with the strain.

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. A rupture in the main line costs approximately $150 to $2,000, while a break in the sewer line costs about $1,500 to $3,000. Call a plumber who can quickly identify the type of pipe that has burst and find the location with a plumbing line inspection.

Main Line Burst Pipe

The cost to fix a main line break is about $150 to $2,000, with most people paying around $1,080. You can tell if you have a main line issue pretty easily. Common symptoms are the following:

• Significant drop in water pressure

• Pungent, unpleasant odor around water outlets

• Unusual noises, including banging, when you turn on the tap

Main lines carry fresh water from the local supply into your home and can rupture if they freeze, acidic soil corrodes metal pipe from the outside-in, or tree roots bust through the pipe.

Sewer Line Pipe Rupture

You'll pay between $1,500 and $3,000 to fix a ruptured sewer line, with most people paying around $2,250. Telltale signs of a burst sewer line include the following:

• Unusual soggy patch on the lawn

• Slow drains

• Clogged drains

• Rodent infestation

• Unpleasant sewer smell

The sewer line carries liquid and solid waste from your home to the communal sewer line. These pipes commonly burst due to excessive corrosion or an extreme clog. Tree roots, rocks, or a construction worker may also pierce the sewer line, leading to a rupture. 

Repairing a burst sewer line as soon as possible is vital because leaks contain harmful pathogens, including E. coli and salmonella. A swift repair can protect your family and pets from contacting the saturated area of your yard.

Cost of Repairing a Burst Pipe by Location

The location where the pipe bursts greatly impacts how much the repair will cost. A simple fix in the kitchen or bathroom could cost as little as $150. However, a more extensive rupture outside and underground could run up to $5,000.

Kitchen

Fixing a burst pipe in the kitchen costs an average of $330, and you could pay anywhere from $150 to $500. The most common pipe to burst in the kitchen is under the sink, so the repair is reasonably simple because the pipe is exposed. Therefore, the plumber can access it easily and shouldn't need to rip out kitchen units or drywall to fix the issue. 

Often, the problem is usually a leak at one of the joints that's easy to repair with few materials and only takes a short time. 

Wall

The cost to repair a burst pipe in a wall is around $330, with an average range of $150 to $500. However, you'll also need to account for the cost of wall repair, which is around $400 to $1,200, depending on the extent of the damage.

On top of that, burst pipes in a wall often cause other issues, including mold. So you'll also need to pay approximately $400 to $3,400 for the cost of mold removal, depending on how severe the problem is. 

Front Yard

If a water pipe bursts in your front yard, expect to pay around $400 for the repair. A simple fix can cost as little as $200, while a more complex one can run you$600. Soil erosion, the age of the pipes, and clogs can all cause bursts in the front yard, as can accidentally hitting the line with shovels, forks, or power tools. 

Bathroom

A burst pipe in the bathroom costs around $480 to repair, with a price range of $150 to $800. The range is so wide because many variables exist in the bathroom, including the bathtub, toilet, or sink. A pipe leaking beneath the bathroom sink is a relatively simple, inexpensive fix, but a more significant problem underneath the bathtub or shower is a more complex, time-consuming, and costly repair.

Basement

The cost to repair a burst pipe in the basement is generally around $300 or $200 to $600. However, if the pipes are beneath a concrete floor, you can pay anywhere from $500 to $4,500, for an average cost of $2,350.

Commonly, if a pipe bursts in the basement, it's due to major clogs, corrosion, and extreme temperature drops, and the pipes need replacement, hence the higher cost. Basement pipe problems require you to shut off the water and call a plumbing pro right away, or you risk extensive and costly damage from flooding and mold. 

"If you have a pipe burst in or below a concrete slab, a plumber can often reroute it above the floor, saving you time and money on repairs,” says Botelho. “Don't just assume that because the leaking pipe is below the slab, you have to keep it there."

Underground

Fixing a burst pipe underground costs around $600 to $5,000, or an average of $2,800. The cost varies so much because it depends on the extent of the problem and where it’s located.

If the plumber can't immediately find the problem, you'll need to budget for the price of a camera line inspection, which costs around $250 to $1,330. This involves inserting a long, flexible camera inside the plumbing to find the site of the rupture and to assess the cause and extent of the damage. 

From there, they'll be able to give you an accurate quote for fixing the problem. Pipes with minor damage closer to the surface and buried under a lawn cost less to repair than those buried deeper and under driveways, walkways, or patios.

Factors That Influence the Price of Burst Pipe Repair

Aside from the repair itself, many other variables make up the total project cost. Here are some of the most common elements to consider.

Cost to Repair Water Damage

The cost to repair water damage ranges from $1,200 to $5,300. The sooner you shut off the water, get the pipe fixed, and repair the current level of water damage, the less you'll pay. The longer you leave it, the more damage it causes, as dampness, rot, and mold spread rapidly if unchecked. 

If you suspect you have a burst pipe, shut off the water right away and drain the pipes by turning on all the faucets and showers and flushing the toilets. This minimizes the risk of excessive water damage. 

Plumbing Pipe Replacement Costs

If you have an older home without updated pipework, your plumbing pro may tell you it's time to upgrade your property's pipework. The typical cost to replace a home's plumbing is about $360 to $2,000. Depending on the size of the property, replacing the plumbing system can cost up to $15,000. 

While it's costly, updating the piping can improve the safety and efficiency of your system, reduce repair costs, and increase your home's value. Repeated pipe repairs and the cost to repair the water damage left behind can quickly add up, so replacing the existing pipework may be more cost-effective in the long run. 

Emergency Fees

If you need immediate help—which is often the case with a burst pipe—a plumber will likely charge you extra as an emergency fee. This can be a flat fee of around $100 to $300 or a higher hourly rate. 

Timing determines how much you'll pay for an emergency call. For example, a weekday emergency during regular working hours typically costs time-and-a-half or time-and-a-quarter. However, late-night or holiday callouts are usually triple-time, depending on when you call them out.

Insurance

Check your home insurance policy. Many insurers provide cover for burst pipes and the remediation of water damage. Double-check, as some insurers don't cover the pipe repair but will pay for the water damage and mold removal. Others may have restrictions around who you can hire to fix the issues. 

Plumbing Inspection

Ideally, book a plumbing inspection every two years. A local plumber checks for leaks, corrosion, the condition of the pipes, root incursion, and other indicators of problems on the horizon. While the inspection can cost as little as $200, it can save you thousands by highlighting small issues you can repair instead of having a massive repair bill when a pipe bursts.

Signs of a Burst Pipe

You can use several telltale signs to know that your pipe has burst. These include the following:

• 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 fix, but they can also be dangerous, leading to mold growth and ruined appliances. Read these tips to prevent burst pipes and prevent frozen pipes, especially in the wintertime:

• Set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit 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 Pro

Repairing a burst pipe may not be a simple DIY fix, so check out this guide to learn how to hire a qualified plumber. But there are steps you can take before your pro gets to your home, including turning off the water and electricity and calling your home insurance agent.