How much does it cost to repair a burst pipe?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

A burst pipe can be a serious problem that may quickly grow worse if not dealt with in a timely way. Burst pipes can send as many as 10 gallons of water a minute into your home, causing significant water damage to the surrounding area. The cost to repair a burst pipe depends on several factors, including the type of pipe material, its location, and how big the problem is. Preventing your pipes from bursting by getting regular maintenance or keeping them from freezing during winter is the best way to minimize pipes bursting. However, should your pipes burst, it is best to call a plumber to resolve leaks or make repairs.

The national average cost of burst pipe repair is between $200 and $1,000, with most people paying around $500 for a moderate repair with a new section of pipe added. At the low end of the spectrum, for a minor repair that doesn’t involve pipe replacement, you can expect to pay $150. At the high end, you can pay up to $2,000 for new piping that is difficult to access.

Average Cost of Burst Pipe Repair

Pipe Bursting Cost per Foot

You can expect to pay $150 to $250 per linear foot to have a burst pipe replaced. This includes the cost of materials and the labor to complete the work. In most cases, only a small piece of pipe will need to be repaired, but when pipes are frozen, or the area experiences an earthquake, you may have to repair a significant length of piping. Below you will see some of the common lengths repaired and the average cost you can expect to pay.

Burst Pipe Repair Cost by Material

If your pipes in your home burst, the cost of repair varies depending on the type of pipe material. Repair costs range from $0.50 to $30 per linear foot. For instance, many older model homes built before 1986 may have cast iron or lead pipes. It may be a good idea to replace cast iron or lead pipes when they burst due to inherent health and environmental hazards. For other pipes, the plumber may need to replace the burst pipe with a section of new pipe. If the burst isn’t extensive, the plumber may fix the leak by using epoxy, affixing a bonding tape, or soldering it. The latter technique is commonly used when repairing burst copper pipe.

When a plumber repairs your pipes, they need to ensure that the water is cut off by shutting off the main valve where water enters your home. For metal pipes, the plumber cuts the pipe where the damages are and replaces it with a fresh piece of pipe by soldering it to the old pipe. When repairing PVC, fiberglass, or similar pipes, a plumber may replace sections or apply a bonding tape, epoxy, or cloth to fix the leak. With cast iron pipes, a plumber uses an epoxy or iron repair paste. However, if any of your pipes are leaking due to severe corrosion or damage, a plumber will encourage you to consider a replacement.

Burst Pipe Repair Cost by Type

The cost to fix a burst pipe ranges from $150 to $3,000, depending on the type of pipe. Two main types can burst, the sewer and the main line. The sewer line controls the waste flowing out of your home. Costs to repair or replace parts of this line are relatively cheap and easy if the lines are easily accessible. The main water line brings fresh water from the city into your home. Costs to replace parts of this line vary according to the type of pipe replacement, with PVC being the cheapest. In addition to fixing the pipes, you may have to pay for sewage cleanup and water damage which can increase costs.

Sprinkler Pipe Burst Repair

Repairing a burst pipe in a sprinkler system costs $150 to $350. If you have sprinkler heads that are not producing water, have weak pressure throughout the system, or notice soggy areas in your yard, there is a good chance a burst pipe is your culprit. Burst sprinkler pipes most often result from freezing if the system was not winterized and water remained in the lines. However, it can burst due to age weakening the pipe or if you have a problem with roots in your yard. With a burst sprinkler pipe, they need to dig to get to the line, but you likely will not have water damage if the line is not close to the house.

Main Water Line Burst

The cost to repair your main water line ranges from $400 to $2,000. You will know that your main water line burst if you notice the water pressure has changed drastically, smell a pungent odor coming from the pipes, or hear strange noises when you turn on the water. Bursts tend to be common after a drop in temperature, corrosive soils erode the pipes, piping material ages, a utility worker accidentally hits pipes with equipment, or a tree’s roots encroach on the pipe. Call a plumber to know for sure if you are dealing with a broken main water line. In some cases, insurance may cover the burst.

Sewer Pipe Bursting

Repairing burst sewer lines ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. Several signs indicate that your sewer lines have burst. The most common ones are a rodent infestation, a soggy area in the lawn, slow or clogged drains, or a sewer stench. One of the main reasons sewer lines burst is because they are severely clogged, and the pressure of the clog causes the line to rupture. Other common reasons are that the lines are corroded or have been punctured by something. It is imperative to get sewer lines fixed quickly because not doing so puts your family at risk for health issues associated with harmful bacteria such as pinworms, E. Coli, or salmonella.

Burst Pipe Repair Cost by Location

Pipes can burst anywhere inside or outside the house. Frozen pipe burst repair cost and other pipe repairs range from $150 to $5,000. The location and accessibility affect the cost of repair because the harder it is for the plumber to get to the pipes to make the repair, the more the labor costs will be. Those that burst underground may be more labor-intensive and costlier than those exposed in a kitchen or bathroom cabinet. Keep in mind that if pipes are behind a wall or underground, there may be additional costs to fix the drywall or clean up sewage that may have leaked.

Burst Pipe in the Kitchen

The cost to repair pipes in a kitchen is $150 to $500. The most common burst pipe repair needed in a kitchen is in the kitchen sink. The good news is that these pipes are usually in an exposed area. Therefore, a plumber can fix these pipes easily because they are not behind a wall or buried under concrete which would substantially increase costs. Also, sometimes, kitchen leaks may easily be resolved with few materials and may not require replacing the entire pipe. However, if you have outdated pipes such as lead or cast iron with corrosion, a plumber may suggest that you replace them.

Busted Water Pipe in Wall

A burst pipe in the wall repair costs between $150 and $500 to fix. The cost of this type of pipe burst increases by hundreds of dollars to fix the wall damage due to the water and the plumbing that is required. Expect to pay another $75 to $700 to fix the damages done to the wall. If extensive mold is present, you may need professionals to remove the mold before the wall is replaced, increasing the costs.

Burst Pipe in the Bathroom

A burst bathroom pipe repair costs from $150 to $800, depending on whether the problem is with the bathtub drain, toilet drain, or sink drain. An enormous number of problems can occur with bathroom drains, including sewage issues. However, if the drain bursts are isolated, this may relieve some costs because you may not have to replace all the drains in the bathroom. Also, if the drains are still in good condition, a plumber may only need to replace part of the drain or even just patch it with tape or epoxy.

Water Pipe Burst in Front Yard

Pipes that burst in the front yard will likely be between $200 and $600 to repair. When pipes in your front yard burst, it’s typically due to aging, soil erosion, or bad clogs in the pipes. Since your yard is on your property, it is your responsibility to get this burst fixed. The good news is that most pipe bursts are covered by homeowner’s insurance. To avoid high water bills, it’s best to shut your water off until a plumber resolves the issue.

Pipe Burst in the Basement

Repairing pipes in a basement is normally between $200 and $600 but will be $500 to $4,500 if pipes are under a concrete slab. In most cases, the pipes need to be replaced. Basement pipes burst due to drops in temperature or major clogs. It is important to shut off the main valve whenever a basement pipe bursts. Otherwise, there could be an enormous amount of flooding.

Water Pipe Burst Underground

Costs to repair pipes underground range between $600 and $5,000. A plumber uses a camera with a flexible cable to find out the problem with the pipes if other methods aren’t working. The most common reason for underground pipes to burst is corrosion or a shift with the soil. However, clogged or cracked pipes may also be the reason. Another issue could be a tree’s roots putting pressure on the underground pipes, in which case the cost to remove the tree to fix the pipe adds to the cost of the repair.

Average Labor Cost of Burst Pipe Repair

Labor costs vary depending on the area you live in and the type of plumbing company you choose. Of the $500, around $300 to $400 is labor, with the remaining costs going to materials. The average plumber cost to repair burst pipe ranges from $45 to $200 per hour, depending on location. Some companies charge flat rates for certain services. For example, thawing frozen pipes may cost a flat rate of $100, while some plumbers charge around $400 to make a basic repair.

Trenchless Pipe Bursting Cost

Trenchless pipe repair involves repairing a swerve pipe without digging up the ground. Traditional sewer pipe repair is quite invasive and involves extensive excavation. The minimally invasive trenchless repair can be beneficial over traditional repair methods because it is effective, more cost-efficient, and will not damage your property during the process. When a pipe bursts, a bursting head will be sent into it, breaking the pipe as a new pipe is inserted inside it. The process is efficient and designed to last as long as traditional invasive methods. Trenchless repair costs $175 to $300 per linear foot.

What Causes Pipes to Burst?

A pipe can burst for several reasons. One of the most common reasons that pipes burst is due to frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands very quickly, which stresses the pipe material. The pipe may crack immediately or weaken and burst later. When the water thaws, it pours from the crack in the pipe. Another common reason for pipes to burst is because they are old. Some materials simply weaken with age.

Along with age, pipes might burst because of corrosion. Some older pipes corrode over time, particularly if they come in contact with another metal or material like mortar, causing a chemical reaction. A corroded pipe is a weak pipe, and it may give way at any time. Another reason a pipe may burst is a sudden change in water pressure that places stress on a pipe, particularly one that is weakened due to the stress of a previous freeze or repair or age.

Burst Pipe Signs

Some burst pipes produce immediately obvious damage that you can quickly pinpoint, but others are more subtle, especially if they are inside walls, ceilings, or floors. If you suspect that you have experienced a burst pipe, one of the most obvious signs will be a sudden drop in water pressure. Another obvious sign is unusual noises from the pipes, particularly when you turn the water on or increase water usage. If you notice puddles of water or other moisture issues such as damp spots on walls, ceilings, or floors, this could indicate that your pipes have burst. One other critical issue that may not be obvious right away is a drastic increase in your water bill, typically two times what you normally pay in a month.

Burst Pipe Prevention

The cost of replacing burst pipes can be expensive, so it is important to prevent it whenever possible. Yet, in the case of age or a sudden change in water pressure, you can do very little to prevent a burst pipe. However, you can take steps to minimize your chances of this happening. Insulate pipes that are at risk of freezing, such as those located beside outside walls. During winter, keep your thermostat set to at least 50 degrees. If you plan to be away longer than a couple of days, winterize your pipes by turning off the water and draining them. Make sure any pipes in the yard are buried deep enough to be protected from freezing temperatures, and have any old pipes inspected to look for signs of corrosion.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Pipe Replacement

New plumbing systems cost from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the location and type of pipe. Sometimes, repairing a section of pipe stresses the pipes around it, causing more leaks. This is especially true when pipes are worn or made of outdated materials. In this case, all the pipes may need replacement. You will have to determine if the price of the repair will last long enough to justify the cost. If not, you should replace your pipes.

Water Damage Repair

Water damage repair averages between $1,200 and $5,000. Fixing areas damaged by water is critical. If water damage is not remediated immediately, this could lead to the replacement of drywall, flooring, and furnishings. To help prevent water damage from a burst pipe, shut off the water at the water main as soon as you suspect a burst. Then, drain the pipes by opening all the faucets and shower valves and flushing all the toilets in the home.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Accessibility. Your repair will likely cost more if the damaged pipe is not easy to access. If the plumber has to tear down drywall or dig a trench in the yard, costs will be higher.
• Emergency fees. If you call for an immediate repair, your plumber may charge you an additional fee for an emergency call.
• Insurance. Many homeowner’s insurance policies cover burst or broken pipes and water damage. Before you hire someone, call your insurance adjuster to find out if this is covered.
• DIY. There are kits available for DIY emergency pipe repairs. These may help you make an emergency repair while you wait to see if insurance covers more.
• Estimates. It is a good idea to get an estimate from three plumbers on the cost of your burst pipe repairs. Then, compare the three quotes to see what each plumber offers, especially with warranties.