Are plumbing repairs tax deductible?

Author: Shyanne Hilpert  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

The IRS typically distinguishes between home maintenance and home improvements. Regular maintenance tasks, like fixing a leaky faucet or unclogging a drain, usually aren't tax-deductible. However, home improvements that add value to your home, prolong its life, or adapt it for new uses may be deductible.

Is repiping your home tax-deductible?

Unfortunately, if your home serves purely as a personal residence, then you can not deduct your home repairs. The IRS allows you to write off your home repair costs only if you rent out part of your home or if you qualify for the home office tax deduction.

What type of home repairs are tax-deductible?

Here are some examples of renovations that may qualify as capital improvements, making them tax deductible when you sell:
  • Entire room remodels.
  • Home additions.
  • System upgrades (heating and cooling systems, security systems, ductwork, etc.)
  • Plumbing upgrades (septic system, water heater, filtration system, etc.)

Can a bathroom remodel be a tax write-off?

Remodeling a bathroom isn't tax-deductible for most homeowners. However, if you need to renovate your bathroom for medical reasons, such as adding handrails in the shower, you may be able to deduct the improvement as a medical expense.

Can you deduct water and sewer bills?

WATER AND SEWER CHARGES ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE.

Making Sure Repairs and Maintenance are Tax Deductible

Is a plumbing bill tax deductible?

While most routine plumbing repairs are not tax-deductible, there are certain situations where you can claim these costs on your taxes. Remember, the key is understanding the difference between repairs and improvements and consulting with a tax professional for guidance.

What utilities expenses are tax deductible?

These can include, but are not limited to, electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone services. The cost of these services can often be written off, or deducted, from a self-employed individual's taxable income, thereby reducing their overall tax liability.

What home expenses are tax deductible?

Deductible house-related expenses
  • Insurance including fire and comprehensive coverage and title insurance.
  • The amount applied to reduce the principal of the mortgage.
  • Wages paid to domestic help.
  • Depreciation.
  • The cost of utilities, such as gas, electricity or water.
  • Most settlement or closing costs.

Can I deduct a kitchen remodel on my taxes?

Key Takeaways. Home renovations typically do not qualify for federal tax deductions, but certain improvements may qualify for deductions and credits can help reduce taxes. Financing home improvements through your mortgage may allow you to claim the interest as a mortgage interest deduction.

Is a walk-in shower tax deductible?

Home improvement costs, including bathroom renovations, are considered personal expenses, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not provide tax deductions for these types of expenditures.

Are sewer repairs tax deductible?

As a general rule, sewer line repairs are considered to be standard home maintenance expenses, which means you are not eligible for a tax break on your personal income tax returns. Having said that, there are a few exceptions, scenarios in which you may be able to file for tax credit.

What can a homeowner deduct for income tax purposes?

Your house payment may include several costs of owning a home. The only costs you can deduct are state and local real estate taxes actually paid to the taxing authority and interest that qualifies as home mortgage interest.These are discussed in more detail later.

How to prove home improvements without receipts?

If you don't have receipts for capital improvements, talk to the contractor who worked on your property. They likely have records of the transaction. Look for canceled checks or credit card payments made to contractors and back up these records with old emails or other communication about the capital improvements.

Can I write off house repairs on my taxes?

The average homeowner generally can't claim home repairs as tax deductible. However, businesses, sole proprietors, and rental property owners can deduct expenses for repairs and maintenance of their property and equipment, although the average homeowner can't generally claim a tax deduction for these expenses.

Are home roof repairs tax-deductible?

All of this brings us back to the original question: are roof repairs tax deductible? Generally, roof repairs are not tax deductible and do not qualify as a tax write-off. However, home improvements qualify for a different type of “write-off.” You can't write off a roof replacement on your federal income taxes.

What counts as repairs and maintenance for taxes?

What Does the IRS Consider To Be Repairs and Maintenance? According to the IRS, routine maintenance is any activity intended to keep assets operating efficiently with normal use. It's what keeps assets in good working condition, but it doesn't increase their value or extend their lifespans.

Is a bathroom remodel tax deductible?

But with that, you might be wondering: Is a bath remodel tax deductible? The short answer is no, as most remodeling projects completed at your personal residence can't be written off. However, there are certain cases that can qualify your bath remodel as tax deductible.

What appliances can you write off on taxes?

Common appliances eligible for tax credits include refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, water heaters, and HVAC systems. Each appliance category has its own set of efficiency requirements, typically measured by the Energy Star rating, which indicates superior energy performance.

What does the IRS consider home improvements?

A capital improvement that adds value to your home, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses can be added to the cost basis of your home and subtracted from the sales price to determine the amount of your profit when you sell it.

What utilities are tax deductible?

Whether you work from your home office, a dedicated space, your car, or even just own a rental property, your business utility expenses including electricity, gas, water, telephone and internet will likely be deductible.

What household items can you write off on your taxes?

If you itemize, you can deduct these expenses:
  • Bad debts.
  • Canceled debt on home.
  • Capital losses.
  • Donations to charity.
  • Gains from sale of your home.
  • Gambling losses.
  • Home mortgage interest.
  • Income, sales, real estate and personal property taxes.

Which home closing costs are tax deductible?

Generally, deductible closing costs are those for interest, certain mortgage points and deductible real estate taxes.

Can I write off my water bill?

If you own or rent a brick-and-mortar business or office space, you can deduct 100% of the necessary utilities such as gas, electricity, trash, and water. For those claiming the regular home office deduction, you can only subtract the portion used for business. Visit the IRS publication on Business Expenses.

What does the IRS consider utilities?

Housing and Utilities standards include mortgage or rent, property taxes, interest, insurance, maintenance, repairs, gas, electric, water, heating oil, garbage collection, residential telephone service, cell phone service, cable television, and Internet service.

Can I write off my internet bill if I work from home?

You have two options for how to deduct your internet bill, either as a home business tax deduction or separately on Schedule C. If you have a dedicated space in your home for your home office that you use often and it's your primary place of work, you're eligible to claim the home office deduction.

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