Plumbers can fix a leaking pipe for $250 on average with homeowners spending $150 to $850 which includes detecting the location of the leak. Pipe leak repair cost varies depending on the location of the pipe. It will cost more if it's hard to access. A leaking pipe needs fixing as quickly as possible.
You are responsible for the drains, water pipes and plumbing fixtures on your property. You are also responsible for ensuring that the plumbing in your property conforms to the required standards.
Typically, fixing a burst pipe takes anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Factors like damage severity, pipe accessibility, and material type affect the time needed.
For minor leaks, you can use plumber's tape, self-fusing silicone tape, or epoxy putty. Each of these methods helps seal leaks in pipes and fittings. Always start by turning off the water supply, drying the area, and applying the selected repair method.
If the leak is under your sink or coming from a drippy showerhead and you can avoid using the fixture until your plumber arrives, this wouldn't be considered a major issue. If you notice any water damage on your walls or other signs of a major leak, you should call an emergency plumber ASAP.
Plumbing requires precise, technical knowledge. We could cut expenses (and therefore costs to you) by hiring less-knowledgeable team members, but that's simply not our model. Rather, we hire only the most skilled technicians—plumbers who will treat your home like their own and do their absolute best work, every time.
The average pipe leak repair can cost between $250 to $500, although major leaks, with resulting damage, can cost considerably more.
Homeowners insurance typically covers losses resulting from a sudden malfunction, such as a pipe bursting unexpectedly. However, a homeowners policy won't cover slow, constant leaks or other plumbing problems resulting from neglect or improper maintenance.
Leaky pipes are prone to breaking or bursting, and these little leaks can really drive up the cost of your water bill over time. So if you find a leak, call a plumber to fix the problem right away.
Water Contamination
Studies have shown that harmful contaminants can enter our drinking water through leaky pipes. If a section of the pipe is damaged, the water surrounding the pipe can get sucked into the pipe and enter the home's water supply due to a pressure differential.
Minor issues: For slight plumbing problems such as changing a faucet, repairing a sink's leaky pipe, or clearing out clogged drainages, it is recommended to hire a handyman plumber.
Most buildings insurance policies cover the cost of repairs due to pipes bursting or water leaking. Check the terms and conditions because if you leave a property empty and damage occurs, you might not be covered for this loss.
For general plumbing services, most homeowners typically pay around $315, but costs can range between $180 and $850 for different projects. For example, a simple faucet replacement or unclogging a sink can cost as little as $100 to $300, while fixing a leak will cost closer to $300 to $850.
The average national cost to fix a leaking faucet can be around $275. Factors such as your location, amount and condition of faucets leaking, labor and parts cost can make the actual cost range from $125 to $426.
Sealing around cracks with epoxies or pull-through liners can provide a trenchless solution for minor leaks. Deeper splits may require spot excavation to access and replace damaged pipe sections. In some cases, if the full line shows signs of deterioration, complete replacement above or below ground may be best.
If these are damaged or break, the homeowner might be responsible for the repair. A standard homeowners policy does not cover the service lines running into the home—unless you've added service line coverage.
Anticipating Plumbing Costs per Hour: What to Expect
In 2025, homeowners in the U.S. can expect to pay an average of $90 per hour for plumbing services, though rates generally span from $45 to $200 based on service type and complexity.
There's a shortage of skilled plumbers, and the really good ones are in high demand. When I owned a vacation rental cabin in a remote village, there was one competent plumber in town. I had to work hard to be the kind of customer he wanted to call back, because I know he didn't need my business.
Not only can a leak cause structural damage in your home, but it can also lead to mould. Mould thrives in humid temperatures so if pipes are leaking in a warm area of the house, mould can appear as quickly as 24-48 hours. Dangerous spores that can affect your health, can form in just three days if left untouched.
Smaller, slower leaks don't often constitute emergencies, but if you're not skilled in the art of pipe repair, you should contact a plumbing professional as soon as possible. Small leaks in pipes can become big leaks in pipes in shockingly short periods of time, so don't wait to call about a pipe problem.
Recent experiments discovered that a leak from a small hole in a vertical pipe can sometimes stop spontaneously. Katharine Jensen of Williams College in Massachusetts and her colleagues now explain this unexpected behavior by studying the energy of the “capping” droplet that seals the leak [1].