Replacing a water line costs about $2,000 on average. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250 per linear foot to replace the pipe. Also, be sure to drip or cover outdoor faucets, insulate pipes, keep airflow moving, and follow other strategies to prevent frozen pipes in the winter.
Water damage from a broken pipe is typically covered under homeowners insurance, as it's considered a sudden and accidental event. However, coverage may vary depending on policy specifics, such as exclusions for neglect or lack of maintenance.
Who is Responsible for the Water Line From the Street to Your House? Water service lines within the bounds of your property are considered your personal responsibility to maintain, while public water pipes outside of private property lines are the city's responsibility.
Pipe replacement averages $1,252 and ranges from $371 to $2,133. Your plumbing repair pro can assess your home and estimate the overall cost. Pipes are the circulatory system of your house. They deliver drinking water, clean dishes, fill the bathtub, and send wastewater on its way.
Hire a professional: If the location of the water service line break is on your property, you will likely be responsible for the repair. Depending on the complexity of the situation, you will likely want to hire a professional plumber for the specialized equipment and expertise to safely handle the repair.
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.
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.
On average, a small-scale pipe replacement could take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Just a Few Hours: For minor pipe damage or replacement of easily accessible pipe sections, professional plumbers could complete the job in just a few hours.
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.
Your Water Is Discolored
This is a very obvious sign that something is wrong with your water main line. Obviously, your water should come out clear, with no sediment. If the water coming out of your fixtures is discolored, this means there's probably a leak.
I live in Southern California, the water company is responsible for the water pipe that comes from the street until it reaches the water meter (usually near the curb in front of your house). The part of the pipe that goes from the water meter to your house and all the pipes inside your house are your responsibility.
If a water main breaks, your city or town is responsible for fixing the break, but you often will be responsible for repair or replacement of the water main supply line connected to your house. If your home is damaged from a public water main break, contact your municipality as well as your insurance company.
A majority of the time, homeowners insurance policies do not cover whole house repiping. Insurance policies are designed to cover unexpected problems. For example, if you have a pipe burst, then your homeowners' insurance may cover the cost of repairs due to the water damage.
After you file a home insurance claim, it's possible that your premium will increase when your policy renews. If you file one claim, your insurance company may see you as likely to file another in the future. To offset the cost of that potential claim, your insurance company may charge you more for your policy.
Generally, you can expect to pay between $850–$5,500 for a new ejector pump, depending on the type of pump you need. The national average cost of water line replacement is $3,800, but can cost $10,000 or more. Most pipe materials cost between $2 and $10 per linear foot, but some can be up to $30 per linear foot.
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.
To fix a broken water pipe, homeowners can expect varying costs depending on the damage's severity and location. Minor DIY repairs might cost between $10-$50, while professional services range from $50 to $600, escalating in emergencies. For extensive damage, such as pipes under a foundation, costs can be $500-$4,000.
Plumbing Requires Experience and Expertise
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.
It's an emergency if: The wetness is quickly accumulating or escalating but you cannot visibly see the source of the water. This could mean you have a burst pipe in the wall or under the floor.
Replacing a toilet costs between $275 and $480 in most cases, and the average cost sits around $375. This includes removing the old toilet and installing the new toilet.
Homeowners insurance may cover water damage from a sudden accidental plumbing problem such as a burst pipe. However, it generally won't cover repairs to the pipe. The exception is if pipes are damaged by a fire, storm or another event your policy covers.
Breaks to the main water line are more common than one might think, with an estimated 240,000 happening every year in the United States.