How to fix a busted pipe under a house?

Author: Miss Vivianne Feil II  |  Last update: Monday, March 24, 2025

One popular technique used by professional plumbers for repairing a broken underground pipe is trenchless pipe repair. This technique involves locating the access point of the pipe and inserting a resin or acrylic patching material and maneuvering it into the place where the crack or damage is located.

How much does it cost to repair a broken pipe under the house?

In situations where the broken pipe is under your home's foundation or within a concrete slab, repair costs can jump to $500-$4,000. For homes needing new copper piping or a complete plumbing system overhaul, the investment can range from $2,000 to $15,000.

What happens if a pipe bursts under your house?

Water damage to your house's structure and interior surfaces: Water from the leak can seep into walls, ceilings, floors, the foundation, and cause a basement flood, which can weaken the structure's integrity. A deluge of water from a burst pipe can collapse a ceiling or walls.

Does insurance cover broken pipe under a house?

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.

How do you fix a broken sewer pipe under your house?

The most effective way is to locate the pipes, and break the concrete enough to access them, excavate the soil and gravel, repair the pipes, and backfill, then pour new concrete over the open area, trowel it smooth and repair/replace any floor covering that existed before the work.

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How much does it cost to replace a sewer line under a house?

When it comes to replacing a sewer line, there is no one-size-fits-all. On average, the cost of replacing a sewer line can range from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on several factors. The material type used in the replacement pipe is the most significant factor in determining the price.

How do plumbers fix pipes under house?

As we mentioned, the new pipe is pulled through the old pipe, bursting it in place with a new HDPE sewer pipe. Once the new pipe is inserted, the plumber ensures everything works correctly and does a camera inspection. We then backfill the access holes. Unfortunately, there is no way to remove the old pipe.

Will insurance pay to repipe a house?

It just depends. Insurance policies may cover repiping if there is significant damage due to a fire or natural disaster. If there is extremely cold winter weather and your pipes freeze and then burst, your insurance policy may cover related expenses, but not always.

How do you know if you have a broken pipe under the house?

A burst pipe can lead to standing water in hidden spaces, like the walls or under the floor. Stagnant water can create a foul smell that permeates your home. If you feel a musty or mildew-like odor but can't locate the source, you may have a hidden water leak caused by a burst pipe.

Does homeowners insurance cover water leaks under foundation?

Homeowners insurance generally does not cover maintenance issues or wear and tear. So, if a slab leak results when tree roots damage your plumbing, or from plumbing lines that are simply past their prime, a typical homeowners insurance will not pay for repairs.

How to fix a busted water pipe under the house?

  1. Shut Off the Water Supply. Turn off the main valve where water comes into your home. ...
  2. Locate the Damage in the Pipe. Assess the break in the pipe. ...
  3. Determine the Placement of a New Fitting. ...
  4. Drain the Pipes. ...
  5. Position the Valve. ...
  6. Cut the Copper Pipe to Length. ...
  7. Clean the Pipe and Valve. ...
  8. Add Flux and Connect the Pipe.

Who is liable for burst pipes?

Owners are responsible for the repairs to damage within their units. In the event that the burst pipe was caused by a unit owner's negligence, then the ultimate responsibility for all the damage may belong to the owner.

What is the difference between a pipe leak and a pipe burst?

Bursts are complete pipe failures where immediate repair is necessary to prevent customers being without water. If you find a suspected burst water main please report it immediately by calling us on 687687. Leakage is lost water – that's all the water not making its way to customers.

Do plumbers fix underground pipes?

Usually, underground water leaks in your yard are difficult to repair for the simple reason that it is difficult to get to them. Professional plumbers will either have to do precision excavation or replace the line entirely. To do either, the plumber must first locate the water leak using a water leak detector.

How much should I pay for a burst pipe?

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.

What happens if a pipe leaks under a house?

If you have a leak in your underground plumbing, it will result in increased water usage and an abnormally high water bill.

Does homeowners insurance cover broken pipes under house?

Accidental water damage that occurs as a result of a sudden, unexpected occurrence like a burst pipe is often covered by a homeowners insurance policy. In addition, cleaning, repair or replacement of wood flooring, drywall and even furniture due to water damage as a result of a burst pipe typically is covered.

How much to fix a broken pipe under the house?

On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $2,000 for a simple pipe repair. However, if the pipe is under a concrete slab or in a hard-to-reach location, the cost can skyrocket to between $500 and $4,000 or more.

What causes pipes to burst under house?

Cold weather

Since crawl spaces are usually less insulated than the rest of the home, the pipes within them are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. When the water inside of pipes in your crawl space freezes, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst.

Why is repiping a house so expensive?

Large homes have more plumbing fixtures and require longer runs for pipes and drain lines, so they cost more to repipe. Additionally, multistory homes cost more to repipe than single-story homes because you'll need more piping material to reach plumbing fixtures between floors.

Does the home warranty cover busted pipes?

Thankfully, a home warranty does cover plumbing systems, so you don't have to worry about the specifics of it all. But because it's pressurized, the water supply line can sometimes build up pressure that can burst pipes and lead to other issues.

Can you partially repipe a house?

Localized Issues: When plumbing problems are limited to specific areas, such as a single bathroom or kitchen, partial repiping can be the best. Instead of overhauling the entire system, only the affected section is replaced. Budget Constraints: Partial repiping is generally more affordable than a full repipe.

How do you fix a burst pipe under your house?

One popular technique used by professional plumbers for repairing a broken underground pipe is trenchless pipe repair. This technique involves locating the access point of the pipe and inserting a resin or acrylic patching material and maneuvering it into the place where the crack or damage is located.

What pipes run under a house?

But generally speaking, the main water supply line runs under most residential homes. If your house is built on a concrete slab, it's more than likely that these pipes are running through that concrete.

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