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Plumbing Repair Costs: What Homeowners Typically Pay
Fixing a dripping faucet, a running toilet, or a leaking supply line typically costs $100–$350, and a leak at a pipe you can reach runs $150–$500. Once a plumber has to open a wall or ceiling, expect $500–$2,500. Replacing a failed tank water heater costs $1,200–$2,800.
If water is spraying, shut off the main first. For everything else, send a photo and get a damage score with a typical cost for your area in about a minute.
Updated September 2026
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Typical plumbing repair costs
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Fixture fix: dripping faucet, running toilet, supply line or shutoff valve | $100–$350 |
| Leak at exposed pipe or fitting (under sink, basement, crawl space) | $150–$500 |
| Burst or frozen pipe, exposed section replaced | $400–$1,500 |
| Leak or burst inside wall or ceiling, incl. opening and patching drywall | $500–$2,500 |
| Underground main water or sewer line repair (dig or trenchless) | $1,000–$5,500 |
| Water heater replacement, standard tank (leaking or failed) | $1,200–$2,800 |
National typical ranges, compiled from published 2025–2026 home repair cost guides and rounded. Your Damage Score adjusts them for your state. A contractor's quote after seeing the job is the only firm price.
For a small plumbing fix
Know where your main water shut-off is. Have a licensed plumber confirm the cause before you start.
- Plumber's tape(opens Amazon in a new tab)
Seals threaded pipe joints.
- Faucet repair kit(opens Amazon in a new tab)
Fixes most drips at the handle or spout.
- Water leak alarm(opens Amazon in a new tab)
Warns you before a small leak spreads.
Links open Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Common plumbing problems and how serious they are
How serious each one usually is, on the same scale as your Damage Score. Your photo decides where yours actually lands.
A split or spraying pipe
SeriousOften after a freeze. Shut off the water at the main right away, then call a plumber. Every minute adds to the water damage.
Water or rust at the bottom of the water heater
SeriousThe tank has usually corroded through, which is common near the end of its life. It won't seal itself, and it can let go all at once.
Sewage coming up a floor drain or tub
SeriousA clogged, root-filled, or broken sewer line. Stop running water in the house, keep away from the wastewater, and call a plumber.
Water around the base of the toilet
ModerateUsually a failed wax seal. It looks small, but it soaks the subfloor underneath, so have it fixed promptly.
A damp supply line or crusty shutoff valve under a sink
ModerateAge or a loose fitting. These tend to fail suddenly, so replace them soon, and right away if they're spraying.
Green or white crust on copper, or rust on steel pipes
ModerateCorrosion that can turn into pinhole leaks. Have a plumber look, especially if the same pipes have leaked before.
A soggy patch in the yard or a sudden drop in water pressure
ModerateOften a leak in the main water line between the street and the house. A plumber can confirm it before anyone starts digging.
A dripping faucet or a running toilet
LowA worn washer, cartridge, flapper, or fill valve. It wastes water and money, and it's often a simple fix.
If a pipe bursts or water is spraying
- Shut off the water at the fixture's valve, or at the main shutoff. Main valves are commonly where the water line enters the house: a basement, crawl space, garage, or near the water heater.
- Keep away from water near outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel. Turn off power at the panel only if you can reach it from a dry spot.
- Photograph the damage before you move or throw anything away.
- Start drying within 24 to 48 hours. Our water damage guide covers what to do and what drying out typically costs.
What drives the cost of a plumbing repair
- Access. A pipe you can see is quick; one inside a wall, under a slab, or underground means opening things up, and patching them afterward.
- Timing. Most plumbers charge a minimum call fee, and nights, weekends, and emergencies cost more.
- Finding the leak. Hidden leaks sometimes need leak detection or a camera inspection first.
- Pipe material and size, and whether old pipe has to be replaced to connect to new.
- For water heaters: gas or electric, tank size, venting, and any code upgrades.
- Permits, which many towns require for water heaters and sewer work.
Repair or replace?
A single leak is usually fixed in place. Replacing a whole run of pipe makes sense when leaks keep coming back in old galvanized steel, polybutylene, or badly corroded copper.
A leaking water heater tank means replacement, not repair; tanks typically last 10 to 15 years. Problems with the heating element, thermostat, or a valve can often be repaired. For sewer lines, one break can usually be spot-repaired, while several breaks, sagging sections, or a collapse point to replacing the line.
What you can safely do yourself
- Learn where your main shutoff is and make sure it turns. That one step limits the damage from any leak.
- Replace a faucet washer or cartridge, a toilet flapper or fill valve, or a braided supply line.
- Leave anything inside walls or under a slab, gas water heaters, and sewer or main water lines to a licensed plumber.
Know how serious it is before you call a pro
Start with your score. Send one photo and you'll see how serious it is and what it typically costs in your area, so you know what to expect when licensed local plumbers quote the job. Free, no account.
Common questions
How much does it cost to fix a leaking pipe?
A leak at a pipe you can reach, like under a sink or in a basement, typically costs $150–$500. If the leak is inside a wall or ceiling, expect $500–$2,500, which includes opening and patching the drywall.
How much does burst pipe repair cost?
Replacing an exposed section of burst or frozen pipe typically costs $400–$1,500. Drying out and repairing the water damage it caused is a separate cost; see our water damage guide for typical ranges.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
If the tank itself is leaking, replace it; a standard tank replacement typically costs $1,200–$2,800. If the problem is no hot water or a dripping relief valve and the tank is dry, a repair is often possible.
How do I know if my sewer line is damaged?
Several drains running slow or gurgling at once, sewage backing up into the lowest drain in the house, or a soggy, smelly patch in the yard. A camera inspection confirms where the problem is before any digging.
Plumbing cost guides
Repair costs for the rest of the house
AI estimate, not an inspection. This score comes from a photo, and a photo can't show everything. Whatever the score, always have a licensed professional inspect the damage before you make repair, safety, or insurance decisions. Cost ranges are typical figures for your area, not quotes. We never tell you whether to file an insurance claim.
When you ask for quotes, the contractor network that receives your request may pay us. That never changes your score. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.