The typical cost to repair a main water line is $1,025, but the cost you pay can range from $354 and $1,696, depending on the extent of the repairs.
Most water main repairs fall into three categories: valve replacements, corrosion fixes, and pipe breaks. Expect to pay between $150 and $700 for leaky valve repairs, and depending on the location, replacing a valve costs $150 to $300.
A cracked pipe can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000, while a broken pipe runs between $500 and $5,000. Corroded pipe repair costs from $600 to $5,000. This is on the expensive end of the spectrum because you’ll need to have all corrosion removed and replaced (which usually means replacing the entire pipe).
However, repiping a house that has old, corroded piping can potentially add value to your home while decreasing future repair costs, making it a worthwhile investment.
For a main water line leak, hiring a licensed plumber is the best way to ensure a job well done. Labor costs vary by region, but you can typically expect to pay between $70 and $120 per hour for a plumber. Common plumbing projects related to main water line leak repairs include:
Septic tank repair: $650 to $3,000
Sewer line replacement: $1,300 to $5,100
Plumbing inspection: $100 to $500
For extensive main water line leak repairs, your plumber may call in other professionals to help access the water line. A residential excavator operator charges anywhere from $120 to $150 per hour on average to dig a trench to access underground pipes. Projects your excavation company may offer include:
Trenching: $400 to $1,200
Yard grading and leveling: $1,000 to $3,300
Land clearing: $1,400 to $6,200
Repairing your home’s main water line costs $989 on average. You can generally expect to pay anywhere from $352 and $1,664 or $70 to $120 per hour. You’ll also need to budget for materials like valves, bushings, and pipes.
You can break down the cost of repairing a main water line by the size and type of repair. For example, most broken underground pipe repairs cost between $100 and $200 per linear foot, while above-ground pipes cost anywhere from $1.50 to $12 per linear foot. Here’s how much you could spend by the size of your broken main water line pipe.
| Water Line Size (Linear feet) | Above-Ground Average Cost | Below-Ground Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | $15–$120 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| 20 | $30–$250 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| 30 | $45–$350 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 40 | $60–$475 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| 50 | $75–$600 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| 60 | $90–$725 | $6,000–$12,000 |
Your overall budget will consist of materials and labor, which tend to fluctuate depending on your location, the nature of the project, and the materials needed to remedy the problem.
Also, you’ll need to call your town or city to determine who is responsible for the portion that goes beyond your property line. Keep reading for more on the factors that influence the cost of repairs.
Materials generally include new sections of pipe, bushings, and valves. The type of piping you have and the diameter of the piping greatly influence the cost.
Copper: $2 to $8 per linear foot.
CPVC: $0.50 to $1 per linear foot.
PEX: $0.40 to $2 per linear foot.
Costs for repairing main water line leagues also depend on where you live. The following table highlights average emergency plumber costs and some of the biggest cities across the U.S.
| City | Average Emergency Plumbing Cost |
|---|---|
| Austin, Texas | $75–$1,350 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $300–$1,650 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $300–$1,575 |
| Cincinnati, Ohio | $275–$1,350 |
| Denver, Colorado | $300–$1,800 |
| Las Vegas, Nevada | $275–$1,500 |
| Los Angeles, California | $300–$1,800 |
| Minneapolis, Minnesota | $275–$1,425 |
| New Orleans, Louisiana | $275–$1,425 |
| New York, New York | $300–$1,575 |
| Orlando, Florida | $225–$1,125 |
| San Francisco, California | $300–$1,800 |
| Seattle, Washington | $425–$2,250 |
| Washington, D.C. | $300–$1,575 |
While you might be tempted to save money on repairing your main water line by doing it yourself, most main water line leak repairs should be left to a plumber near you. Some municipalities even require major plumbing to be completed by a licensed plumber. Your pro will have all the tools and know-how to safely and correctly repair any plumbing problems on your property to prevent costly water remediation expenses.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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You should repair a damaged water main as soon as you spot it. While some scenarios make it clear that you could have a leak, such as having frozen pipes, other signs are harder to catch. Here are some of the most common signs that indicate repairs are needed:
Puddles/standing water in your yard
Water pressure suddenly decreases
Cracks begin to appear in your foundation
Frequent clogs in your plumbing
Water is smelly or rust-colored
Pipe insulation is worth it if you live anywhere that experiences freezes, as this can help prevent your main water line from cracking from the freeze-thaw cycle.
If you want to determine whether there’s something wrong with your water main (and what that something is), a professional inspection is in order. On average, plumbers charge $165 for this service, though rates may depend on location.
If you’re wondering what to expect during a home plumbing inspection, the plumber will check all of the pipes in your home, gauge their condition, and identify any problem areas.
Most main water lines last around 50 years or more, as long as they’re in good condition.
It’s important to schedule an inspection every two to five years to ensure nothing is wrong with your line. Be on the lookout for low water pressure, soil erosion, or puddles in your yard. These are sure signs of a damaged water line. How much does it cost to replace a main water line? 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.
No, homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover the cost to repair or replace the main water line. This is why some homeowners will spring for a home warranty or coverage from their local water company instead. Insurance only covers damage from a sudden or unforeseen cause, not normal wear and tear or a leak you failed to fix. When in doubt, speak with your insurance provider directly to understand if your homeowners insurance policy covers water damage.
