What drives the price
Finding the leak is often more expensive than fixing it. An exposed pipe under a sink is a quick repair; a leak inside a wall or under a concrete slab requires acoustic or thermal detection equipment and then demolition and restoration.
- Accessibility — exposed pipe vs behind drywall vs under slab
- Leak detection equipment time
- Drywall, tile, or concrete restoration after the repair
- Pipe material (copper repairs cost more than PEX)
- Water damage remediation if the leak ran for a while
Should you DIY this or call a professional?
Shut off the water first, then call. Know where your main shutoff is before you ever need it — that single piece of knowledge is the difference between a $300 repair and a $9,000 insurance claim. A small compression-fitting leak under a sink is genuinely DIY-able, but anything inside a wall, in the ceiling, or under the slab needs a pro with detection gear.
Signs you need this repair
- Water meter moving with every fixture off
- Unexplained jump in the water bill
- Warm spot on a floor (possible hot-water slab leak)
- Musty smell or discolored patch on drywall
- Sound of running water when nothing is on
How to not get overcharged
Separate the detection from the repair. Ask what detection costs on its own and whether it is credited toward the repair. Then get the repair quoted once the location is actually known — a quote given before the leak is found is a guess, and guesses are priced defensively.
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Red flags to watch for
- A repair quote issued before anyone has located the leak
- Bundling unrelated repiping into an emergency leak call
- No mention of moisture testing after a leak that ran for days
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fix a water leak?+
A visible pipe leak repair usually costs $200-$800. Leak detection inside a wall or slab adds $150-$500, and slab leak repairs can reach $2,000-$4,500.
Can I fix a water leak myself, or should I hire a professional?+
Shut off the water first, then call. Know where your main shutoff is before you ever need it — that single piece of knowledge is the difference between a $300 repair and a $9,000 insurance claim. A small compression-fitting leak under a sink is genuinely DIY-able, but anything inside a wall, in the ceiling, or under the slab needs a pro with detection gear.
How long does it take to fix a water leak?+
1-4 hours for an accessible pipe. Scheduling and parts availability can extend the overall timeline beyond the hands-on work itself.
What makes the price of this job go up or down?+
Accessibility — exposed pipe vs behind drywall vs under slab. Leak detection equipment time. Drywall, tile, or concrete restoration after the repair. Pipe material (copper repairs cost more than PEX). Water damage remediation if the leak ran for a while.
How do I avoid being overcharged?+
Separate the detection from the repair. Ask what detection costs on its own and whether it is credited toward the repair. Then get the repair quoted once the location is actually known — a quote given before the leak is found is a guess, and guesses are priced defensively.