Pipe repairers near you

When looking for a plumber to repair or replace your pipes: 

• Verify their license and insurance: Ensure the plumber is licensed and insured in your area. This helps guarantee compliance with all local regulations, from getting the right permits to using the right materials and fittings.

• Get several estimates: Contact more than one plumber. Aim to get three to five quotes to compare.

• Find out if they have warranties: Try to hire a plumber who offers a warranty for their labor and parts. That way, if there’s a defect in the materials — or if the project was done incorrectly — they will cover the cost to fix these issues. Make sure you understand the warranty’s conditions before you hire.

• Ask important questions: For example, find out how long the project will take and if your water supply will need to be turned off.

• Read reviews: Carefully look at pros’ reviews for satisfied customers as well as red flags. For example, if past customers complain about experiencing leaks after the repairs, you might want to go with someone else.

• Make sure they have relevant experience: Whether you have copper pipes, galvanized pipes, or PVC pipes, make sure your plumber has experience fixing and replacing these materials before you hire them.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

The national average cost to repair a pipe ranges from around $220 to $730,* according to Thumbtack data. There are several factors that can impact how much you’ll pay, including:

• Type of repair: Severe issues, like a burst pipe, cost more, while minor leaks are relatively inexpensive to fix.

• Labor and materials: The type and amount of materials may also affect the cost of the repair. A copper pipe, for example, is usually more expensive to replace than a PEX line. And the longer it takes to repair the pipe, the more you can expect to pay.

• Location and accessibility: If the pipe is behind a wall or in a hard-to-reach area, it may complicate the project, require more materials, take longer to fix and ultimately cost more.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Here are some ways you might be able to save money on plumbing pipe repairs: 

• Perform routine maintenance: Schedule regular inspections so you can quickly address issues and prevent costly repairs.

• Schedule repairs during business hours: If the issue isn’t urgent, avoid scheduling emergency plumbing services after business hours. This can help you avoid an emergency service charge that some plumbers may have for after-hours repairs.

• Know where your shut-off valve is: If a pipe bursts, knowing how to shut off your water supply can help prevent expensive flooding and water damage.

• Check your homeowners insurance policy: Your policy might cover water pipe repairs, but the coverage often depends on the cause of the damage. If the damage was preventable, for example, your insurance may not cover the repair. And for plumbing damage resulting from a flood, you may need separate flood insurance. Consult your insurance company for guidance.

• Review your warranty or guarantee: If you’ve recently had a professional perform work on your pipes, find out if you have a warranty that covers the cost of future repairs. Depending on the warranty’s conditions, the plumber — or pipe’s manufacturer — may perform the repair at no cost to you.

Many plumbers can perform a wide range of pipe repairs, including fixing cracked, leaky, frozen, burst and clogged pipes. Many of them can also fix pipes that have pinholes and joint leaks. You should always discuss your pipe issue in detail with your plumber so they can confirm if they can perform your specific repairs. 

You should also let your plumber know what type of pipes you have. Many professionals can work on PVC, PEX, copper and galvanized pipes, but you should confirm before you hire.

A plumber will typically perform the following steps when troubleshooting and fixing your leaky or broken pipes: 

• Turning off the water supply and draining the pipes

• Removing all material obstructing the repair area and cleaning the damaged pipe

• Using compression fittings, couplings or soldering to repair a leak or break in PVC, CPVC, copper or PEX pipes

• Turning the water back on to look for leaks in the repaired area

• Replacing the wall covering or flooring removed before the repair

Some pipe repairs may require different (or additional) steps. For example, your plumber might need to cut a hole into your drywall to access your pipes or insulate pipes that have burst from freezing after repairing them.

Ask your plumber to explain the process in detail so you know what to expect.

The time needed to repair a pipe depends on its material type and location. Generally, repairs take:

• One to two hours for simple leaks

• Two to four hours for larger leaks

• Four or more hours for extensive work

Ask your plumber to provide an accurate timeline for your pipe repair project so you can prepare accordingly. Also, keep in mind that there are several factors that can impact your project’s timeline, including:

• The overall complexity of the repair: A small leak may require clamps, plumbing tape or plumber’s putty, while a larger leak may require the plumber to replace the entire damaged section, taking longer to complete.

• Pre- and post-work: A plumber may need to move appliances or cut into drywall or flooring to access the damaged piping. While some plumbers may patch your drywall after repairs are complete, others may not, requiring you to hire a separate professional or DIY. These extra steps can add time to the project.

• Weather conditions: If your plumber is repairing an outdoor pipe, weather like rain, snow or ice might make it difficult for them to complete the job quickly. 

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

Although minor plumbing projects, like replacing a faucet, are typically DIY-friendly, repairing or replacing pipes is often best left to a plumber. 

Here are a few reasons you should consider hiring a pro for pipe repairs:

• Expertise: Most plumbers can identify potential issues like corrosion and poor fittings that many homeowners could miss during the repair.

• Specialized tools: Most plumbers have specialty tools like soldering equipment, pipe cutters and inspection cameras. If you don’t already have these tools, you’ll need to borrow, buy or rent them, which can be a costly hassle. 

• Licensing rules and local plumbing codes: Some cities require licensing to perform plumbing tasks, which typical homeowners will not have. Plus, most plumbers understand local codes and the permitting process. If you don’t understand the rules in your city, you might want to hire a plumber who does.