True Cost Guide Plumbing Repair a Water Main

How Much Does Main Water Line Leak Repair Cost in 2025?

Typical Range:

$354 - $1,696

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,622 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

How We Get This Data

Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

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When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

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We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated December 2, 2024

Reviewed by Jeff Botelho, Licensed Journeyman Plumber.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

The average cost to repair a leak in a main water line ranges between $354 and $1,696, or an average cost of $1,025.
Minor valve or line section replacements cost as little as $100 while repairing a corroded water line can cost up to $5,000.
Opting for trenchless repair reduces property damage and helps save on labor and landscaping costs.
Depending on the extent of damage and your location, you may require a permit costing between $50 and $300.

Repairing a leak in your home's main water line costs $1,025 on average. Depending on the extent of damage, most homeowners typically spend between $354 and $1,696. The total price depends on the cost of labor and materials, including new sections of pipe, valves, and bushings. The cost to hire a water main repair contractor usually ranges between $45 and $200 per hour.

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National Average	$1,025
Typical Range	$354 - $1,696
Low End - High End	$150 - $3,960

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,622 HomeAdvisor members.

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Water Main Line Leak Repair Cost Factors

The cost of repairing a main water line leak depends on several factors, including the type of problem, the repair method, and the pipe material.

Problem Type

Your water line can experience many types of problems, each with different repair costs based on complexity, materials, and location. Minor issues, such as replacing a section of the line, can cost as little as $100, while replacing a corroded line can cost up to $5,000.

Problem Type	Average Cost Range	Average Cost
Replacing line sections	$100–$200 per linear ft.	$150
Corroded water line	$600–$5,000	$2,800
Valve repair	$150–$300	$225

Replacement of Water Line Sections

Repairing broken underground pipes costs $100 to $200 per linear foot. Your pro will excavate the ground around the entire break, remove it, and replace it with a new pipe. For old or corroded pipes, plumbers might recommend replacing the entire length. In this case, a complete water main replacement costs $600 to $2,500.

Corroded Main Water Line Repair or Replacement

Corroded pipe repair costs $600 to $5,000. All corrosion must be cut out and replaced, typically the entire pipe. Corrosion often happens due to aggressive soil, such as acidic or resistive dirt. You’ll probably want to replace the dirt around the line, although it may become acidic again over time.

“If you’re replacing the soil around the water main, it’s recommended that the pipe be laid in the sand to protect it from damage,” says Jeff Botelho, Expert Review Board member and Massachusetts-licensed journeyman plumber. “Laying the pipe in a bed of sand and then covering it with another six to 12 inches of sand below the topsoil will help protect the pipe from damage caused by impact and corrosion.”

Main Water Line Valve Repair

Depending on location, replacing a valve costs $150 to $300. Most lines don’t have buried valves. These can usually be found outside your house in a valve box, exposed in a crawlspace, or in your basement.

Trenched vs. Trenchless Repair

Trenched or open trench water line repair involves using heavy digging machinery to expose the sections of pipe that need to be fixed. On the other hand, trenchless repair is a noninvasive method that only requires digging up to two small holes at the water line's entry points.

Because trenchless repair doesn't require digging huge craters in the yard, it's more time- and cost-effective than open trench repair. However, sometimes, this method isn't possible, so an open trench is the only option.

Your plumbing contractor can help you determine the best option by performing a video inspection to assess the type and extent of the damage.

Pipe Material

The material of your main water line pipes influences the repair cost. Plastic pipes, such as PEX and CPVC, are typically the least expensive to repair, while metal pipes, like iron and copper, are often on the high end.

If you have an older property with lead or galvanized metal pipes, you'll have to replace them because of the health dangers they pose. Expect to pay between $350 and $2,000 for the cost of installing new plumbing lines.

Pipe Material	Average Cost per Linear Foot
CPVC	$0.50–$1
PEX	$0.40–$2
Polyethylene	$2–$5
Fiberglass	$6–$10
Iron	$6–$10
Copper	$2–$8

Other Water Main Line Repair Cost Factors

The cost of repairing your main water line depends on local labor rates, permits, pipe accessibility, and required landscaping repairs.

Labor

The labor price to repair a water line is the same as the cost to repair a sewer line, with plumbers charging an hourly rate of $45 to $200. Remember that water line repairs are challenging and time-consuming. A modest crack can take all day to fix and cost you around $800.

The cost of a concrete slab leak repair is more substantial, as the labor required to fix a repair beneath your home's foundation is much greater than that required for many other, more accessible repairs.

Accessibility

The difficulty of accessing the pipe will determine the labor and materials required. Simple, easy-to-access repairs cost $150 to $700. Difficult-to-access areas or those requiring the replacement of large pipe sections might cost up to $3,000.

Permits

Depending on the extent of the damage, the repair may require a plumbing permit. Prices vary by location, but most building permits cost between $50 and $300. You’re more likely to require a permit when using trenchless repair methods than trenchless ones.

Landscaping Repairs

Landscaping repair can be a significant cost factor when repairing a main water line leak. The cost ranges from $300 to $16,000, depending on the extent of damage and any upgrades you want to make to your existing gardenscape.

If you opt for trenchless repair, your landscaping costs will be low because minimal damage will be done to your yard. However, trench sewer repair requires excavation, which can lead to high landscaping fees.

Main Water Line Leak Repair vs. Replacement

Before starting your project, consider whether repair or replacement is the best option. While repair is a cost-effective solution for minor leaks and damage, it’s not always sufficient. If your main water line has severe damage, blockages, or broken pipes, it may require replacement. The average cost to install a new sewer line ranges from $50 to $250 per linear foot, depending on the method and materials used.

If you’re unsure which option is best, contact a local plumber to inspect your water line and determine the most cost-effective solution.

Does Main Water Line Repair Increase Home Value?

Repairing a main water line can increase your home value, depending on your location and market conditions. A well-maintained plumbing system free of issues is appealing to potential buyers as it eliminates the concern of costly repairs in the near future. It also enhances your home’s water quality and improves appliance function, offering a more efficient living environment.

Budgeting for Main Water Line Repair

Problems with your main water line can happen unexpectedly and add up quickly. To keep the project within your budget, consider the following money-saving tips:

Compare quotes from several local water main repair contractors to find the most cost-effective option.
Consider whether replacement may save you more in the long run if there is extensive damage.
Ask your contractor if trenchless repair is possible. With minimal excavation, you’ll save on landscaping fees.
Contact a professional as soon as you notice issues with your main water line. The longer you wait, the more costly the repair.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real 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.

Still Have Questions About Main Water Line Repair?

FAQs

How do I know if my water main is damaged?

If your main water line leaks, you’ll see a wet, swampy spot on your lawn. You may also notice reduced water pressure, persistent puddles, or pooling water that doesn't dry up after rain. The ground is likely so saturated that the water has nowhere to go. Damp paving, patios, and other unstable outdoor flooring areas are telltale signs. The ground changes and shifts as the water level increases below the surface, destabilizing the flooring.

How can I protect my water main?

Protect your water main by scheduling a cleaning and inspection every two to five years. The average cost of a sewer line cleaning is $400. It’s also important to never dig in your yard without first calling the dig line (811) to ensure you don't accidentally hit the water or sewer lines. Watch for soil erosion, low water pressure, or wet spots in your yard, and take immediate action if you suspect a leak. Remember, the longer you leave it, the worse the problem gets and the more costly it is to fix.

How long does it take to fix a broken water main?

Repairing a broken water main with minor to moderate issues takes four to eight hours. Large and complex issues might take longer, like if the break happens under a sidewalk. The type of pipes—whether they’re solderable or lined or must be removed and replaced—influences how long it takes to fix a broken water main.

How long do water main lines last?

Your main water service line lasts 50 years or longer when in good condition. However, older metal pipes in acidic soil might corrode sooner. “Most residential water services today are run in plastic pipes and are non-corrosive. These plastic water services will last decades longer than old metallic lines,” says Botelho.

Does homeowners insurance cover water main line repair?

Your homeowner's insurance policy may cover a water main line repair, but not all policies do. Many insurers only cover unforeseen and acute problems, such as a burst pipe, but not wear and tear and gradual damage, such as a slow leak. Some insurers will also cover the damage caused by the water line problem, including black mold remediation, carpet and flooring claims, and other possessions and services, but will not cover the pipe repair. Contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage.