Leaking Pipe Repair Cost
£100–£300
typical UK range
Updated
Repairing a leaking pipe in the UK costs between £100 and £300 for most accessible leaks. Pipes within walls, floors, or buried underground cost significantly more. Emergency out-of-hours repairs command a premium rate.
Find a plumber
How much does each option cost?
| Type / scope | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accessible leak repair (exposed pipework, under sink, etc.)Fitting replacement section, compression joints, or solder repair on accessible pipe — typically 1 hour or less | £80–£200 | Fitting replacement section, compression joints, or solder repair on accessible pipe — typically 1 hour or less |
| Leak within a wall (plasterboard or partition wall)Includes locating the leak, cutting access, repair, and patching — may require a plasterer for the finish | £200–£500 | Includes locating the leak, cutting access, repair, and patching — may require a plasterer for the finish |
| Leak under solid floor or within floor screedSignificant additional work to locate and expose buried pipework; specialist leak detection equipment may be needed | £500–£2,000 | Significant additional work to locate and expose buried pipework; specialist leak detection equipment may be needed |
| Emergency out-of-hours leak repairOut-of-hours premium (1.5–2x standard rates) plus emergency callout fee | £200–£600 | Out-of-hours premium (1.5–2x standard rates) plus emergency callout fee |
| Burst pipe repair (winter freeze damage)Significant burst damage often affects multiple locations; cost varies widely with extent of damage | £200–£800 | Significant burst damage often affects multiple locations; cost varies widely with extent of damage |
| Leak detection survey (specialist equipment)Acoustic or thermal imaging leak detection for hidden leaks; charged separately from the repair | £200–£600 | Acoustic or thermal imaging leak detection for hidden leaks; charged separately from the repair |
What affects the price?
- Accessibility — an exposed pipe under a sink costs far less to repair than one buried in a wall or under a concrete floor
- Type of pipe — copper, plastic pushfit, and chrome pipe have different repair methods; older lead or iron pipe may require section replacement
- Extent of damage — a minor joint leak is simpler than a split pipe or significant corrosion requiring a longer section replacement
- Whether redecoration is required after access — patching and repainting walls or floors after a hidden pipe repair adds cost (often done by a separate decorator)
- Emergency vs planned — emergency out-of-hours repairs cost 50–100% more than planned daytime work
- Location — London and South East rates are 20–30% higher than the national average
- Water damage to surrounding area — if the leak has caused floor or wall damage, additional remediation work may be needed
What's included in the price?
- Locating the source of the leak
- Isolating the water supply to the affected section
- Repairing or replacing the damaged section of pipework
- Testing the repair under pressure
- Restoring the water supply and checking for further leaks
- Cleaning up any water that has escaped
- Basic access work (removing cupboard contents, cutting plasterboard access hatch) — significant structural access is usually quoted separately
How long does it take?
An accessible leak repair typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. Hidden leaks in walls or floors require significantly more time: 2–6+ hours for location and repair of a single concealed leak. Emergency callouts have a minimum charge regardless of repair time. Leak detection surveys are separate and can take 1–3 hours for a thorough survey of a property.
Do I need one?
Any leak should be addressed promptly. Even slow leaks cause gradual water damage to plasterwork, timbers, insulation, and structural elements. A drip that seems minor can cause £1,000–£10,000 of structural damage if left for months. If you suspect a hidden leak (rising water bills, unexplained damp patches, sound of water running when taps are off), call a plumber for a leak detection survey before the damage compounds. All plumbing repair work must comply with Water Regulations.
How do you avoid overpaying?
- Turn off the water at the stopcock immediately when a leak is discovered — this limits water damage while you arrange a repair
- For accessible leaks, get 2–3 quotes if it's not an emergency — prices vary by £50–£150 for simple jobs
- Ask the plumber to inspect all visible pipework while on site for any early signs of corrosion or potential future leaks — preventive repairs are cheaper than emergencies
- If the leak has caused water damage, check your home insurance policy — water damage from sudden and accidental leaks is often covered, including the cost of finding the leak (trace and access cover)
- For older properties with frequent leak problems, consider replacing the most problematic sections of copper pipe with modern plastic pipework during the repair visit
Ready to get it done?
Compare local plumbers — coverage areas, accreditations and phone numbers, no middleman.
Frequently asked questions
We’re happy to answer all your questions.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking pipe in the UK?
An accessible leaking pipe costs £80–£200 to repair. Leaks within walls cost £200–£500. Leaks under solid floors can cost £500–£2,000+ depending on access difficulty. Emergency out-of-hours repairs add 50–100% to standard prices. These figures include a callout/minimum charge in addition to the repair cost.
How do I find a hidden water leak?
A qualified plumber can use acoustic listening devices, thermal imaging cameras, or tracer gas to locate hidden leaks. If your water bill has risen unexpectedly or you notice unexplained damp patches, book a leak detection survey — this costs £200–£600 but prevents significant structural water damage if a hidden leak is discovered and repaired promptly.
Will my home insurance cover a burst pipe?
Most home insurance policies cover water damage caused by sudden and accidental burst pipes, including trace and access cover (finding and gaining access to the leak). The repair itself may or may not be covered depending on your policy. Check your policy documents and contact your insurer before starting repair work — they may have preferred contractors.
Can I repair a leaking pipe myself?
For accessible, clearly visible leaks on standard plastic pipework, some DIY repairs are feasible with push-fit fittings (no tools required). However, repairs to copper pipework, leaks in walls or floors, any gas pipe leak, or leaks in the main supply pipe should be done by a qualified plumber. Never attempt repairs to gas pipes — this is illegal without Gas Safe registration and extremely dangerous.
Sources & References
Need a plumber?
Compare local plumbers on Tradehand — coverage areas, accreditations and phone numbers, no middleman.
Find a plumber