How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Main Water Line? [2026 Data]

Residential water line repair can be a mighty unwelcome surprise, which is why it’s so important to have realistic expectations when it comes to cost. The cost to repair a main water line is $1,025 on average. The exact figure essentially depends on the repair, labor, and material costs.

Main Water Line Repair by Type of Repair Needed

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.

Plumber Costs

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

Excavator Operator Costs

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

How Much Do Main Water Line Repairs Cost?

Repairing your home’s main water line costs $989 on average. You can generally expect to pay anywhere from $352 to $1,664 or $70 to $120 per hour. You’ll also need to budget for materials like valves, bushings, and pipes. 

Size of Main Water Line Repair

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.

Main Water Line Repair Cost Breakdown

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

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.

Location

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.

Cost to Repair a Main Water Line by State

Like most home improvement projects, the cost of repairing a main water line will depend on where you live. This repair project is more affordable in Mid-Atlantic states, such as New York and Pennsylvania, while it’s most expensive in states like California, Michigan, and Oklahoma. Be sure to consult a local plumber in your area to get an accurate estimate based on your project.

Other Factors

You may have additional projects that need to be taken care of to complete your main water line repair. These factors can greatly affect the total cost, so keep the following numbers in mind as you budget for all elements of your repair:

Floor Replacement

To reach a main water line, sometimes floors need to be opened, resulting in repairs. Flooring installation costs range from $1,500 to $4,900, or around $12.50 per square foot. Vinyl, linoleum, polished concrete, and bamboo flooring cost the least, but if you have tile, stone, or high-end hardwood, you’ll end up paying more—up to $25 per square foot—to replace the floors.

Wall Replacement

Your pro might need to demolish walls to reach the main water line and repair it. Removing old drywall costs between $0.50 and $1 per square foot. If you have plaster walls, removing plaster costs around $1.50 to $3 per square foot. Installing new drywall costs anywhere from $400 to $650 per 100 square feet.

Accessibility 

Most main water lines are located near your water meter and travel to a focal point in your home to distribute water throughout your home. However, older homes may have unusual locations for water meters, and, depending on where your main water line is buried, it can prove to be a more complex project that requires more labor and therefore increased labor costs.

Landscaping 

Main water line repairs can cause significant damage to your yard. If you want to bring back curb appeal and hide unsightly trenches, then you’ll need to invest in landscaping costs ranging from $1,200 to $6,300 on average.

Permits

Acquiring a permit to repair your main water line ranges from $25 to $500 depending on your location. Contact your local building department to find out just how much permits cost near you.

Commonly Requested Main Water Line Projects

Want to know how your main water line project stacks up against other homeowner’s requests? Our data shows that 34% of main water line projects involve repairing an existing line, while only 15% of homeowners request a complete replacement.

Why You Should Hire a Plumber

If your home requires a main water line repair, hiring a plumber with the specific set of skills is crucial. Replacing or repairing a main water line is a complex task that involves excavation, pipe installation, and coordination with local utilities. Most homeowners lack that expertise, and mistakes can lead to more leaks, water pressure problems, contamination, and significantly higher costs than simply hiring a professional in the first place. Hiring a licensed plumber near you will ensure the work is completed safely and complies with local regulations.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a plumber

Here are some reasons to let a pro take on your main water line repair or replacement and restore your water service quickly:

• Plumbers have the tools and experience to locate and mark existing utility lines, preventing further damage.

• They will select the right material for your soil conditions and local codes.

• Pros can ensure proper depth and slope to protect lines from freezing, compaction from surface weight, and ground movement.

• Plumbers know how to perform pressure testing and meet other inspection requirements.

• They will backfill the trench and may restore your landscaping after the line is repaired.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

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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