How Much Does Water Main Repair Cost in Columbus? [2025 Data]

A main water line repair in Columbus costs an average of $4,500 to repair, and most repairs total between $1,388 and $2,167. The type and extent of the damage are the key factors to consider. Your costs could be significantly higher if you have one of the older homes in Columbus that still has a galvanized steel water main, as you’re likely looking at a total replacement at double the cost due to corrosion.

Main Water Line Repair Cost Factors

Water main line repair costs in Columbus can range from as little as $575 up to a maximum of $4,500. There are a few important factors that decide where in that range your total will fall, including the type of damage, how bad the issue is, what your pipe is made of, and accessibility.

Linear Feet

Most plumbers in Columbus charge by the linear foot for water main repairs, with costs ranging from $200 to $400 per linear foot. The longer the damaged section of pipe is, the more you’ll pay for repairs.

The average lot size in Columbus is just over 6,600 square feet, which means your pipe only spans a limited amount of land underground. If you have a larger lot, you can expect to pay more, as the damaged section could be significantly longer.

Type of Damage

Another crucial factor to consider is the type of damage. A small crack from the freeze-thaw cycle that Columbus experiences throughout the year is likely to fall near the lower end of the normal range, close to $1,388.

Corrosion is a more severe issue that more likely requires a total replacement, as the strength of the entire length of the pipe is compromised. Most Columbus homes were built right around when galvanized steel piping for water mains was in the process of being discontinued due to problems with corrosion. Plus, according to city officials, Columbus softens its naturally hard water, and the residual salt can speed up corrosion. Unfortunately, this is a common issue in the city. If corrosion in your water main is the problem, you’re looking at a total of $4,500 in water main replacement costs.

Materials

The material of your water main will affect your costs, too, both because of the actual material cost and how it affects the labor. PVC is relatively uncommon in Columbus due to the age of the homes and the depth of the frost line, but it’s the most affordable to repair. Copper is also uncommon in the city and is the most expensive. Most newer water mains in Columbus are made of ductile iron, which comes at a moderate cost to cut and repair.

The table below includes material costs only for the different water main line repairs. Keep in mind that labor still accounts for most of the cost. Note that galvanized steel is no longer an option for water mains, so if your existing line is galvanized steel, you likely need a total replacement.

Accessibility

As is the case in most cities, water mains in Columbus are buried underground, which means accessing them for repairs will require excavation. Water main repairs are twice as expensive in Columbus as they are throughout most of the U.S. due to the clayey soil, which is challenging to excavate, and the depth of the frost line, which your water main needs to sit below.

You may also pay thousands of dollars more if your landscaping features, such as walkways and driveways, require demolition to reach your line.

Plumber Costs

Labor will account for up to 90% of your total, or an average of $1,950. This includes the cost of a water main inspection to find the damage, excavation to reach the pipe, and the actual repair. Labor scales with the cost of living, but while the local cost of living in Ohio is around 4% lower than the national average, the depth of the water mains and the challenging soil composition still lead to above-average totals for labor.

In addition to the labor costs, you’ll need to pay the fee to have your plumber pull the appropriate permit for the work. The City of Columbus charges a flat fee of $250 for plumbing permits for single-family residences.

Does Water Main Replacement Increase Home Value?

Water main replacement won’t increase your home value, but it would be a drawback for buyers if you have a damaged water line. If you have one of the many homes in Columbus that were built in or prior to the 1980s, you may need to consider water main replacement costs to remove the corrosion-prone galvanized steel piping and replace it with more modern ducted iron. The project plays no role in curb appeal, but repiping can boost home value because buyers know they have a lower risk of issues after closing.

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 survey 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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