Bathroom leak repair costs can range from $150 to $350 on average
The cost to repair a bathroom leak varies based on where the leak is coming from, how hard it is to fix, and if it’s a burst pipe or only a washed-out washer. Burst pipes can cost between $1,000 and $4,000 to repair, and you can also expect to pay much more if the leak goes unnoticed. Water cleanup ranges from about $4 to $7 per square foot.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Water Damage From a Leak?
Unfortunately, bathroom leaks can find their way far from the initial source. Depending on the nature of the leak, you may need to repair surrounding areas. While there are steps you can take to minimize water damage, the national average to repair damage resulting from a leak includes:
Ceiling: $300–$1,100
Drywall: $300–$800
Floors: $200–$500
Bathroom fixtures: $150–$350
Plumbing: $1,000–$4,000
What Are Plumber Costs to Repair a Bathroom Leak in Your Area?
Because of the range of repairs, plumbing rates can vary quite a lot. On average, the cost of a plumber ranges from $125 to $350 for small jobs like fixing a sink, toilet, faucet, or bathtub, to $500 to $800 for major repairs, like fixing a water line. Most plumbers also charge a minimum call-out fee of $50 to $200.
The national average plumbers charge: $330 per hour
The typical range you might pay in your area: $175–$500 per hour
Low end: $95 per hour
High end: $900 per hour
Below are some examples of what homeowners typically pay to repair a bathroom leak in specific areas:
| City | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cape Coral, FL | $170 – $450 |
| McAllen, TX | $260 – $600 |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $200 – $620 |
| Memphis, TN | $150 – $400 |
| Tulsa, OK | $100 – $300 |
| Sacramento, CA | $170 – $450 |
| Boulder, CO | $190 – $550 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $200 – $600 |
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Bathroom Leak Yourself?
Because the consequences of plumbing-gone-wrong can be so high, major leaks are best left to the pros. However, there are some minor projects ambitious DIYers can tackle, like fixing a leaky tub faucet, sink, toilet, or shower. But first, consult your local plumbing inspector to find out what your area’s codes require regarding licenses to perform plumbing work, advises Expert Review Board member and licensed journeyman plumber Jeff Botelho. “Some areas allow homeowners to do more work without a permit or license than others,” he says.
The average prices of some tools and materials you need to fix a leaking bathroom sink faucet include:
Plumber’s wrench: $11–$13
Hex key set: $5–$20
Phillips head screwdriver: $4–$10 each
Slotted screwdriver: $5–$15
Faucet stem and cartridges: $9–$24
New fixtures: $24 and up
Old rags: $0
Repair kits: $3–$22
Caulking: around $3 per tube
Plumbing putty: $8
How Much Are Bathroom Repair Costs by Type of Leak?
To determine how much it will cost you to repair three common types of bathroom leaks, you’ll need to figure in labor, materials, and if there is damage to other areas of your bathroom, such as walls, ceilings, and floors.
Price to Fix a Leaky Toilet
The price to fix a toilet leak depends on whether or not you’ll need to replace the toilet, the plumber’s labor cost, and the price of materials in your area. According to Botelho, a leak often indicates a broken flange, which requires removing the toilet, which will drive up costs. Project costs typically range from $148 to $343.
Price to Fix a Leaky Sink or Tub Faucet
The price to fix a leaky faucet depends a lot on whether you’ll need to replace the faucet or keep the one you have. The repair can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, providing the faucet doesn’t need replacing.
Leaking Shower
Repairing the seal around your shower door will cost much less than if you need to completely repair and replace the shower walls or basin. You’ll pay around $150 to $500 to fix most leaks from a shower on average.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Repair a Bathroom Leak?
Many factors influence the cost of repairing a bathroom leak. A few of the common elements you’ll find with most large and small bathroom leaks include:
Missing Grout or Caulk
Before you panic and call a plumber, Botelho advises grabbing the caulk gun. “Many shower leaks are caused by cracked or missing grout or caulk in tile seams,” he says. “This is an easy and inexpensive first step to ruling out other more expensive repairs.”
The Condition and Age of the Pipes
If a pipe bursts, a plumber will examine the condition of the pipes. If your pipes are very old or corroded, you will pay more to have them repaired. However, the price you pay upfront far outweighs the cost of more pipes bursting—if a pipe bursts, you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $4,000 in water damage cleanup and repair fees.
“It’s a good idea to perform periodic visual inspections of all the exposed plumbing in your home,” Botelho says “Corroded metallic pipes and fittings should be addressed before they leak.”
Where the Leak Is Located
A leaky tub faucet or showerhead is easy to access and will cost much less to repair than a leak that requires tearing up the bathroom flooring or replacing a toilet. Most toilet installations cost around $372, with an average cost for the toilet, labor, and materials running between $224 and $531 if you replace the toilet completely.
The Cause of the Leak
The source of the leak and how easy it is to access will impact your total leaky pipe repair cost. For example, if the leak is coming from the water main located outside your home, you will pay substantially more than if the leak is caused by a worn-out tub drain. Repairing your home's main water service line costs $869 on average, whereas a new tub drain, including labor and materials, will run you about $390.
If Tile or Flooring Is Ruined
Sometimes a leak will spill out over the floor of your bathroom, ruining tile or grout. The national average price to regrout an area of ceramic tile is about $400. The cost to replace the floor in a single room could range from $1,000 to $3,000.
If the Walls Are Damaged
Drywall repair costs between $250 to $750, depending on the size and location of the hole. Paint and other materials will add to your cost. The cost to hire a painter to repaint the room will average $40 to $50 an hour, plus the cost of materials.
The Type of Damage
On average, repairing water damage costs $2,800 to 3,300. If the damage is minor, you might pay as little as $800 to 1,000. However, the cost to repair major water damage, which includes restoration costs, can be as much as $8,000 to $9,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Over time, hidden moisture from a leak in your bathroom may lead to black mold, requiring a mold remediation company’s services and the removal of large wall sections, which can be costly. For example, 100 square feet of drywall can cost as much as $400 to replace, while mold remediation can run anywhere from $500 to $3,000.
The first step in lowering costs due to damage is keeping an eye out for potential leaks, a common problem new homeowners may notice. That’s because the sooner you identify a water issue, the smaller its impact on drywall, flooring, and fixtures. Low water pressure, water on the floor, loose tiles, a change in water color, or slow drains are signs of a potential leak.
To avoid the high costs of repairs, watch for potential problems. If you see any signs of a leak, consider hiring a professional local plumber. A pro can assess the level of damage and make the appropriate repairs.
Plumbing leaks are always better tackled immediately. You can also fix any minor repairs yourself or ask the plumber if they can use less expensive materials.
