Repairing Guides

how much does it cost to repair frozen pipes

by Prof. Cale Lindgren MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Type of damage
RepairAverage cost
Fixing a burst pipe$400 - $1,500
Replacing a water main line$2,000 - $3,000 (or $500 - $1,000 if you just replace the problem area of the water main line)
Unfreezing frozen pipes$200
Repair a pinhole leak$150 - $240
Feb 10, 2021

Full Answer

How much does a plumber charge to thaw frozen pipes?

For example, thawing frozen pipes may cost a flat rate of $100, while some plumbers charge around $400 to make a basic repair. When a plumber repairs your pipes, they need to ensure that the water is cut off by shutting off the main valve where water enters your home.

How much does it cost to repair water pipes in basement?

To avoid high water bills, it’s best to shut your water off until a plumber resolves the issue. Repairing pipes in a basement is normally between $200 and $600 but will be $500 to $4,500 if pipes are under a concrete slab. In most cases, the pipes need to be replaced.

How much does it cost to fix a burst copper pipe?

The latter technique is commonly used when repairing burst copper pipe. The cost to fix a burst pipe ranges from $400 to $3,000, depending on the type of pipe. Two main types can burst, the sewer and the main line. The sewer line controls the waste flowing out of your home.

What should I do if my pipes are frozen?

Identify the pipe that is frozen and the specific area that is blocked. In many cases, the frozen area of the pipe will be covered in frost or ice, or it might be swelling from the pressure. If the pipe is exposed, try one of several techniques to heat it. Warm the area with a hair dryer, a heat lamp, a portable heater or electric heat tape.

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How much does it cost to unfreeze frozen pipes?

Frozen pipes can lead to expensive water damage, so you want to thaw them as soon as possible. However, hiring a plumber to do this for you can cost $200 or more, so you can save a lot of money by getting it done yourself!

How much does it cost to fix frozen water pipes?

If you succumb to a frozen pipe, a plumber will charge $259, which includes labor and material, to unfreeze it and repair the leak if the pipe burst. But this is a dicey job, and it's often not just one pipe that's frozen or easy to reach.

Are Frozen pipes covered by insurance?

Generally, yes. If your pipes freeze during cold weather, causing them to burst, any water damage that results is likely covered by your homeowner's insurance policy.

How much does it cost to thaw water pipes?

Use a space heater, heat lamp, or hair dryer to thaw the frozen length of pipe. Wrapping freezing pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape (from $25 to $61, depending on length) is also an effective way to quickly thaw a trouble spot. Don't thaw pipes using a propane torch, which presents a fire risk.

Can a plumber fix frozen pipes?

If the pipes have frozen and burst, a plumber can fix them. If the pipes are frozen but have not burst, a plumber can remedy them by applying a heat gun to thaw them. For an interim solution, a homeowner could use a hair dryer to start the thawing process.

Should I call a plumber for frozen pipes?

Call a plumber to help thaw your frozen pipes. Most times, this is a better idea if you don't think you can safely thaw the pipes yourself, you don't know where the frozen pipes are or you can't access the frozen area.

What do you do if your pipes won't unfreeze?

Here's a quick lesson on how to thaw a frozen pipe.Turn on the faucet. Keep it running. ... Apply heat to the frozen area. Slowly apply heat using a hair dryer. ... Continue to apply heat. Don't stop heating until full water pressure is restored. ... Check all faucets and prevent pipes from freezing in the future.

Are Frozen water pipes a peril?

Most homeowner and commercial property insurance policies, in general, will cover damage from a frozen pipe that bursts.

Does house insurance cover leaking pipes?

Does home insurance cover water damage from a leaking pipe? In a short answer, yes, as long as you have the right insurance cover. While many policies will cover water damage from a leaking pipe, there will be some insurance policies out there that unfortunately won't.

Will pipes unfreeze on their own?

Pipes will eventually unfreeze on their own naturally, but this takes far more time and before thawing occurs the freezing could become much worse. This could eventually lead to the pipe bursting and causing significantly more damage. It's better to proactively thaw a frozen pipe size than let it persist.

How do you unfreeze pipes quickly?

Thawing Exposed PipesHair Dryer- One of the easiest ways to thaw a pipe is by using a hairdryer. ... Heat Lamp or Portable Space Heater- Another method to thaw the pipe is to use a heat lamp or portable space heater.More items...•

How do I get my pipes to unfreeze?

Use a hair dryer to warm the pipe. "You would start from the faucet and work your way along to heat that pipe up." You can also use a heating pad, heat lamp or space heater in the room where the pipe is. Towels soaked in water can be wrapped around the pipe, too.

How much does pipe freezing cost?

The cost breakdown is simple for a pipe freeze. Our client paid a total of $1,150 which included $650 for the plumbing contractor and $500 for 2 1” pipe freezes; remember this job was done for a 16-story building.

How long does it take for pipes to unfreeze?

about 30 minutesHow long does it take for pipes to unfreeze. Using any of the handful of methods to thaw frozen pipes will typically take about 30 minutes. This can vary depending on the weather, how long the pipe has been frozen and where the pipe is located. Any of these factors can cause the thawing process to take longer.

How do you unfreeze water pipes?

How to Unfreeze Your PipesLet the Water Run. Allow cold water to trickle from your faucet since moving water has less of a chance of freezing. ... Use a Hairdryer. This works better if the frozen pipe is an exposed one. ... Use Hot Towels. ... Turn Up the Thermostat. ... Use a Heat Lamp.

How do you thaw frozen pipes underground?

More Tips on How to Thaw Frozen Pipes UndergroundTurn up your thermostat. This is one of the easiest ways to thaw pipes located underground. ... Use an infrared lamp. If the frozen blockage runs deeper in the pipe, turning up the temperature won't help. ... Cut out a part of the wall.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Leave the heat on: If you're going to be away from your house in the winter, it's tempting to turn the thermostat way down to save energy. But don't let your home get too cold, or your pipes could freeze while you're away. Experts recommend setting the temperature of your home to no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What To Do If You Suspect A Frozen Pipe

Thawing pipes — and ones that are only partially frozen — often leak before they burst. So if you spot a leaking pipe, act quickly! Turn off the water immediately and call a plumber. According to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, leaking pipes cost an average of $150 to $350 to repair.

Dealing With Water Damage

When a frozen pipe bursts, water damage is inevitable. According to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, cleanup costs can be tens of thousands of dollars (or more) depending on the extent of the damage. Once you have a frozen pipe, turn off the water and call in a plumber immediately.

Average Costs of Typical Pipe Bursts

One of the main costs to consider when dealing with a broken pipe is water damage. Due to flooding and leaks in your walls, ceiling, floor, or basement, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000-$50,000. The average insurance claim for a broken pipe and water damage is about $15,000 and up if you have a broken water pipe in wall or floors.

Estimated Price of Additional Costs

If the reason your pipe burst is due to frozen water, the area may need to be thawed in order to properly locate and repair the pipe. The process for doing this can cost you anywhere from $20-$500.

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