How much does it cost to fix a burst pipe in the UK?
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A burst pipe repair where the pipe is accessible costs £80–£200 for the repair itself. This involves cutting out the damaged section and replacing it with new pipe and fittings — a straightforward job for an experienced plumber.
The biggest cost variable is access. A pipe in a visible, accessible location (e.g. under a sink, in a cupboard) costs far less to fix than one under a floor, inside a wall, or in a ceiling. Lifting floorboards adds £50–£200; cutting into a wall and replastering adds £200–£600.
Emergency call-outs significantly increase the total. A plumber called out at night or on a weekend may charge a call-out fee of £80–£150 on top of the repair cost. For a genuine burst pipe, this is unavoidable — the longer water flows, the more damage is done.
Insurance: most home insurance policies cover escape of water — check your policy before calling a private plumber. Your insurer may have approved contractors or may require you to call them first.
Pipe material matters: copper pipe is repaired with compression or push-fit fittings (quick and straightforward). Plastic push-fit pipe (Speedfit/Hep2O) is even quicker. Lead pipe (in very old properties) requires specialist fittings or replacement — and if lead pipe is confirmed in your supply, consider full replacement.
Trace and access cover: some specialist insurers offer trace and access cover, which pays for the cost of finding a hidden leak (including cutting into walls and floors) separately from the repair itself. Worth checking if you have a suspected hidden leak.
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