• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Blew a pipe - Copper Poll Added! UPDATED with Actual Cost

How much to get my pipe replaced?

  • < $100

  • $100 - $200

  • $201 - $300

  • $301 - $400

  • Bend over, you're about to get reemed (> $400)

Results are only viewable after voting.
CPA

CPA

Elite Member
So, I get a call around 3:30 from my son. He's panicked because there is water spewing from our soffets and through a second floor bedroom ceiling and my kitchen ceiling. Thanks to the sub 30 degree temps here in Houston, one of my copper pipes burst in the attic.

Called one of those 24/7 plumber outfits. They actually showed up just now (6:31pm). How much you think it's going to cost me to get a section of copper pipe replaced? (Nope, I haven't asked yet)


DAYUM...was in and out in less than an hour, cut about 4 inches of pipe off and installed some coupling section.

Total Cost:....................$145! aahhhhh, no one guessed the right amount, but I'm doing the happy dance.
 
Last edited:
Somewhere between 0 and Infinity dollars.

In all seriousness, it should be about $75/hour and $5/foot of pipe, however those 24 hour places usually have a minimum, so I would say >$150 for sure.

My guess:

$100 travel time, 2 hours labor @ $75, $30 in some sort of fees no one understands (the shop towel excuse), $10 in environmental cleanup and $15 in pipe.

Getting the cleaning crew however to clean the water damage will be more.
 
Last edited:
Yoxxy said:
Somewhere between 0 and Infinity dollars.

In all seriousness, it should be about $75/hour and $5/foot of pipe, however those 24 hour places usually have a minimum, so I would say >$150 for sure.
Click to expand...

Let me check my bank account...nope, nowhere's close to infinity dollars in there. Looks like I may be screwed.
 
$100 travel time, 2 hours labor @ $75, $30 in some sort of fees no one understands (the shop towel excuse), $10 in environmental cleanup and $15 in pipe.

$305 is my answer.
 
Cost depends on how difficult the access is to the damaged pipe.

After hours tend to be 2X normal price.
 
Yoxxy said:
$100 travel time, 2 hours labor @ $75, $30 in some sort of fees no one understands (the shop towel excuse), $10 in environmental cleanup and $15 in pipe.

$305 is my answer.
Click to expand...

I'd say 125 for the emergency call, 100/hr (1h min + 1.5h) + 50 in parts. 375+

And you know you've got problems when pipes freeze in TX.
 
If you get this done for less than $400...you better go buy lottery tickets.

Then, once the pipe is repaired...you'll have a ton more in water damage repairs.
 
I am changing my answer. Just called a friend of mine who is in the plumber's union.

$150 for the emergency call.
$79 for the "service fee"
$79/hour because $80 sounds like too much @ 2 hours.
$30 in parts.

He said it will be >$500 but that is based on union work and comparable big city rates between MN and Houston. Texas is generally cheaper than MN though so take 80&#37; of that and you are still over $400.
 
BoomerD said:
If you get this done for less than $400...you better go buy lottery tickets.

Then, once the pipe is repaired...you'll have a ton more in water damage repairs.
Click to expand...

Water damage should be repaired by insurance though as it was a pipe and not a flood.
 
In these here parts attic+copper pipe = bad

Last year in a rental property I bought I had to re-run copper (hot and cold) through a soffet I made over the kitchen cabinets because the previous owner/plumber ran the pipes through an unheated attic and their solution to keep the pipes from freezing was to leave an access hole (2' X 2') open and let the house heat keep the attic from getting too cold.😵

I liked my solution better.
 
Emergency calls - they know they've got you bent over. Prepare for $479.84

Do it yourself: turn off water. $0.00
section of pipe: $12
2 unions: $2
Kit for soldering copper pipes: $27
cheap hacksaw for removing damaged section: $10
Watching two youtube videos that demonstrate how easy it is to do: free.
d-i-y total $51 and 2 hours time, and you have tools and new knowledge.

Then, there's the repair the ceilings part... Not sure how you're going to do that - professionally or d-i-y. Walls aren't too bad, but ceilings can be a pita for d-i-yers, for their first few jobs.

Fortunately, it should all be covered by your homeowners, minus your deductible. So, the cost of the plumber is really a moot point.
 
Silly me. Better solution: a section of Pex, two of those sharkbite connectors, hacksaw. You'd be done repairing it in 15 minutes. Total cost, $25

edit: Holy Cow! You updated the OP with the price while I was replying. You better be doing the happy dance. I've heard of people paying more than that just for the service call for an emergency.
 
I am stunned at the final cost. I would have expected more than that just for showing up after normal hours. You win, you win hard.
 
drnickriviera said:
?? Why do you say that? A person can't cut copper and sweat 4 joints in an hour?
Click to expand...
Yes they can, but it may take longer if in a difficult spot.

PS. why would they need to sweat 4 joints together?

2 slip joint couplings a pair of plier or cresent wrench and a hammer would save you from using 4 90elbows.

<--- licensed plumber, gasfitter, HVAC mech.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top