A leaking pipe behind a wall can be one of the most irritating and inconvenient plumbing problems you can encounter. Not only can it drip water onto your floor, but it can also stain the wall behind it and make your home smell musty. If you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency and need to fix that leaking pipe ASAP, then you need to know exactly how much it will cost. Fortunately, it won’t cost a fortune to repair a leaking pipe behind a wall. In fact, most leaking pipes are fairly inexpensive to fix, especially if you’re able to tackle the repair on your own.If you’re not sure how much it will cost to fix a leaking pipe behind a wall, this article will give you some insight into the average cost of repairing a leaking pipe and some tips on how you can save money on your repair if needed.

Estimating Costs

The first thing you’ll need to do is estimate the cost of fixing the leaking pipe. This is really the only way to know how much you should budget for repair.Start by taking a look at the materials you’ll need to repair the leaking pipe. Most contractors use pipe cement to repair leaking pipes. You may also need to buy a new coupling, expansion joint, or gasket.If you can’t find instructions for your specific type of pipe, then you may need to hire a plumbing contractor to assist you in locating the right parts and properly measuring your pipes to determine where the leaking point is.Once you have a good estimate of what materials you’ll need, you can start to add it up. You may also want to take into account any materials you’ll need to patch drywall or repaint the damaged wall.While you’re at it, keep in mind that repairing a leaking pipe behind a wall will likely take longer than repairing one that is exposed. This means that you may also need to add a few extra days or even a week to your initial estimate.

Replacing Pipes

Replacing a leaking pipe behind a wall can be an excellent option if you don’t have any other pipes nearby that will be affected by the repair. If you do have nearby pipes, then you may want to consider leaving these pipes in place and temporarily plugging them off. This will allow you to patch the leaking pipe without affecting the other pipes.If you decide to replace the leaking pipe, then you’ll need to dig out the old pipe and replace it with a new one. If you can’t find instructions for the type of pipe you have, you may want to hire a plumbing contractor to assist you.If you decide to leave the leaking pipe in place, then you’ll need to dig out the ground around the pipe, install a new fitting to shut off the water supply, and then repaint the wall behind the pipe. While this repair will likely take longer than repairing the leaking pipe, it may be a better option if you have other pipes nearby that are in good condition.

Repairing Pipes Behind Walls

If you don’t have access to a new pipe or if you don’t want to replace your old pipes, then you may be able to fix the leaking pipe behind the wall. The great thing about repairing a leaking pipe behind a wall is that you may be able to do it without having to dig up the floor. Depending on the type of pipe you have, you may be able to repair it with a PVC pipe plug, pipe sealer, or even a PVC cement plug.Be sure to use pipe plugs that are approved for the type of pipe you have. Some pipe plugs are made specifically for PVC pipes, while others will work for metal, copper, and galvanized steel pipes.Repairing a leaking pipe can be a bit tricky, but with the right pipe repair products, you can usually repair the leaking pipe without having to dig up the floor. Just make sure you’re using the right products for repairing your pipes to avoid creating a new problem.

Summary

Leaking pipes can be quite annoying and inconvenient, especially if you don’t have a second bathroom. Although it may be tempting to replace the leaking pipe, repairing it behind a wall will likely be a more affordable option. When repairing a leaking pipe behind a wall, it’s important to select the right repair products to ensure that the pipe is fully repaired and watertight.If you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency and need to fix that leaking pipe ASAP, then you need to know exactly how much it will cost. Fortunately, it won’t cost a fortune to repair a leaking pipe behind a wall. In fact, most leaking pipes are fairly inexpensive to fix, especially if you’re able to tackle the repair on your own.