How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Leaking Pipe

What Causes a Leaking Pipe Inside the Wall?

There are several reasons a pipe may begin leaking inside a wall. Unfortunately, most of them aren’t obvious until the damage is already underway. Some of the most common causes include:

• Aging pipework (especially copper and galvanised steel)

• Incorrect installation or loose fittings

• Excessive water pressure stressing joints

• Tree roots breaching pipe walls

• Vibration or movement in multi-storey builds

• Rodents or pests damaging plastic lines

Because most wall leaks develop silently, they often remain unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. That’s why early detection is critical — and why you need a plumber who can act fast.

How to Spot a Hidden Water Leak

Not all water leaks are obvious, especially when they’re inside a wall or ceiling cavity. However, there are warning signs that homeowners should not ignore. These include:

• Peeling or bubbling paint

• Persistent musty odours

• Mould growth in odd spots

• Uneven, damp skirting boards

• Unexpected increases in your water bill

Additionally, you might notice a drop in water pressure across multiple taps. If you’ve experienced any of the above, don’t delay — these are signs of a potentially costly internal pipe leak. We recommend booking a professional leak detection service as soon as possible.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaking Pipe?

This depends on several factors — including location, access, severity, and the need for follow-up restoration. Here’s what you can typically expect in Adelaide:

In simple terms, the more hidden the pipe and the more damaged the wall, the higher the cost. That said, early intervention can drastically reduce your repair bill.

It’s also worth noting that after-hours repairs, especially for burst pipes or flooding, will carry premium rates. Deadshort Services offers 24/7 emergency plumbing in Adelaide, so we’re always on hand when fast action matters most.

Helpful Tip: Fixing the leak is just one part. Access, patching, painting, or tiling may be required — that’s where a multi-trade provider like Deadshort truly shines.

What Affects the Cost of Pipe Repairs?

While every leaking pipe job is different, several factors commonly impact your final repair cost:

• Where the pipe is located (in-wall, under slab, in ceiling)

• Pipe material (copper, PEX, poly, or PVC)

• Level of access required

• Amount of water damage

• Time of day or whether it’s emergency plumbing

• Scope of restoration (plaster, painting, tiling, cabinetry)

Fortunately, our clients benefit from Deadshort’s multi-trade advantage. We can handle the complete job, from start to finish — not just the plumbing but the repairs to walls, floors, ceilings, and fixtures. You won’t need to coordinate multiple trades or chase subcontractors. It’s all in-house, and it’s done right.

Does Insurance Cover a Leaking Wall Pipe?

In many cases, yes — but it depends on the insurer and the cause of the leak. Typically, home insurance may cover:

• Resulting water damage

• Flooring or wall repairs

• Mould remediation

• Contents damage, depending on your policy

However, most policies won’t cover the actual pipe repair if the leak is considered “gradual deterioration.”

Deadshort provides detailed plumbing reports, photographic evidence, and invoices to assist your insurance claim. We also work directly with major providers including RAA, AAMI, CGU, and QBE.

What’s Involved in Fixing a Pipe Leak?

At Deadshort, we follow a proven process to ensure no corner is cut:

1. Diagnosis – Using acoustic tools, pressure tests, or thermal imaging

2. Access – Clean wall or tile removal to expose the affected area

3. Repair – Replacement or re-jointing of damaged pipe section

4. Test – Pressure test and visual inspection to confirm fix

5. Restore – Re-plaster, repaint, re-tile or patch the wall as needed

6. Report – Provide detailed invoice and (if required) insurance documentation

You get one coordinated team, one phone number, and one clear solution — that’s the Deadshort difference.

We Don’t Just Fix Plumbing—We Handle Everything

What sets Deadshort apart is our in-house capability across multiple trades. If your hot water issue turns out to involve electrical faults, a leaking roof, or damaged insulation, we won’t make you wait for subcontractors.

We offer integrated services in:

• Electrical

• Roof & Gutter

• Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

• Carpentry and Home Maintenance

• Fencing and Retaining Walls

Our cross-trade knowledge means faster issue resolution and seamless communication. For example, a leaking valve may be misdiagnosed as a roofing fault—but our teams collaborate to find the real source. With one number, one call, and real-time job tracking, you’re always in control—without the runaround.

Act Fast. Avoid Bigger Problems.

A leaking pipe in the wall doesn’t stay small. Left unchecked, it can ruin entire rooms and lead to structural and mould issues. That’s why acting quickly — and calling the right plumber — makes all the difference.

One Number. One Call. Multiple Trades.