Who Do I Hire to Fix a Leaking Pipe?
The right trade for this job, what it typically costs in Florida, and how to describe the work so quotes come back accurate.
Short answer: hire a licensed plumber. A visible drip is a plumbing call, but if the water has already reached drywall or baseboard you need the plumber first and a restoration or drywall pro second.
Why this is the right trade
Plumbing work is licensed in Florida under a CFC (certified plumbing contractor) or a county registered plumbing license. Ask for the number and check it before anyone opens a wall.
Getting the trade right on the first call saves you a wasted service fee and, more often, a second week of waiting.
What it usually costs
| What it costs | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnosis | $85 – $150 |
| Faucet or valve replacement | $150 – $400 |
| Slab leak location and repair | $1,200 – $4,500 |
| Sewer line camera inspection | $200 – $450 |
How to describe the job so quotes are accurate
- Take three photos: wide, close, and the model or label plate if there is one.
- Say when the problem started and whether it is getting worse.
- Note anything you already tried, so nobody bills you to repeat it.
- Mention access: gate codes, stairs, elevator reservations, or pets.
Ready for real quotes?
Post your project free and compare quotes from verified local pros.
Post a projectSigns you called the right pro
- They ask about water pressure that drops when two fixtures run at once.
- They ask about water bill that jumped without a change in habits.
- They ask about stains or soft spots on drywall near a wet wall.
Red flags
- a price quoted over the phone before anyone has seen the leak
- pressure to start demolition before a written scope is signed
Most residential repairs are same-day or next-day; repipes and slab leaks run 2–5 days.
Ready to compare real numbers? Post your project on QOTA and get quotes from verified Florida pros — no lead fees, no call storms, and payments held safely until the work is done.