A leak bill in the Netherlands has two separate parts. Finding a hidden leak with a non-destructive detection survey is typically €300 to €500 per job for the detection only, and repairing a leak the plumber can already reach, with no detection needed, is typically €75 to €250 per job. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
By Arek
Updated September 10, 2026 · 19 min read
Leak repair (accessible leak, no detection)
Materials and call-out per provider; tile or wall restoration extra
€75 – €250 per job
planned, daytime · excl. VAT · VAT depends on the provider
National reference range, not a measured city price.
Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
The table gives a practical overview of common water leak repair costs in the Netherlands. It separates the two jobs people most often mix up: finding a hidden leak, and repairing a leak that is already accessible.
| Type of work | Indicative price (excluding VAT) | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Leak detection (non-destructive survey, detection only) | €300–€500 | per job |
| Leak repair (accessible leak, no detection) | €75–€250 | per job |
| Plumber hourly rate (standard, planned daytime) | €45–€85 | per hour |
| Plumber hourly rate (urgent, same-day daytime) | €90–€130 | per hour |
| Plumber hourly rate (evening, weekend, night and holidays) | €100–€150 | per hour |
| Call-out fee (where charged) | €20–€40 | per visit |
| Minimum charge per visit | €60–€120 | per visit |
Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none. These are indicative market ranges, not an offer and not a guaranteed price. They do not set your budget and do not bind a contractor: a final quote can be lower or higher.
These are not national tariffs. One provider may offer a fixed detection package, while another charges an hourly rate. Some prices include travel, testing and a report. Others exclude parking, extra detection methods or a second visit.
The average cost to repair a leaking pipe is usually lower when the damaged section is visible and easy to reach: typically €75 to €250 per job, with no detection stage. Examples include a leaking fitting below a sink, an accessible water line, a faulty shut-off valve or a small heating-pipe leak.
A minor leak may be completed during one visit. The price rises when a longer section of pipe must be replaced or when corrosion suggests a wider problem in the plumbing system.
A hidden leak behind a wall, below a floor or above a ceiling often requires specialist testing. A standard non-destructive survey is typically €300 to €500 per job, which pays for the detection only. The position within that range depends on the size of the search area, the number of systems tested and whether a written report is required.
A leak below a concrete floor is sometimes described as a slab leak. In Dutch homes, it may involve a water pipe, central-heating line or underfloor-heating circuit.
Leak detection identifies the source. Leak repair stops the water loss by fixing or replacing a pipe, fitting, valve, seal or connection. They are two jobs, usually two prices, and sometimes two companies.
This guide no longer publishes a combined detect-and-repair figure. A bundled number hides which stage you are buying, and the amount of repair work is only known once the source has been found. Ask for detection and repair on separate lines, each with its own price.
A non-destructive survey — moisture readings, meter or pressure checks, thermal imaging, acoustics — is typically €300 to €500 per job. The written report is usually included. Tracer-gas work, structural surveys, opening work and the repair itself are extra. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
A detection specialist may deliver a report but not carry out the plumbing repair. Ask what happens if the leak is not found within the standard survey.
When the leaking pipe, fitting, valve or seal is already visible and reachable, the repair itself is typically €75 to €250 per job. Materials and call-out depend on the provider, and tile, plaster or wall restoration is separate work. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
A plumber may repair a visible water leak but may not carry thermal imaging, acoustic equipment or tracer gas. Ask whether one provider handles both stages, and on what terms.
For a hidden leak, budget for the stages you can price now (detection, then repair once the source is known) and treat opening work, drying and surface restoration as separate quotes per project.
The main leak repair cost factors are the location of the leak, its severity, the type of pipe, access and the complexity of the repair. A damp patch is not always directly below the source.
An exposed pipe below a sink is easier to repair than a pipe inside a tiled wall or concrete floor. Water can travel along beams, insulation and pipework before it becomes visible.
A small leak at one fitting usually costs less than a major leak or burst pipe. The longer a leak runs, the greater the risk of water damage, indoor mold and higher restoration costs.
Common warning signs include:
These signs do not prove the exact cause. A roof, drain, appliance or condensation problem can create similar symptoms.
Copper, steel, plastic and multilayer pipes require different repair methods. Older pipes may have corrosion or several weak points.
A provider may advise:
Ask whether the proposal is a permanent pipe repair or a temporary measure.
No single method works for every type of leak. The specialist should explain why the selected method suits the suspected system. A standard survey sits in the €300 to €500 band; tracer gas and structural investigation are quoted on top of it. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
A leak inside a wall, ceiling or floor may require opening work after detection. The quote should state who opens the structure and who restores it later.
The cost to fix a leaking pipe can increase when cabinets, tiles, concrete, flooring or insulation must be removed. Opening work, drywall repair, plastering, painting and floor restoration have no standard reference price and are quoted per project.
A local pipe leak repair can be suitable when the rest of the pipe is sound. Pipe replacement may be more practical when several leaks, serious corrosion or old materials are found.
Ask the provider to explain the difference between repair or replacement costs. Replacing more pipe now can cost more initially but may reduce repeat repair work.
Providers use different pricing models. A fixed price is easier to compare only when the scope is clear.
An hourly rate is common for a visible plumbing leak or a repair with an uncertain duration. Planned daytime labour is typically €45 to €85 per hour, urgent same-day daytime work €90 to €130 per hour, and evening, weekend, night or holiday work €100 to €150 per hour. A call-out fee, where it is charged at all, is €20 to €40 per visit, and a minimum charge per visit is €60 to €120. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
The quote should show:
A low hourly rate does not guarantee a low total cost when access or diagnosis takes longer.
A specialist may offer a fixed package for one standard investigation, typically €300 to €500 for the detection only. Check whether it includes:
Ask what happens when the leak is not found within the standard package, and whether the package converts into a repair quote. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
Do not approve open-ended repair work without knowing when a new price must be agreed. For an accessible leak, the repair itself is typically €75 to €250 per job. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
A burst pipe or active major leak may require urgent action. Urgent same-day daytime labour is typically €90 to €130 per hour, and evening, night, weekend or holiday labour €100 to €150 per hour, on top of any call-out fee of €20 to €40 per visit. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
SkilledContractors does not guarantee immediate attendance or 24-hour availability. Each provider sets their own hours and response time.
Before the provider travels, ask for the call-out fee, emergency rate, minimum charge and maximum authorised amount. ACM ConsuWijzer warns that unclear urgent-service pricing can lead to unexpectedly high bills.
These examples show why the total cost of plumbing repairs can vary. They are not fixed offers. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
A small leak caused by a fitting, valve or siphon is typically €75 to €250 when it is accessible, needs no detection stage and can be repaired during one visit.
Confirm whether travel, a small replacement part and VAT are included, and whether a minimum charge per visit applies.
Start with detection: a standard non-destructive survey is typically €300 to €500 for the detection only.
The repair follows as its own price once the source is known; an accessible repair sits in the €75 to €250 band, while opening the wall, drying and restoring plaster or tiles are quoted per project. There is no approved reference price for a detect-and-repair package, so ask for each stage separately.
A bathroom leak can come from a supply pipe, drain pipe, shower connection, seal, toilet or waterproof layer. The plumbing repair cost does not automatically include tiles, waterproofing, grout, sealant or drying.
A visible fitting may be a minor repair. A hidden bathroom leak can require detection and restoration.
A heating-line leak can require pressure testing, thermal imaging or tracer gas. The system may need to be drained and filled again.
An underfloor leak can cost more because the floor must be opened at the detected point. Detection can reduce the opening area, but floor repair remains separate.
A main water line leak can affect water pressure and water flow throughout the property. The repair may involve digging, opening a floor or replacing a longer pipe section.
The provider should separate detection, pipe replacement, ground or floor work and reinstatement. Ground work and reinstatement are quoted per project.
Fixing a burst pipe can involve urgent isolation, removing standing water, replacing the damaged section and checking nearby joints. Water damage cleanup can exceed the direct pipe repair cost.
A burst pipe near electrical equipment or a ceiling requires extra care. Keep away from unsafe areas and limit the water supply when it is safe to do so.
A professional leak-detection visit may include:
A simple leak-repair quote may include:
A useful report can include:
An insurer, landlord or VvE may ask for the report before approving further work. Most providers include the report in the detection price; some price it separately, so ask before booking.
A standard detection visit often takes around one to three hours. A simple exposed pipe repair may take one or two hours. A hidden or major leak can require several visits.
The time it takes to fix the leak depends on access, drying, materials and whether restoration is required.
Finding the source does not mean the complete repair can always be finished during the same visit. These excluded items have no approved reference range and are quoted per project.
Damage to ceilings, walls, floors, insulation and furniture is separate from fixing the cause of the leak.
Ask the insurer which costs may be covered before ordering non-urgent restoration. Policy terms differ, and SkilledContractors cannot guarantee payment.
A roof leak usually needs a roofing specialist. This guide focuses on water leaks in plumbing and heating systems.
A suspected gas leak is not a normal water-leak job. Leave the area, avoid switches or flames and follow the emergency instructions of the Dutch gas network operator or emergency services.
Quick action and a clear written scope can limit water damage and control the total cost.
When it is safe:
Do not touch wet electrical equipment.
A competent person may be able to tighten an accessible fitting or replace a simple seal. Temporary repair tape or a clamp may limit a minor leak until a plumber arrives.
Do not open walls, repair a pressurised hidden pipe or work near electricity without the right skills. A poor DIY repair can create more water damage and may affect insurance discussions.
Tell the provider:
Add clear photos or a short video. Better information reduces the chance of paying for detection you did not need.
Some policies may cover leak detection or consequential damage. The cause of the leak may not be covered.
Ask whether approval is required, whether a specific report is needed and whether an excess applies. Do not assume reimbursement.
Compare the same stages in every quote:
A cheap detection quote can become expensive when the report or extra methods are excluded. Compare detection against detection and repair against repair, never a bundle against a single stage.
Travel, parking and local availability can change the cost to hire a plumber.
In Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, the provider may charge for paid parking, travel time, difficult apartment access or coordination with a property manager.
Ask whether parking and call-out charges are included.
Report serious leaks to the landlord in writing. Dutch government guidance states that large repairs are generally the landlord's responsibility, while small daily repairs may belong to the tenant.
The cause and tenancy agreement still matter. Read the official Rijksoverheid guidance on landlord and tenant maintenance costs.
The apartment owner is often responsible for private pipework. The VvE may be responsible for shared pipes and common building elements.
Contact the VvE before opening a shared wall, riser or floor.
An active leak leaves less time to compare providers. Ask for the company name, KVK details, call-out fee, hourly rate and maximum approved amount.
The official ACM ConsuWijzer guide to urgent repair companies explains how to reduce the risk of an unexpectedly high bill.
Answers to common questions.
It depends which job you are buying. Repairing a leak the plumber can already reach, with no detection stage, is typically €75 to €250 per job. Finding a hidden leak first is a separate job: a non-destructive detection survey is typically €300 to €500. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none. Opening work, drying and restoration are quoted per project.
A standard non-destructive investigation is typically €300 to €500 per job, for the detection only. Complex tracer-gas testing, a large property or several systems can cost more, and the repair is priced separately. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
A minor visible leak may be relatively inexpensive. A major or hidden leak can become costly because detection, access, pipe replacement and water damage are each priced on their own.
Not always. The detection specialist and plumber may be different providers, and there is no approved reference price for a combined detect-and-repair package. Ask for detection (€300 to €500) and the repair (€75 to €250 when the leak is accessible) as separate lines. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
An accessible pipe leak repair is typically €75 to €250 per job, excluding any detection. A pipe behind a wall, floor or ceiling needs detection first and opening work afterwards, both quoted separately. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
Common causes include corrosion, worn seals, loose fittings, high water pressure, frost damage, poor installation and movement around underground pipes.
Watch for damp marks, musty smells, mold, falling boiler pressure, lower water pressure, running-water sounds and a higher water bill.
Only simple, accessible work may be suitable for DIY. Turn off the water and use a temporary measure when safe. Hidden, pressurised or electrical-area leaks need a professional assessment.
A simple exposed repair may take one or two hours. A standard detection visit often takes one to three hours. Hidden leaks, pipe replacement and restoration can take several visits or days.
Some policies may cover detection or water damage, but coverage depends on the cause, policy, prior approval and excess. Ask the insurer before non-urgent work.
Large repairs are often for the landlord, while small daily repairs may be for the tenant. The cause and tenancy agreement decide responsibility.
Private pipes may belong to the apartment owner. Shared risers and common pipes may fall under the VvE.
Usually yes. Urgent same-day daytime labour is typically €90 to €130 per hour and evening, night, weekend or holiday labour €100 to €150 per hour, against €45 to €85 per hour for planned daytime work. A call-out fee of €20 to €40 per visit may be added. Amounts exclude VAT. Whether VAT is added depends on the contractor: one using the small-business scheme (KOR) charges none.
Yes. Long-term moisture can support mold growth and damage plasterboard, wood and insulation. Early action can limit the damage.
It should separate detection, report, labour, materials, opening work, pipe repair, drying, restoration, travel, whether VAT is charged, and emergency charges.
For help finding the source and arranging a repair, visit Leak Repair. For broader plumbing prices, read the Plumber Cost Guide. You can also review Plumbing Services. SkilledContractors is a comparison platform. Describe the leak, add photos and compare responses from independent providers. Ask for detection and repair to be quoted as separate lines. SkilledContractors does not carry out the work, set the final price or guarantee attendance or insurance reimbursement. Agree the scope, price and timing directly with the chosen provider.
Read practical guidance on causes, safe checks and when to call a professional.
A leaking tap can waste water and damage the area beneath a sink or basin. A slow drip from the spout is often different from water escaping at the handle, base, flexible hose or wall con…
Low water pressure can mean a weak shower, a slow kitchen tap or poor flow throughout the house. The fastest way to narrow it down is to compare fixtures and check whether the issue affec…