How Much Does Plumbing Repair Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $180 - $491
The average homeowner spends around $334
when calling a plumber. Based on the scope and urgency of the plumbing issue, a homeowner might spend between $180
to $491
for professional plumbing work.
How much does a plumber cost? With the average cost of hiring a plumber landing between $180
and $491
, most homeowners are paying around $334
. Of course, the complexity of the job ultimately determines how much it will cost to get pipes and fixtures running perfectly! While some plumbers charge flat rates, most will bill you by the hour. Keep reading to learn about the main factors that will influence how much you can expect to pay for plumbing work.
Cost Factors in Plumbing Projects
Generally, plumbers charge clients based on the amount of time, expertise, and materials needed to get a task done. In most cases, labor accounts for the largest chunk of a plumbing budget. Keep in mind that plumbing companies will need to send out the right number of plumbers needed to get a job done properly within a reasonable amount of time. In addition to charging for time, plumbers also charge for any new fixtures or piping required to either repair or enhance a space.
Types
The truth is that licensed plumbers can carry out thousands of tasks in the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and beyond. Plumbers even handle slab work, sewer-line work, septic work, and other projects that need to be completed on the exterior of your home. The same plumber capable of fixing a disaster with your sewer line can also give you a simple estimate for tankless water heater cost.
Plumbing Project | Average Cost |
---|---|
Faucet and Fixture Replacement | $150 – $600 |
Rerouting Plumbing | $700 – $1,500 |
Repairing Burst Pipes | $1,000 – $4,000 |
Clearing Clogs/Drain Snaking | $95 – $500 |
Garbage Disposal Repair | $150 – $300 |
Gas Line Repair | $250 – $750 |
Leaking Pipes | $175 – $550 |
Main Line Water Leak Repair | $600 – $4,500 |
Radiator Repair | $150 – $700 |
Septic Tank Repair | $500 – $3,000 |
Sump Pump Repair | $300 – $1,000 |
Toilet Installation | $300 – $800 |
Toilet Repair | $100 – $300 |
Water Heater Installation | $800 – $2,000 |
Water Heater Repair | $150 – $750 |
Water Softener Installation | $200 – $500 |
Sink Installation | $200 – $700 |
Size
The scope of a plumbing project greatly impacts price. A plumber could be at your house anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. While plumbing jobs that require more time will generally cost you more by way of the cumulative hourly rate, most plumbers will also charge more based on the complexity and location of the piping work.
Project Size | Average Cost |
---|---|
Whole-House Plumbing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Single-Room Plumbing | $500 – $2,500 |
Slab Leak Work | $500 – $4,000 |
Labor
Charging by the hour is the standard in the plumbing industry. However, some plumbers will charge flat rates for simple tasks that they do routinely. They are able to do this because they can accurately calculate the amount of time, labor, and materials needed to unclog a drain, fix a running toilet, or solve some other common household plumbing issue. Most plumbers also charge a call fee that covers the cost of visiting a home to provide an estimate. This fee is sometimes called a diagnostic fee. The good news is that most plumbers will apply that cost toward your final bill if you decide to accept the estimate.
Additional Factor | Average Cost |
---|---|
Service Call Fee | $100 – $250 |
Hour Rates | $45 – $200 |
Flat Rates | $100 – $400 |
Emergency Fees | $100 – $150 |
Permit Fees | $75 – $100 |
Hauling Fees | $50 – $200 |
Materials and Supplies
If you decide to upgrade stock plumbing materials, your plumber will charge you the difference for various plastic and copper pipe types. Your plumber can usually source the options you want. It's also common for homeowners to purchase their own sinks and fixtures if they prefer specific styles.
Fixture Type | Average Cost |
---|---|
Toilet | $200 – $1,200 |
Bathroom Sink | $200 – $1,100 |
Shower | $3,000 – $12,000 |
Tub | $1,500 – $10,000 |
Copper Pipes | $4 – $12 per linear foot |
PEX Pipes | $1.50 – $4 per linear foot |
CPVC Pipes | $1.50 – $3.25 per linear foot |
Expertise Level
Most basic plumbing tasks only require a licensed plumber. However, work that involves designing and installing complex systems will require a plumber with advanced credentials. Professional credentials are recognized based on state exams and licensing requirements.
Plumber’s Title | Average Hourly Rate |
---|---|
Apprentice | $45 – $90 per hour |
Journeyperson | $60 – $110 per hour |
Master | $80 – $200 per hour |
Preparation Costs
The state of your home can play a role in how much plumbers will need to charge. In cases where plumbers need to cut through drywall or remove flooring to access piping, prep fees will be higher. Your plumber may also recommend hiring a separate contractor to handle any structural repairs that are needed.
Tools and Materials
Your plumber will need to factor in the wear and tear that your project is putting on tools when creating your cost estimate. In some cases, a plumber may actually need to acquire a special tool specifically for your project. Keep in mind that a plumber will still factor in tool costs for a simple fix due to the fact that this seemingly straightforward project requires the plumber to gather and prepare all of the right tools and materials ahead of time.
Residential vs. Commercial Plumber Rates
Local plumbing companies that focus on residential clients tend to charge lower hourly rates compared to large chains. While commercial plumbing companies generally charge $100 per hour, residential ones charge closer to $80 per hour. This has nothing to do with qualifications. The reason behind the discrepancy is that larger companies can sometimes lose money on smaller jobs because they take them away from larger jobs. As a result, they keep fees higher. Larger plumbing companies also need to charge more to fund the insurance coverage and large staff to help run a bigger company.
Trip Fees
Like most contractors, plumbers will charge clients more if they are outside of a preferred zone. Trip fees cover the cost of gas and vehicle wear and tear. Always be sure to ask a plumbing company if you are within its work zone before requesting a service call. Generally, plumbing companies will charge an additional $50 to $300 in trip fees for clients located more than 10 miles away.
Weekend and Evening Costs
Most plumbers keep regular business hours. While they will respond to after-hours calls, they will only come out to your home if you agree to an additional fee for evening or weekend service. How much does a plumber cost for urgent service? In some cases, weekend and evening fees can be two to three times a plumber's normal rate.
Plumbing Ongoing Expenses
While most plumbing projects don't have ongoing expenses attached to them, selecting premium options when designing a new bathroom, kitchen, or plumbing system could result in some special maintenance costs. It's important to factor in both the retail price and lifetime cost of ownership when making decisions.
Septic System
If you're having a new septic system installed, the costs for cleaning and pumping can range from $288 to $556. Care for larger tanks may cost closer to $1,000. Additionally, a septic system should be inspected roughly once every three to five years for a cost that averages $300.
Utility Costs
Upgrading to a jetted tub or waterfall shower can turn your bathroom into an at-home spa. However, it's important to note that a higher initial price tag isn't the only budget consideration. High-end options also generally use more electricity and water compared to standard tubs and showers.
DIY vs. Hiring a Plumber
A fully licensed and insured plumbing company provides homeowners with peace of mind when there's a precarious task involving piping that needs to be done. The truth is that one false move during a DIY attempt can leave your home with permanent water damage that can result in mold and rot. This is why contacting a local plumber at the first sign of water leakage is important.
There are some important questions to ask before attempting a DIY plumbing task. First, check to see if the job you're tackling requires a permit. Work that requires any type of permit should always be performed by a licensed professional. Next, consider the complexity of the task. If you need to fix a clog, it's important to know that you will first need to purchase your own tools to snake the drain. You must also feel confident that you can handle the task with enough precision to avoid breaking what could be an old, rusted-out pipe.
Cost of Common Plumbing Add-Ons
Many people decide to take advantage of the opportunity to pay for a single service call by getting a quote for multiple items. If you're calling a plumber for an emergency, you may not be thinking about adding some new features. However, anyone who is already getting a quote for a plumber for an upgrade should also consider these potential add-on jobs:
Comprehensive Plumbing Inspection: $100–$4,500
Water Damage Repair: $1,000–$5,000
Standalone Bidet: $500–$2,500
Toilet Bidet: $1,500–$3,500
Ways to Save Money on Hiring a Plumber
While we can't always predict when plumbing emergencies will occur, homeowners can often cut costs by taking preventative measures to reduce the potential for serious damage. The top way to save money on plumbing costs is to keep up with routine plumbing maintenance using both DIY and professional work. First, take care of small leaks as soon as they are noticed. A small leak often requires a small, inexpensive fix. Meanwhile, deluges can cost thousands of dollars in cleanup and repair costs. It's also important to work with a plumber to choose the right pipes for your home to prevent deterioration and freezing. Finally, consider purchasing inexpensive moisture sensors from your local hardware store. These devices can be placed near sinks, toilets, and pipes to alert you to sudden moisture spikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
A journeyman plumber is a licensed plumber with a state-issued permit for installing and repairing piping for water and heating systems under the supervision of a master plumber. Also known as a plumbing contractor, a master plumber is considered the highest level in this profession. In addition to passing all state-level requirements, master plumbers also have several years of experience. They are allowed to lead teams, create blueprints, and design and install plumbing systems.
In most cases, a plumber will install a sink and vanity. However, plumbers generally only install these features if the options you've chosen require straightforward installation without a need for custom carpentry. Make sure you outline your expectations to confirm that your plumber is capable of handling the full project. You may need to hire a carpenter or handyman to install a vanity before a plumber finishes the job with a sink installation.
Tipping is not usually required when hiring plumbing professionals. The rate provided to you in your plumbing quote is intended to cover all of the labor required to get the job done. However, you may consider tipping any extra hands that are hired to help with cleanup, hauling away old fixtures, or repairing drywall that was affected by the project.