How Much Does Plumbing Cost?
Typical Cost Range: $150 – $500
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Plumbing is a specialized trade that requires training, licensing, and tools to perform professionally. Plumbers usually charge for their work by the hour, and the national average cost is about $100 per hour plus a service fee or minimum charge. Overall, hourly rates for plumbing can range from $25 to $200, depending on the experience level of the plumber and on the repair needed.
We found that the average plumbing job usually totals between $150 and $500. In this cost guide, we’ll break down the factors that go into plumbing prices and compare them with the prospect of doing the work yourself. Read on to learn the average price for your repair and how the type of plumbing, materials, timing, and permits can affect your plumbing cost.
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What Are Signs You Need a Plumber?
Obvious leaks or clogs that you can’t fix on your own are clear signs that it’s time to call a plumber. There are also more subtle signs that you may also need your plumbing worked on:
Continuously running faucets or toilets
Dampness in the basement
Knocking or rattling pipes
Little or no hot water
Low water pressure
Slow draining sinks or tubs
The smell of gas or sewage
Water heater shows condensation
Water that’s discolored or has an odor
How Much Does a Plumber Cost by Repair Type?
Of course, plumbers perform a wide variety of repairs and maintenance jobs, and some can be time-consuming and costly. A clog or leak under the sink will fall on the low end of the cost spectrum, whereas a leak in your home’s main line may cost thousands of dollars to locate and repair. Plumbers may charge flat rates for common plumbing projects like installations.
In some circumstances, the urgency of a job can mean you’re more likely to pay emergency rates to have a plumber fix a problem as soon as possible. You can live with a broken garbage disposal for a few weeks. But if a pipe bursts, you’ll need a plumber immediately to prevent or minimize damage to your home. The following prices apply to non-emergent jobs completed within normal business hours.
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
|
Burst Pipes |
$1,000–$4,000 |
|
Ceiling Pipe |
$500–$2,500 |
|
Clearing Clogs/Drain Snaking |
$100–$500 |
|
Faucet Replacement |
$150–$600 |
|
Garbage Disposal Repair |
$100–$300 |
|
Gas Line Repair |
$250–$750 |
|
Leaking Pipes |
$150–$450 |
|
Main Water Line Leak |
$500–$4,000 |
|
Radiator Repair |
$100–$600 |
|
Rerouting Plumbing |
$700–$1,500 |
|
Septic Tank Repair |
$500–$3,000 |
|
Sink Installation |
$200–$800 |
|
Slab Leak |
$500–$4,000 |
|
Sump Pump Repair |
$300–$700 |
|
Toilet Installation |
$300–$800 |
|
Toilet Repair |
$100–$300 |
|
Water Heater Installation |
$800–$2,000 |
|
Water Heater Repair |
$150–$750 |
|
Water Softener Installation |
$200–$500 |
|
Whole-House Plumbing |
$10,000–$20,000 |
What Factors Affect Plumbing Cost?
Even within the same type of repair, there can be substantial variation in the cost of one plumbing job to another. The factors affecting plumbing repair costs may include these:
- Any after-hours repairs needed
- Any labor and permits required
- Complexity of the job
- Location of your home
- Plumber’s expertise
You will also need to consider the location of specific plumbing issues in calculating what you’ll pay. A leak under the sink is far easier to get to than one within a wall. The more time and labor it takes to access the problem area, the more the repair will cost.
However, you will want someone with plenty of experience for complex repairs or installations. Master plumbers, recognized in some states, may also sometimes supervise the work of junior plumbers. Typically, these plumbers charge $75–$200 an hour.
Most repairs won’t require permits, but they’re required for water heater replacements and larger remodeling projects. This is done to verify that health and safety codes have been observed throughout the revamp.
Additionally, not all plumbing fixtures are made alike. A new shower installation can cost as little as $500 for a prefab unit installed on existing fixtures or as much as $10,000 for a complete overhaul using luxury parts.
There’s also a significant cost difference between metal and plastic plumbing materials, with the first being pricier. Some jurisdictions may require more expensive parts made of copper or cast iron for certain buildings, raising potential supply costs.
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Additional Cost Considerations
When undertaking complex or large-scale jobs, you may pay for additional services beyond typical plumbing costs. Other potential expenses include diagnostics and inspection, haul away fees, and water damage repair.
Diagnostics and Inspection
Additional time and labor may be necessary to diagnose a problem before the repair can begin. Inspection may be the final step in a plumbing job, or it may be the job itself. Older homes can often benefit from a plumbing inspection every year or two. For custom-built houses, your new plumbing may need an inspection from a city or county representative to certify that it meets all the necessary building codes.
Haul-Away Fees
For large jobs, including replacing plumbing fixtures, you may need to pay extra fees for the removal and disposal of the old materials. If the waste is hazardous, your state may have special requirements for handling it.
Water Damage Repair
Leaks, burst pipes, and other plumbing problems can cause substantial damage to the areas around the problem. Typically, the plumber will access and fix the pipe or fixture, but you’ll need a contractor to repair the water damage or any drywall removed to reach the leak. Unfortunately, water damage repair and restoration can be pricey, often costing between $1,000 and over $10,000, depending on the damage.
Should You DIY vs. Professional Plumbing Repair?
If you’re balking at the potential cost of hiring a professional plumber, you may be considering doing the work yourself. Indeed, small plumbing jobs to repair common plumbing problems are within the capabilities of most proactive homeowners.
However, exercising caution when it comes to more complex jobs is always a good idea. After all, there’s a reason why plumbers study and apprentice for years. If your repair goes poorly, you could be setting yourself up for safety hazards or water damage in the future. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of DIY plumbing.
Pros and Cons of DIY Plumbing Repair
Pros and Cons of Professional Plumbing Repairs
Our Conclusion
While you can tackle relatively simple jobs like unclogging a drain or installing a new faucet on your own, it’s a good idea to hire a professional plumber for more complex jobs. Anything that requires a permit or inspection should only be handled by an expert plumber, as should jobs that require power tools.
Plumber costs can seem steep, but failing to fix a problem in time or trying something yourself that makes the problem worse can ultimately hurt the resale value of your home. As always, it’s worth calling around to get some cost estimates before hiring a qualified plumber, and remember to check that your chosen contractor has a valid license and insurance in your state.
FAQ About Plumbing Costs
What are the most common plumbing problems?
The most common plumbing issues that homeowners face include leaky faucets, slow or clogged drains, running toilets, low water pressure, water heater problems, and jammed garbage disposals.
Why might a plumber charge more than the estimate?
A plumber might charge more than the estimate if your plumbing problem is more complex than the plumber anticipated, needs more expensive materials than originally estimated, or takes longer due to unexpected issues. Make sure to talk through the details of your contract and the resulting invoice with your plumber if you have questions.
How much does it cost to have a plumber install a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters are usually a little more expensive to install than traditional models. Tankless water heaters are typically priced in the $1,000–$1,800 range.
How can I save money on plumbing costs?
You can save money on plumbing by taking good care of your home’s pipes. Caring for your pipes and plumbing system can include taking the following steps:
- Avoiding harsh drain cleaners, which can damage your pipes
- Choosing low-flow toilets for less water usage per flush
- Flushing your drains regularly with equal parts vinegar and baking soda
- Memorizing where your home’s water shut-off valve is located in case of emergency
- Perform routine maintenance by checking pipes, water meters, and other fixtures at least quarterly
- Tackling small problems like running toilets or leaky faucets right away
If you’re concerned about costs, choosing a home warranty plan with plumbing coverage can help cover costs on problems resulting from normal wear and tear.
How much does it cost to install new plumbing in a 2,000-square-foot home?
Installing new rough-in plumbing, which is the plumbing system usually hidden behind a home’s walls, typically costs about $4.50 per square foot of interior space. Thus, a 2,000-square-foot home would cost about $9,000. However, more work is usually necessary to connect the fixtures, bringing the total cost to $10,000–$12,000.
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