How Much Does A Plumber Cost?

Last Updated on March 14, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Knowing typical plumbing costs is crucial for homeowners and businesses to budget for repairs and maintenance. Plumbing services can be expensive, but prices vary significantly based on the complexity of the job, your location, the plumber’s experience level, and other factors.

This guide covers everything you need to know about plumber pricing, average costs for common repairs, tips for saving money, and finding an affordable contractor.

How Much Does A Plumber Cost?

Plumbers typically use two main pricing models: an hourly rate that charges by time spent, or a flat fee per service call based on the type of repair needed.

Hourly Rates: Plumbers may charge a cost anywhere from $45 to $200 per hour depending on their skill level and your location:

• Apprentice plumbers – Those just starting out under supervision of a journeyman or master plumber, often charge $45 to $65 per hour.
• Journeyman plumbers – Licensed plumbers with moderate experience levels charge $65 to $125 per hour on average.
• Master plumbers – The most highly skilled plumbers who tackle complex jobs may charge $125 to $200 per hour.

Expect to pay hourly rates for extensive repairs requiring a long-time commitment like repiping a house or complex commercial plumbing projects.

Flat Rate Pricing: Many plumbers charge a fixed flat fee for certain basic, common services like unclogging drains or fixing minor leaks. For example, they may charge a flat rate of $100 to $250 to clear a clogged kitchen sink drain or $75 to $200 to repair a leaky bathroom faucet. This flat rate pricing allows homeowners to know the full cost upfront rather than paying hourly.

In addition to the actual repair costs, plumbers typically charge a service fee of $50 to $150 to come out to your home or business. This covers the cost of the service call and first hour of labor.

According to Modernize, plumbers charge an average of $90 per hour, with rates ranging from $45 to $200 depending on the complexity of the task. Emergency services or specialized repairs can cost between $150 and $300 per hour, while flat-rate pricing for common jobs such as drain cleaning typically ranges from $100 to $400. Additional costs may include materials, which vary based on quality and type.

On Angi, the average homeowner spends around $336 for plumbing services, with costs ranging from $180 to $494 depending on the scope of work. Simple tasks like toilet repairs cost between $100 and $300, while more extensive projects, such as repairing burst pipes, can range from $1,000 to $4,000. Flat rates are also common for specific services, with faucet replacements costing between $150 and $600.

The article on HomeAdvisor reports that plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour, with typical jobs costing between $175 and $450 overall. Detecting leaks under slab foundations costs between $125 and $400, while fixing such leaks can range from $500 to $4,000, depending on project variables like flooring removal and pipe depth.

According to HomeGuide, plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour, with minimum call-out fees ranging from $50 to $200. Small repairs like unclogging toilets or fixing leaky faucets cost between $125 and $350, while larger jobs, such as pipe repairs, range from $500 to $800. Whole-house plumbing installations for new construction can cost between $12,000 and $20,000, depending on the size of the home and the type of pipes used.

Lastly, Inch Calculator notes that hourly rates for plumbers typically range from $50 to $150, with emergency services costing up to three times more. Basic repairs average around $300, while complex installations or major repairs can exceed $1,000.

Common Plumbing Services

Here are typical price ranges broken down by project type:

Prices are general estimates only. Exact costs depend on job complexity, plumber’s rates, and regional pricing differences.

As you can see, drain cleaning averages $150 to $350 depending on the severity of clogs, while toilet repairs range from $150 to $400. Kitchen and bathroom faucet replacement costs $200 to $500 on average. Even minor pipe repairs can run $250 to $600, with repiping an entire house costing tens of thousands.

You might also like our articles on the cost of ServiceTitan, water heater replacement, or sump pump replacement.

Additional Costs

Several other factors can significantly increase your total plumbing bill:

• Emergency or after-hours service – Plumbers typically charge 1.5x to 2x their normal hourly rate for calls nights, weekends, and holidays. So expect to pay $150 to $400 per hour for after-hours visits.
• Permits and inspection fees – Many plumbing jobs like new water heater installs require city building permits adding $50 to $500 to the total cost.
• Material costs – The pipes, fixtures, fittings and parts required can greatly increase costs, especially if premium materials are chosen.
• Regional location – Plumbers in urban areas and metro regions with more demand typically charge higher rates than those in rural areas.

Plumber Experience Level

A plumber’s skill level and years in the trade directly impacts their hourly rates and service charges:

• Apprentice – The least experience. They work under supervision of a master plumber. Charge $50 to $100 per hour.
• Journeyman – Hold a state license. Have 2 to 5 years experience typically. Charge $75 to $150 per hour.
• Master – Expert plumbers and tradespeople that handle large, complex jobs. Charge $125 to $200 per hour.

Hiring a master plumber is advisable for extensive repairs like repiping a home or commercial boiler installation. Apprentices can handle basic services like faucet repairs for lower hourly rates. Always verify licenses and insurance.

DIY vs. Hiring a Plumber

For straightforward repairs like fixing a leaking showerhead or toilet flapper, doing it yourself can save hundreds of dollars in labor costs. Parts for these repairs run just $15 to $50 typically.

However, for major plumbing issues like sewer line replacement, trenchless sewer repairs, or gas line installations, homeowners should always call a licensed professional plumber to get the job done safely and correctly. Attempting complex plumbing and gas line jobs without proper training can result in catastrophic mishaps. Additionally, mistakes made on jobs requiring city permits can lead to heavy fines and legal problems if permits are not pulled.

Expert Tips

We asked professional plumbers to share their advice on controlling costs for plumbing repairs and services:

“Get at least 3 written estimates before hiring any plumber,” advises John Smith, owner of Smith Plumbing in Austin, TX. “Comparing multiple quotes allows you to find the best price and avoid getting ripped off.”

“Ask your plumber upfront if they offer flat rate pricing for your specific repair. Many companies charge fixed fees for certain common jobs, which ends up cheaper than paying hourly,” explains Robert Johnson, a journeyman plumber at Johnson Plumbing & Heating in San Diego.

“Preventative maintenance is crucial to avoid costly plumbing emergencies,” says Sarah Lee, a master plumber and owner of Lee’s Plumbing in Minneapolis. “Simple steps like annually draining your water heater, cleaning sink traps, and flushing your main water line can prevent blockages and catch leaks early.”

“Always verify the plumber has active, up-to-date licenses and liability insurance before hiring them,” advises Alex Garcia, owner of AG Plumbing in Miami. “Proper licensing protects against unqualified handymen, while insurance covers damages if something goes wrong.”

Find an Affordable Plumber

When hiring any plumbing contractor, be sure to:

• Verify licenses and insurance – Avoid legal issues and ensure plumbers are qualified by checking for active licenses. Also validate they carry general liability insurance.
• Read online reviews – Sites like Google, Yelp, and Angi list customer reviews that provide transparency into service quality, pricing, professionalism, and more.
• Get detailed upfront quotes – Obtain itemized estimates from 3+ plumbers to compare rates and avoid surprise add-on costs after repairs begin.
• Use referral services – HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack and other sites connect homeowners with local, pre-screened plumbing pros.

Regional Plumbing Cost Differences

Where you live significantly impacts what you’ll pay for plumbing repairs:

• Urban vs. rural areas – More demand means plumbers in cities like New York and Chicago typically charge higher rates than those in small towns.
• State-by-state variations – Some states like New York and California have significantly higher labor costs than areas like Texas or Missouri.
• Climate-related differences – Colder regions where pipes freeze in winter will have higher rates due to seasonal pipe repair demands.

Final Words

As you can see, plumber pricing depends on several factors: hourly or service call rates, additional after-hours fees, parts/material costs, permits required, the plumber’s experience level, and your location. Homeowners can control costs by taking preventative measures, comparing multiple quotes, and using plumbers wisely. Given the potential for urgent plumbing repairs, families should budget several thousand dollars for unexpected issues.

Answers to Common Questions

How should a plumber charge?

Plumbers typically charge either an hourly rate, usually ranging from $50 to $200 per hour depending on experience, or a flat rate per service call based on the type of repair needed. Flat rates for specific jobs allow customers to know the full cost upfront.

How much does it cost to install a tap?

The typical cost to install a new faucet or tap is $150 to $350, with the main factors being the brand and type of faucet, number of holes, and complexity of the install. More extensive installs involving sink, countertop, or tile work can cost $500 or more.

How much does it cost to change a faucet?

To replace an existing kitchen or bathroom faucet with a new one of similar quality, expect to pay $75 to $250 for the plumber’s labor, plus $50 to $300 for the new faucet itself. More complex faucet installations with extras like soap dispensers or water filters average $400 to $600.