How Much Do Plumbers Charge? | Calculate The Cost

Plumbers’ hourly rates range from as little as $75/hour to as much as $150/hour. Some charge a flat rate according to the task, such as installing a hot water heater, or fixing a leaky pipe.

So how much will you need to pay to hire a plumbing company for your job? Here’s what you need to know to find the best plumbers near you.

The worst time to look for a plumber is when you desperately need a plumber!

Does that mean you should have a plumber on stand-by? Once you’ve spent time vetting to ensure they’re qualified, trustworthy, and won’t drain your bank account?

Having a plumber in your network is ideal. But let’s be honest, how much time have you spent looking for a plumber when you didn’t need one?

Fill out the form to compare prices and estimates from local plumbers.

Unless you’ve used a plumber in the past, your first move when water runs where it shouldn’t is probably an online search.

Wouldn’t it be nice to know what services plumbers offer and how much they charge—before your toilets start backing up?

Now you can with our guide to plumber’s services, including average prices for the most common residential plumbing jobs.

How Much Does a Licensed Plumber Cost?

You’ve heard the commercial about going to the dentist, right? The one where the woman claims she’s afraid of the bill, not the drill? Homeowners have the same fear about plumbers—the bill.

Until you need one, it’s difficult to predict how much a plumber will charge for services.

One thing is certain, you’ll pay more for an emergency visit than a scheduled plumbing remodeling job. And plan on a higher fee if you call a plumber after hours, or on a weekend.

Beyond that, you’ll either make assumptions based on national averages or contact a plumber directly and ask for a price list. Hint: You’ll still only end up with estimates.

If you’re fine with only estimates and averages, this is the average hourly rate for a plumber in the United States: $60.63.

Pay close attention to the word average because there are several variables that go into your bill for plumbing services. For example, if your plumber finishes your job in 1 hour, you’ll pay more than $60.63.

Here are estimates of hourly rates for a few common plumbing services:

• Drain clearing – $70
• Sewer line clearing – $125
• Weekend/Night calls – $75 per hour
• Remodeling plumbing services – $45-65

Keep in mind the hourly charge for a weekend or night service call may include a fee for the call in addition to the hourly charge. Also, the hourly rate for a plumber who does a scheduled remodeling job is for one man and a truck. Parts aren’t included in any of these rates.

Common Services by Plumbing Companies

Most homeowners can wield a plunger and push a simple clog through the pipes. The average person shouldn’t do much beyond plunging or pouring a dose of drain cleaner in the sink. Call a plumber instead!

Here are some of the common jobs you’ll call a plumber to do in your home:

• Drain clearing
• Sewer repair
• Leak detection and repair
• Hot water heater repair/replacement
• Garbage disposal repair
• Sump pump replacement
• Pipe repair and installation
• Plumbing fixture installation

After reading this list of plumbing services, you may have a greater appreciation for plumbers and the rates they charge, especially if you’ve never been too successful with a plunger.

How Much Do Plumbers Charge to Install Toilets?

In general, the cost to have a plumber install a toilet will fall somewhere between $250-$400, with the driving factors, being location, type of toilet, and any pipe installation needs.

The cost of having a plumber install a toilet is influenced by several key factors:

1. Type and Quality of the Toilet: The cost of the toilet itself varies based on type (e.g., standard, dual-flush, smart toilets) and quality. High-end models with additional features like bidets or self-cleaning functions will cost more.
2. Labor Costs: This depends on the complexity of the installation and the plumber’s rates, which can vary by region and experience. More complex installations in difficult-to-access areas or requiring extensive plumbing adjustments will be more expensive.
3. Additional Materials and Supplies: Besides the toilet, other materials like wax rings, mounting bolts, and supply lines might be needed. The cost of these supplies can add up.
4. Removal of Old Toilet: If the old toilet needs to be removed, there might be additional charges for removal and disposal.
5. Plumbing Modifications: If existing plumbing needs to be modified or repaired to accommodate the new toilet, this will increase the cost.
6. Location: Geographic location can affect costs due to differences in the cost of living and local regulations that may require specific types of toilets or installation methods.
7. Emergency or Rush Services: If the installation needs to be done urgently or outside of regular business hours, there may be additional charges for emergency or expedited services.

These factors combine to determine the overall cost of the installation. It’s always advisable to get multiple quotes from different plumbers to compare prices and services offered.

Plan on investing around $370 for the installation of a new toilet. The single biggest factor in toilet installation cost is the type, model and style of the toilet.

How Much Does it Cost to Have a Bathtub/Shower Installed by a Plumber?

The cost of installing a bathtub or shower by a plumber can vary significantly based on several factors. Typically, the price range for installation alone can span from $1,500 to $8,500. This cost can be influenced by the following:

1. Type and Quality of Bathtub/Shower: The choice of a basic alcove tub, a freestanding tub, a high-end Jacuzzi, a standard shower stall, or a custom-tiled shower can greatly impact the cost. Luxury or specialized models with additional features like jets, built-in lighting, or steam functions will be more expensive.
2. Supplying Materials: If you provide your own bathtub or shower unit, you only pay for the labor costs of installation. However, if the remodeler supplies the unit, they might mark up the price of the materials, increasing the overall cost. On the other hand, professional remodelers might have access to trade discounts.
3. Labor Costs: Installation costs depend on the complexity of the job. More intricate designs or the need for extensive plumbing adjustments can increase labor costs. Labor rates also vary by region and the plumber’s experience.
4. Plumbing Modifications: If existing plumbing needs modification to fit the new unit, this can add to the cost. Moving pipes, installing new faucets, or adding additional water lines can be labor-intensive.
5. Removal of Existing Unit: Removing and disposing of an old bathtub or shower can incur additional charges.
6. Size and Customization: Custom sizes and designs, like a tiled walk-in shower, are more costly due to the extra labor and materials required.
7. Permits: In some cases, local building codes may require permits for bathroom remodeling, which can add to the overall cost.

The cost of bathtub or shower installation varies widely based on the type of unit, whether you supply the materials or the remodeler does, labor rates, plumbing requirements, and any additional modifications or customizations. It’s advisable to get multiple quotes and consider the long-term value of quality materials and professional installation.

How Much Do Plumbers Charge to Install a Water Heater?

The cost for plumbers to install a water heater typically ranges between $750 and $1,600, with an average cost around $1200. This cost varies depending on the type of water heater (tankless, gas, or electric), capacity, brand, geographic location, and the complexity of the installation. Labor costs are a significant portion of the total, and additional work like modifying gas lines, venting systems, or electrical wiring can increase the overall price. It’s important to get quotes from multiple plumbers to compare prices and ensure a balance between quality and cost.

How Much Do Plumbers Charge to Install Sinks?

The cost for plumbers to install a sink varies widely depending on several factors such as the type of sink, the complexity of the installation, the need for additional plumbing work, and geographic location. On average, plumbers may charge anywhere from $230 to $550 for a standard sink installation. This price can increase for more complex installations, such as undermount sinks or those requiring extensive plumbing modifications.

Factors influencing the cost include:

1. Type of Sink: Pedestal, vessel, undermount, or drop-in sinks vary in installation complexity and price.
2. Materials and Fixtures: High-end materials and fixtures can increase costs.
3. Plumbing Work: Additional plumbing work like moving pipes or installing new lines adds to the cost.
4. Labor Rates: Plumbers’ rates vary by region and experience.
5. Disposal of Old Sink: If removal and disposal of an old sink are required, it could add to the cost.
6. Urgency and Timing: Emergency or after-hours services may incur higher charges.

It’s advisable to get multiple quotes to compare prices and services. Additionally, some homeowners may opt to purchase their sink and only pay for installation, which can sometimes be more cost-effective.

How Much Do Plumbers Charge to Install a Garbage Disposal?

Additional Plumbing Services

There is no end to a plumber’s work inside your home. Some other essential plumbing services include:

• Waterline and water main installation and repair
• Water testing
• Water softener installation and repair
• Water treatment system installation and repair
• Well drilling, well pump installation and well repairs
• Septic system installation and repairs
• Laying of water pipes
• Fixing low water pressure in your home
• Backflow testing and repair
• Sauna installation and repair

Getting installation help from a plumber also means that, if something goes wrong in the future, repairing the problem won’t take long. Repair jobs are often quicker (and therefore cheaper) if the plumber is already familiar with your plumbing system.

Get Estimates From a Licensed Plumber Near You

As you can see, the short answer for ‘what do plumbers do?’ is, quite simply, A LOT! They will be able to help you to fix a huge range of problems within your home and will do this safely.

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch today for a plumbing quote near you. We’re here to help!

Find a Plumber Near You:

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