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CostHelper > Home & Garden  > Plumber

Plumber Cost


How Much Does a Plumber Cost?


low cost Hourly Rate: $45-$150
averae cost Unclogging a Toilet or Drain: $50-$450+
high cost Plumbing for a New House: $2,000-$15,000+
Unclogging a Toilet

Toilet Repair

Garbage Disposal

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Typical costs:
  • Plumbers' rates vary significantly by location. In some areas plumbers charge $45 -$75 an hour; in other regions the hourly rate can be $75 -$150. Most plumbers charge a two-hour minimum or a service call fee of $75 -$150, and some plumbers bill a flat fee per job instead of an hourly rate. Either away, exact costs will depend on the complexity and type of work done. For example, it can cost $50 -$200 to have a plumber repair a toilet by replacing the tank mechanism, wax ring (underneath the toilet) or flange (under the wax ring). Replacing a toilet typically costs $150 -$600 for standard installation of a basic toilet.
  • Unclogging a toilet can cost $65 -$250 or more for a simple obstruction in just the toilet and unclogging a drain can cost $50 -$450 or more for a simple obstruction. If a plumber needs to "snake" the main sewer line with a cable and cutting head to remove debris and tree roots it can cost $100 -$800 or more, depending on the distance snaked. If the pipes are damaged, sewer line replacement can cost $1,000 -$25,000 or more, depending on the length and depth of existing pipes, replacement method used and complexity of the project, with a typical cost of $3,000 -$6,000 for the traditional dig-up-and-replace sewer technique for an average family home.
  • If a kitchen isn't already set up for a garbage disposal, running the pipes to add one can cost $100 -$450; the disposal itself can be another $50 -$2,500. A plumber typically charges $200 -$500 to install a standard utility sink if the basic hook-ups and vents are already in place, or $500 -$1,300 or more to add he basic hook-ups; the utility sink itself can cost another $50 -$900 or more.
  • Having a plumber install a water heater can cost $300 -$3,500 or more for a traditional tank water heater, depending on capacity, quality of materials, length of warranty and any repairs needed to bring the installation up to current building codes. A central, whole-house tankless water heater typically costs $800 -$3,000, or $1,800 -$5,000 with installation.
  • If water in a crawlspace or basement is a problem, expect to pay $250 -$600 parts and labor to have a plumber install a basic sump pump.
  • Plumbing for new house construction can cost $200 -$800 per fixture in low-cost, rural areas or $800 -$1,100 or more per fixture in high-cost urban areas, with a toilet sink and bathtub each considered an individual fixture; a house with 10 fixtures could cost $2,000 -$11,000. Tearing out old pipes and installing copper pipes in a two-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot home can cost $2,000 -$15,000 or more, depending on location, the size and condition of the crawlspace under the home, the amount of wall to be torn out and other factors.
Shopping for a plumber:
  • CIDNetwork.net lists tips for choosing a plumber. If it's not an emergency, get several estimates (in writing if possible). Ask for recommendations from family, friends, neighbors or co-workers, or at the local home improvement or hardware store. For larger projects, search for local members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association.
  • Ask about relevant experience. Request and check references; verify that they are properly bonded, insured and licensed. State regulations vary, but typically there are different qualifications required for licensing as a journeyman plumber, residential specialty plumber, backflow specialty plumber or other categories.
  • Check for any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.
Article updated October 2012
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Colorado Spings Plumbers and their Prices
Amount: $90.00
Posted by: Ernie.G in Colorado Springs, CO.Posted: February 5th, 2012 10:02AM
Project: Main Line ClogPlumber: Pro Power Rooter
I live in Colorado Springs, CO we had a plumbing company come over and look at our toilet to see why it wasn't flushing. They said it was our main line that was clogged and said they would charge me $180.00 to pull the toilet and run a snake machine in the sewer line but it would only have a 7 day guarantee. I could not afford it, so I ended up finding out from one of my neighbours about Pro power rooters prices so I called them up. Their diagnosis and the pricing was unbelievable to say the least, they found my clean out in my front yard and didn't even have to pull the toilet . It only ended up costing me $90.00 for the intire bill with a guarantee of 90 days. If your living in the Springs call them 719 331-4071
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