| |
|
 |  | Hourly Rate: $45-$150 |  | Unclogging a Toilet or Drain: $50-$450+ |  | Plumbing for a New House: $2,000-$15,000+ |
|
|
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.
Related articles: Unclogging a Toilet, Toilet Repair, Garbage Disposal
| |
Shopping for a plumber: | - CIDNetwork.net lists tips for choosing a plumber[1] . 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[2] .
- 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.
|
| |
|
|
|
CostHelper News
| 
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
| | 
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
Page 2 of 2 - << Previous 1 2
|
| Posted by: Mehna in Los Angeles, CA. | Posted: August 4th, 2020 10:08AM |
| Project: Shower renovation | Plumber: B & B Plumbing Van Nuys CA |
1) Plumbing: add piping for new water isolation valves for this bathroom only + make new extension pipe for ceiling mounted shower arm + install shower fixtures (water diverter for rain shower and handheld shower) = $1800
2) Drywall refinish: add new insulation inside opened up wall, dry wall = $1200 |
|
|
| Posted by: Caleb Domec in Lafayette, LA. | Posted: June 13th, 2020 10:06PM |
| Project: Advice | Plumber: Caleb Domec |
I am appalled by some of these charges myself and yes plumbers have a hard,disgusting and exhausting job and it’s not for everyone. I have been plumbing for 25 yrs and I have seen it all and also helped out people that can’t afford much. Some companies on here I mean WOW, I would be rich with the way some are charging customers. Are job is one of the worst out there but charging 4,000 to run a snake and camera to find clog, cutting square out concrete and digging out sewer line to cut object out and then putting everything back (WOW). Can’t believe that. I would of only charged the most 600 if that. All it took was 1ft of pipe, rubber boot, bag of concrete and sewer snake with camera which he probably owned already. This is why customers have a hard time trusting plumbers. Too many companies are overcharging and being unfair. I get everyone has different overhead costs and payroll but it doesn’t justify what they are charging and I apologize to all customers. |
|
|
| Posted by: a user in Cincinnati, OH. | Posted: April 13th, 2020 09:04AM |
| Project: REPLACE WATER PRESSURE REDUCING VAKVE | Plumber: BEN FRANKLIN |
SEEMED HIGH FOR WHAT WAS DONE. HERE LESS THAN AN HOUR... |
|
|
| Posted by: CDB4 in Greeley, CO. | Posted: September 28th, 2019 08:09AM |
| Project: Repar Toilet | Plumber: Troudt |
He did a good job. Just a little more than I expected. He did 4 toilets in total. |
|
|
| Posted by: a user in Seattle, WA. | Posted: August 17th, 2019 05:08PM |
| Project: Service | Plumber: Yes I am |
100/hr standard
150/hr if you watch
200/hr if you try to help
250/hr if you worked on it first
300/hr if you tell me how to do my job
350/hr if you bitch about the price
This is what I charge |
|
|
| Posted by: Richard Coble in Greensboro, NC. | Posted: March 6th, 2018 01:03AM |
| Project: All hvac.plumbing | Plumber: Perfect Comfort heating llc |
Ive been in mechanical trades for 30 years.im48. Myrate is $85 for service call 1st hr & $50-75 each additional hr.parts are cost plus 30%depending. most companies here range from 55-175 for service usually their additional hrs are the same as first hr.my est are free.on installs. If you need a mechanical contractor here are some tips.get ref.call get over phone basic est for job..be spacific.(im mechanical not english major)of job this is a rough est.most of the time smaller local companies do better work.still thats no garantee.im micro.i have been pd in dinner plates before.by broke folk in need.i do my best to help all i fix over the phone if possible to save folks $.most of my buisness is word of mouth. Like the auto mech..these days best to ask a friend or neighbor ifnot a major emergency.if so pick the smaller adds.ifa comp.has a half a page add with pretty designs on vans etc.u r paying for that. |
|
|
| Posted by: L M in Meriden, CT. | Posted: July 25th, 2017 10:07AM |
| Project: Replace seal on Kohler toilet | Plumber: Did it myself |
I called Blue Frog to look at a toilet that would not stop running. I couldn’t get an appt for almost a week. I was given a two hour window, after being 20 minutes late, we got a call saying he was on the way. I showed him the toilet and the damaged seal. He said Blue Frog would replace the entire mechanism, along with the supply line because the supply line also had a rubber gasket and usually within 6 months of replacing one the other one would need replacement. The price is $249.00. I told him “I could get a new toilet for that price” and he asked how much I expected it to cost. I said $100, but admitted I didn’t know anything about plumbing. He went on to tell me about the great reviews the company had and the warranty. I told him I wanted to get another estimate. A friend took a look at it. We went to Home Depot purchased the seal for $7.43, came home and 5 minutes later the problem was fixed. |
|
|
| Posted by: a user in burlington, NJ. | Posted: April 19th, 2017 06:04PM |
| Project: repair | Plumber: bob the plumber |
what a nice guy came out and fixed 3 leaks in my basement supplied the copper fittings very knowledgeable and very professional nice guy would use him again |
|
|
| Posted by: DenverMark in Greenwood Village, CO. | Posted: December 22nd, 2016 11:12AM |
| Project: Dr. Fix-It | Plumber: Justin |
Have central air units, one for upstairs and one for first floor. One was not working. Asked to fix one and service both for season. Tech was friendly, clean and competent. Job took about 30 minutes. Both work fine. |
|
|
| Posted by: DenverMark in Greenwood Village, CO. | Posted: December 22nd, 2016 11:12AM |
| Project: Dr. Fix-It | Plumber: Justin |
Friendly, clean and competent. Finished work in less than 30 minutes. Took old valve from copper line (after turning off water at street) and replaced with new valve. |
|
|
| Posted by: Stephen Russell Branstetter in Hot Sulphur Spgs CO., CO. | Posted: December 7th, 2016 10:12PM |
| Project: new residential/comerical/remodel/servic | Plumber: Rusty pipes plumbing & Mechanical |
I have been plumbing for just about 20years and have handled many jobs big and small. I began my own company 2004, and have experienced the full monty, Mostly a loosing end to the service I provide. I was resurching just now how much I should be charging per hr. and discovered this page. I decided to comment after reading most of the posts that poped up, and in the past have billed coustomers 75 per hr and have made a living thust far. But I have now decided to increase my rate per hr. to 100.
I also have decided to bill ungreatfull coustomers more than this. My reasoning is that very few americans are willing to work as hard as I do every day, even if it is there own shit they are working on. I have resolved tonight in my resurch that a cheep plumber is disrespect to my profession in addition if cheep but quality service is what demand my industry consumers want, I would just as soon as not do the work it takes to rescue fit capable complainers {I mean coustomers) |
|
|
| Posted by: a user in Pompano Beach, FL. | Posted: October 14th, 2016 01:10PM |
| Project: replace 2 kitchen faucet | Plumber: |
this was in the same complex and I had my own faucets |
|
|
| Posted by: Anette in Kokomo, IN. | Posted: October 8th, 2016 09:10AM |
| Project: Unclogging drains | Plumber: Any |
I think it's really funny to hear all of these people complaining about the cost plumbers charge. Yes, I do realize that unfortunately there are "bad plumbers", however, if you hire a licensed & insured plumber, you will have to spend some $. What you have to think about is 1) Do I know how to rectify the problem myself. 2) Do I want to crawl under my house where there are creatures living such as spiders, mice, snakes, ect. 3) Do I want to play in shit (literally), bloodied tampons, ect. Now then, I don't know of any plumber who just absolutely loves this aspect of their job, but it was the profession they got into so it is their job to fix these issues. So, if you answered "no" to any or all of these questions, now you know why plumbers charge the amount they do at times. I'm not a plumber nor do I have any relations with any plumbers but I know when my pipes back up that I'm going to have to pay $ to get it fixed. That's part of being a home owner. Rant over :) |
|
|
| Posted by: Mrs Wilcox in Santa rosa ca, CA. | Posted: August 25th, 2016 09:08PM |
| Project: Plumbing | Plumber: |
I was trying to find out the cost for adding another clearing for the two bathroom which are back to back. I was told I need another clearing because right now it's backing up |
|
|
| Posted by: Bettina in san diego, CA. | Posted: July 16th, 2016 03:07PM |
| Project: install water heater exterior closet | Plumber: salciados |
quick easy installation in and out 500$ |
|
|
| Posted by: HOLOWINKO in Mooresville, NC. | Posted: June 30th, 2016 07:06PM |
| Project: All of yours | Plumber: Henry |
To those of you complaining about the prices the plumber has charged you, please realize the plumber has to travel to and from your house, has to have or get your parts, pay for gas and wear and tear on his vehicle. He has to have liability, vehicle, health and workers compensation insurance. He has to pay for his clothing the hears to your house. He has to pay for his phone so he can answer your call. He has to pay all kinds of taxes. He has to have a shop and office -even if it's small and out of his garage at his home - if the business isn't paying the bills there is no point of being in business. He has to pay someone or take the time to do the books, pay the bills, advertise, make work for tomorrow and find time to eat and sleep sometime during the day so he can wake up and do it all over again tomorrow. For you people complaining about what he charges, wake up people. If you people only knew what us plumbers really deal with. Stop being cheap and expecting top notch service. |
|
|
| Posted by: Norka in Battle Creek, MI. | Posted: June 24th, 2016 08:06PM |
| Project: Bathroom | Plumber: Tony |
I got a new faucet and higher toilet installed, he took the old ones out and took care of them for me.
Just seemed like $800.00 is a little high..Mujst add he did a very good job..and no mess... |
|
|
| Posted by: Abused customer in Bear, DE. | Posted: June 6th, 2016 05:06PM |
| Project: Bathroom sink plumbing done | Plumber: not worth mentioning |
My husband and I were surprised when we received the bill from the plumber asking for this amount. When the plumber was here he was bragging about how he doesn't work every day; well after I received the bill I see why he doesn't have to work every day. I feel he abused us and over priced us. What a rip off. We will never recommend him to anyone. They take advantage of people. He was referred to us by the people that sold us the granite countertop. We are going to call them to let them know the plumber was a rip off and we were so disappointed. He had the nerve to say he gave us a discount. |
|
|
| Posted by: HelpMeRhonda in Lincoln, NE. | Posted: May 23rd, 2016 02:05PM |
| Project: Kitchen faucet and Toilet plumbing | Plumber: JC Plus Plumbing |
I had a plumber try to fix a leaking toilet and kitchen faucet. The issue came back and thankfully I had a friend recommend JC PLus Plumbing. JC Plus Plumbing came in and fixed both issues in half the time and no call back. Also, very friendly and professional. |
|
|
| Posted by: joel winton in Tullahoma, TN. | Posted: April 6th, 2016 08:04PM |
| Project: all | Plumber: A Plumb Better Job |
If I charged these price for service I want to think that by now I would be a Rick man. There are ones around here and do a bad job. And people still call them. I myself has been paid in can goods, what do you do for a older man, women, couple on a fixxed income. Guess I'm to nice but I'm going up some |
|
|
| Posted by: MARGA in Spring, TX. | Posted: March 3rd, 2016 12:03PM |
I thought it was too high and to tighten up the leaking shower nob charged 350 in addition to the 850 |
|
|
| Posted by: Don3234 in Laurel, MD. | Posted: December 21st, 2015 10:12AM |
| Project: gargabe disposal | Plumber: |
|
|
| Posted by: Buckmaster in Carolina in FLorence, SC. | Posted: December 5th, 2015 05:12AM |
| Project: BATH REMODEL | Plumber: |
Already had everything torn out and walls were open to plumbing. Plumber came in and pulled out existing piping and roughed in for new shower. Took almost 4 hours and was charged $700! When asked I was told they get paid $375 per fixture and since body jets were added they were an additional fixture. That's not included in the finish trim they have to do when the tile man finishes the shower! Was told he had done me a favor. |
|
|
| Posted by: Susan in Eagan, Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. | Posted: November 21st, 2015 04:11PM |
| Project: Find source of sewer gas smell | Plumber: Richfield Plumbing Company |
I smelled sewer gas in my first floor powder room and called a plumbing company (vs. independent plumber). Plumber spent an hour at my house: looked in sink and toilet, went up to the roof twice to check the plumbing stack, and conferred on the phone with another plumber for advice. He unhooked the ceiling fan and covered it with a plastic bag I pulled out of my garbage. He told me that if the smell did not come back within a week, that meant the plastic bag had isolated the smell in the HVAC vent and I would need to call for HVAC help. Then he left. |
|
|
| Posted by: Electric joe in 07076, NJ. | Posted: October 14th, 2015 08:10PM |
| Project: Anything | Plumber: Local shop |
You all got ripped off stop calling big box flat rate plumbers and go with local reputable plumbers that charge time and material. Not only is that the most honest way to charge but they are local folk just trying to put food on the table for kids who go to the same school as yours. As far as flat rate goes you can't even tell their hourly rate cause it's padded with worst case scenarios. |
|
|
| Posted by: Hector Ramirez in Phoenix, AZ. | Posted: October 12th, 2015 07:10PM |
| Project: Replace water Heater | Plumber: KanAz Plumber on Thumtack |
I request a quote on Thumbtack and I hire a KanAz Plumber in Phoenix Az to replace a water heater and he charge me $550 with labor and materials.I believe it was a good price. |
|
|
Page 2 of 2 - << Previous 1 2
|
|
|
|
|
External Resources: | - www.cidnetwork.net/finding-plumber.htm
- www.phccweb.org/applications/ContractorReferral/search.cfm?navItemNumber=532&ewebT...
More Home and Garden Topics
|
Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com
|
|
| |
| Today's Featured Cost Articles |
|
|
|
|
Post
