How much do plumbers cost?

A home’s plumbing system is vital to everyday life—cooking, bathing, cleaning, and more. But for many homeowners, the various pipes that make up that system are a mystery. Repairing, improving, and maintaining home plumbing usually requires a licensed professional plumber who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools for the job.

This guide explains the cost of hiring a plumber to handle various plumbing jobs. Pricing information is based on quotes provided to consumers by plumbing businesses on Yelp, along with trusted industry data. Learn more about how these costs are gathered in the methodology section at the end of the guide. 

The average charge plumbing services is $400, according to Yelp data. Costs range from $150–1,100 based on the type of job requested. Simple repairs cost less—for example, unclogging a toilet costs $250—while more complex plumbing jobs, like installing a bathtub, can cost as much as $2,280.

Licensed plumbers charge for their services in several ways: hourly rates, a flat fee for common repairs, or a quote for the entire job. Here’s a closer look at each of these methods.

Plumbers rates range from $85–230 per hour, with a typical rate of $148 per hour. Hourly rates may trend higher or lower in different regions. For example, the hourly rate is $96 in Chandler, Arizona but $305 in San Francisco, where the overall cost of living is higher.  

Simple plumbing jobs, such as unclogging a drain or replacing faucet parts, can often be handled in 1 hour. But a more intricate task like replacing a sink might take 3–4 hours of a plumber’s time. (You can find the costs of specific types of plumbing jobs below.)

In most cases, the cost of replacement parts, like a new faucet cartridge or drain assembly, will be added to the plumber’s bill. 

Plumber service-call fees typically range from $50–120. This fee covers a plumber’s time (and travel expense) to come to your home to diagnose a problem, if you don’t hire them. It’s usually deducted from the plumber’s labor charges if you hire them to do the work, or may be built into the cost if they charge a flat rate.  

For common services where plumbers can anticipate the time required—drain clearing or fixing a leaky faucet, for example—some plumbers have flat rates. “I’d say 90+ percent of our jobs are flat rate,” says Patrick Finegan, owner of Drain-EEZ Plumbing in Chicago. “We tell our customers the cost [in advance].” 

Always get cost estimates from at least 2–3 local plumbing contractors for major plumbing projects—such as installing plumbing in a new home or “repiping” (replacing old pipes with new plumbing) in an existing home. When looking for a plumber, ask friends and family for recommendations. Also check Yelp for reviews of local plumbing businesses. 

Installing a new toilet, sink, or bathtub? Avoid surprises by making sure your plumber’s quote includes the following costs, where applicable:

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for different plumbing services, based on quotes plumbers provided to consumers on Yelp for real-life projects.

The price of bathtub installation ranges from $750–2,280 across the US, not including the cost of the tub, according to Yelp data representing thousands of quotes from plumbers across the US. A typical installation project costs $1,400. The bathtub itself can cost $200–2,000+. At the very high end, a complete luxury bathtub-replacement project can set you back as much as $15,000. 

Learn more about the cost of bathtub and shower installation.

The cost of fixing your bathtub or shower ranges from $125–720 nationally, based on the type and severity of the repair, the type of tub or shower you have, and your location. For unclogging a tub or shower drain, expect to pay $120–315, with a typical cost of $215. Fixing a dripping shower head or faucet typically costs $330. 

Learn more about the cost of bathtub or shower repair.

The typical cost to repair a drain is $195, according to estimates provided by Yelp pros. The price can range from $120–280 (including parts and labor), depending on the job details and your location. The cost to unclog a main line to the sewer (such as blockages caused by tree roots) typically ranges from $120–400. Fixing a corroded drain trap or pipe typically costs $125–350.

Learn more about the cost of drain repair.

You’ll usually pay $149–516 to have a faucet repaired, depending on the faucet type and price of replacement parts. In most cases, fixing a faucet takes 1–2 hours of a plumber’s time. 

Faucet replacement takes 1–2 hours, at a cost of $170–460 (depending upon plumbers’ hourly rates in your area), plus the price of the new faucet. Kitchen faucets cost $50–800, while most popular bathroom sink faucets cost $30–$300. 

The typical cost to repair a garbage disposal ranges from $145–305, according to quotes provided by Yelp pros. This usually involves unjamming the disposal or restoring lost power.

For most other problems, the unit will need to be replaced. This typically costs $250–625, including the new disposal and installation. If the unit won’t turn on, there are some simple ways to fix a disposal problem yourself. If those don’t work, you’ll need to call a plumber.

Learn more about the cost of garbage disposal repair.

Repairs to an existing gas line generally cost $150–750. The cost of replacing gas line piping depends on the type of pipe, but most jobs average $15–30 per linear foot for labor and materials. When digging (known as “trenching”) is required to run a new line through the yard, the service costs an additional $5–12 per linear foot. 

Gas lines carry natural gas to gas furnaces, water heaters, and other appliances. Repairs and replacements are typically handled by a licensed plumber or other gas line professional.

Learn more about the cost of gas line services.

The cost to install new water pipes ranges from $155–995, with a typical cost of $310, according to Yelp data.

To install plumbing pipes in a newly constructed home, the national average cost is $4.50 per square foot. For a typical, 2,000-square-foot house with 2 full bathrooms and 1 half-bath, the cost would be $8,000–12,000. Replacing all of the pipes in an average-size existing home can cost up to $15,000, depending on type of pipes and square footage. The cost is higher than a new home because access is generally more difficult and includes removing old pipes.

Learn more about the cost of pipe installation.

The typical cost of detection services is $175–350. Depending on the amount of time and equipment needed to find a leak, you could pay as little as $75 or as much as $3,000. If you suspect you have leaking water pipes, a plumber can locate the leak and repair the damage.

Finding the source of leaks in a basement typically costs $100–2,500, while locating a leaking drain pipe under the basement floor slab can cost $100–700. If water is infiltrating cracks in the concrete slab foundation or foundation walls—and dripping down basement walls or pooling on a basement floor—detecting the leak can run $500–2,500.

Learn more about the cost of water leak detection.

The cost to repair water pipes is typically $133–584, based on Yelp data.

Drain drips are the least expensive type of pipe repair. These typically occur in the joints between drain pipe sections (see the section above on drain unclogging and repair cost) and can be fixed by having plumbers tighten the joints or add new seals at the joints. In situations where pipes have become defective, sections of the pipes—or the entire pipes—are replaced rather than repaired. 

Average costs for sewer replacement or sewer line repair from a broken pipe is $3,000–8,000, or about $60–275 per linear foot. (The homeowner is responsible for repair or replacement of sewer lines that cross their property). Pumping a septic tank typically costs $250–750, depending on the size and accessibility of the tank. 

Clogs in the sewer line or drain line that connects your home to the city’s sewer system is typically cleared by snaking or hydro jetting—in which a stream of high-pressure water removes debris in the pipe. Hydro jetting typically costs $200–800. It’s more expensive than snaking, but more effective at clearing sewer lines of all debris.  

Learn more about the cost of sewer line services.

The cost of installing a new sink (and removing the old one) ranges from $215–590, with a typical charge of $380 (not including the cost of the sink), according to Yelp data. Sinks can cost from $80–3,000, but the most common ones cost $200–1,500.

The cost to install a bathroom vanity sink is $200–580, with a typical cost of $385. To install a double-bowl kitchen sink, expect to pay $220–605, with a typical cost of $405. 

Learn more about the cost of sink installation.

Most types of sink repairs cost from $135–265, with a typical price of $185, according to Yelp data. The main factors are the type of repair (whether the sink is broken, clogged, or leaking) and where you live.

Learn more about the cost of sink repair.

Repairing a sump pump, which is typically used to remove water from a basement or crawl space, costs $116–610, according to Yelp data. Most plumbers will take 2–3 hours for this job, at a rate of $85–230 per hour. 

The average cost to install a sump pump ranges from $450–1,700 for labor; pumps can cost $100–800. 

Having a standard toilet installed by a licensed professional plumber typically costs $185–400, not including the toilet itself, according to estimates quoted by Yelp pros.

The purchase price of a toilet is $100–450 for a standard plumbing fixture, or more for a high-end model. You could pay thousands of dollars for a stylish, high-tech “smart toilet.” 

Learn more about the cost of toilet installation.

The cost to repair a toilet ranges from $140–270, with a typical price of $190 (including parts and labor), according to quotes from Yelp pros on real-life projects. Your specific costs will depend on the type and complexity of the repair and whether expensive parts are required, any of which could increase the price to as much as $500. 

To have a plumber unclog a toilet, you’ll typically pay $120–275. 

Learn more about the cost of toilet repair.

The cost of water heater installation by a professional plumber ranges from $790–$2,070, according to Yelp data, with a typical installation job averaging $1,610. 

The cost will be based on the type of water heater, its size, whether the plumber supplies it, where you live, and any installation difficulties. To purchase and install a large, high-end water heater, you could pay as much as $5,000 or more. 

Learn more about the cost of water heater installation.

Not getting hot water when you need it? The cost of most water heater repairs ranges from $145–690, with a typical cost of $305, according to Yelp data. Repairing a tankless water heater typically costs more because of the complexity of these appliances, typically $185–956. 

Your specific costs will depend on the type of appliance you have, the nature of the repair, the area where you live, and the accessibility of the water heater in your home. 

Learn more about the cost of water heater repair.

The following issues can affect your costs when hiring a plumber.

If you need emergency or urgent service, a plumber may charge 1.5–2 times their regular rate to come right away or work on an evening, weekend, or holiday. If your plumber charges more for off-hours visits, try to schedule non-urgent plumbing jobs in advance, during normal business hours.

Plumbing costs can vary in different regions, due to local labor rates and the cost of living in your area. In fact, prices may be significantly lower or higher even within a single state. For example, the cost range for drain repair service in Los Angeles is $135–225, but it’s $185–275 in San Jose, according to Yelp data from California plumbers.

Access to pipes can impact the price of your plumbing job. There are several ways to improve access. Clearing boxes or other obstacles in the basement, for example, can help save a plumber’s time and your money. Making sure the area is well-lit is also helpful. Installing clean-outs—Y-shaped access points throughout the pipe—is another way to ease access for drain clearing. And access to pipes from the basement—or through open wall studs in new construction—simplifies pipe installs or repairs. 

Most local municipalities have strict requirements for plumbing improvements, so you may need permits to have work done. Always check with your city before moving ahead with new installations or modifications to your existing system. Your plumber may take care of obtaining  the permits, but you’ll be responsible for paying their fees. 

Here are some ways to reduce plumbing expenses.

Choose a plumber who you know and trust, or find a local plumber who has good reviews on Yelp. Ask whether there will be any fees for travel to your home. For a big job, like replacing a collapsed main drain line, obtain quotes from multiple local plumbers to get the most competitive price.

Making the job easier and faster for the plumber can affect cost with certain types of jobs. “There’s really no easy way to save money on drain repair costs,” says Finegan. “What’s really helpful, though, is to clean everything out below the sink before the plumber comes. That way, they’re not spending 15 or 20 minutes removing stuff.” 

Some plumbing services may offer discounts to new customers, senior citizens, or military vets, or they may have online coupons or seasonal specials. They may also offer special flat rates for common services, such as unclogging a drain.

Tackling a plumbing issue yourself can save money, but whether it’s a good idea to do so depends on the complexity of the job. If you’re considering DIY, you should be comfortable with basic plumbing tasks, and have the necessary tools and knowledge to handle it safely and effectively. Here are some of the easiest DIY tasks you might tackle:

For more complex problems, hiring a professional plumber is usually the right choice. If you decide to hire a pro, do some research to find a reliable plumber in your area, and be sure to ask the right questions in advance, so there are no surprises.

When interviewing a professional for a plumbing job, ask about their qualifications and customer-service practices. You’re also likely to find the answers to questions about the business on their Yelp Business Page.

Questions about the plumbing business 

Questions about plumbing repair costs

How much do plumbers charge per hour?

Hourly rates for plumbers range from $85–230. Rates trend higher or lower in certain areas because of higher living costs and labor costs. You’ll usually pay more for emergency service outside of normal business hours. Some plumbers charge a basic service-call fee of $50–120 to come to your home—this is generally applied against the cost of services if you hire them to do the work.

How much does it cost to replace a sink drain?

The average cost to repair or replace a sink drain is $120–280 (including parts and labor), with a typical cost of $195 for most jobs, according to data provided by Yelp pros. Your specific price will depend on the details of the project and your location. 

How much does it cost to replace pipes?

Most service calls involving pipe installation cost $155–995, with a typical cost of $310, according to Yelp data. The price can be much higher, depending on the type and length of the pipes, among other factors. Replacing all of the pipes in an average-size existing home with a kitchen and 2 or 3 bathrooms can cost up to $15,000. 

Find a qualified plumber in your area.

Cost data in this guide is based on project quote estimates provided to Yelp users by licensed professionals and businesses on Yelp (as well as analysis of industry data). Actual project costs may vary depending on location or complexity of the project. Cost data has been reviewed by our industry expert, Don Vandervort, a nationally known home improvement author. Don is the founder of the website HomeTips.com and has written or produced more than 30 home improvement books.