How much should plumbing services cost? A breakdown of typical plumbing charges
Plumbing repair costs can vary a lot depending on what you need done. Here's what you can expect to pay, from quick jobs to more involved repairs.
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Some of the hardest home expenses to plan for are plumbing repair costs. When something goes wrong, it usually does so without warning. Even if you're hiring a plumber for a planned upgrade, things like water heater installation costs can reach thousands of dollars.
If you're trying to set aside savings so you can budget for potentially unforeseen plumbing costs, there are general guidelines you can follow. We've rounded up average costs of common plumbing repairs and services so you can better prepare.
Common plumbing repair costs
A plumber repairs a blocked drain in a kitchen
Plumbing costs can vary quite a bit by where you live, the experience of your plumber and the complexity of the job. Plumbers typically charge by the hour, but you may also encounter flat rates for routine jobs. According to home service review and recommendation site Angi , hourly rates generally range from $45 to $200 per hour. You may also be charged a separate service charge of up to $250 to have someone diagnose the issue.
Here are some general ranges you can expect for more common plumbing services, according to Angi.
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Clearing clogs: This is one of the more common tasks plumbers do and can vary depending on the severity of the clog and how difficult it is to snake your drain. On average, expect to pay between $95 and $500 if you can't unclog the drain yourself .
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Sump pump costs: The typical cost to repair a sump pump is between $300 and $1,000. Installing a new sump pump is much more expensive, ranging between $1,200 and $2,500.
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Water heater costs: Water heater installation prices depend on the type of water heater you choose , but generally range from $800 to $2,000. Repairs run between $150 and $750.
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Toilet installation and repairs: The typical toilet installation costs between $300 and $800, while repairs may land between $100 and $300. Read our rundown on toilet repair costs for details on more specific fixes.
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Sink and faucet installations: Expect to pay between $150 and $600 to replace a faucet or other water fixture in your home. Installing a new sink is a bit more expensive, at between $200 and $700.
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Burst or leaky pipe repairs: If you have a pipe burst because of cold temperatures, you're in for a hefty bill. Burst pipe repairs generally range from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the extent of the damage. Leaking pipes are a much smaller job and cost an average of $175 to $550 for standard pipes. However, if your main line is leaking, you're looking at between $600 and $4,500 for repairs.
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Water softener installation: Expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a new system.
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Septic tank repair: If you have a septic tank, expect repairs to be one of the more costly jobs you can hire a plumber for. Generally, you'll pay between $500 and $3,000 depending on the severity of your septic tank issues.
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Gas line repair: It's often forgotten, but plumbers work on gas lines as well. If you need a repair, expect to pay between $250 and $750.
Note that these are ranges sourced from real project costs reported by Angi customers. While they give you a good idea of what your project may cost, you could pay more or less depending on factors specific to your home.
What factors affect plumbing costs?
A new toilet in the process of being installed
One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of a plumbing job is the complexity. Replacing a faucet is a relatively easy routine job for which plumbers may have a set flat fee. However, running or rerouting new piping can be complex, take more time and is usually charged hourly.
Your plumber's experience level factors into what they charge as well. While those relatively new to the industry may charge a lower hourly rate, expect experienced plumbers to reach the higher end of the range. They've gained valuable years of experience tackling nearly any plumbing issue you can think of and charge a higher price for it.
Additionally, you can expect costs to rise even more if you need emergency services. In general, hourly rates for emergency plumbing services are 1.5 to 3 times the normal rate. You may also see premiums for night and weekend hours, depending on your plumber's policies.
Where you live also affects costs. Expect plumbers to charge more in higher cost-of-living regions of the country. Conversely, more rural areas with a lower cost of living should see lower hourly rates.
Finally, there's the cost of materials and any permits associated with the job. The type of materials, including everything from pipes and fittings to toilets and water heaters, will impact the overall cost and are always increasing due to inflation . If you're installing a new septic tank in your yard, you may also require a permit from your local building authority, which adds to the cost.
When in doubt, call a plumber
A woman calls a plumber about a leaking pipe underneath her kitchen sink
In general, it's best to hire a professional for anything more complex than fixing small leaks or replacing simple fixtures. If you don't know what you're doing when installing a toilet or fixing a burst pipe, you can easily cause unintended damage that you'll have to pay for later. Plumbers bring valuable experience and can spot issues that you might not see, making them well worth the cost for more complex jobs.
However, if you consider yourself handy and want to fix a leaky faucet or clean its aerator , you can save a lot of money by tackling the job yourself and calling a plumber if it's more complex than you anticipated. For example, clogs are probably the most common issue you can fix yourself with a good drain cleaner . However, if one or two applications don't fix the issue, you likely have a more complicated problem and should call a plumber to take a look.
The best way to avoid surprise plumbing costs is to stay on top of routine maintenance and inspections. You can also make certain upgrades to your home, like installing a smart water leak detection system , to catch issues before they cause costly damage.
