How Much Does Plumbing Repair Cost In 2024? (2024)

For the most part, plumbing repairs are split into six categories—water heater repairs, leak repairs, clogs, gas services, fixture repairs and miscellaneous repairs. Quoting a job requires a plumber to consider the cost of materials, their hourly rate and any additional costs, such as permits or disposal of old equipment.

In addition, many contractors mark up the job materials to account for buying, storing and delivering the materials. For example, if a toilet costs a plumber $150, they may charge $165 for it. Although there are no standard markups, most contractors mark up materials by 5% to 20%.

Finally, most plumbing companies mark up labor as well. Marking up labor allows a plumbing company to cover its overhead and make a profit. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average plumber makes a little over $30 per hour. However, most plumbers charge $45 to $200 an hour.

The variation in markup is attributed to the local cost of living, the plumber’s experience and the company’s reputation. For instance, a master plumber in Chicago likely has a higher markup than a journeyman plumber in Wichita, Kansas.

Flat Rates

Instead of an hourly charge plus materials, a professional plumber may charge a flat rate for a plumbing job. For example, a plumber may charge a flat rate of $79 for faucet repair or $150 to unclog a toilet. The benefit of a flat rate is that you can receive an accurate quote upfront. In addition, if the plumber runs into complications and takes longer than usual, you still pay the flat rate.

When you need a plumber, you might wonder how much they cost. The cost of a plumber per hour varies depending on a few factors, such as location, experience and the job’s complexity. On average, hiring a plumber can range from$45 to $200 per hour.

Sometimes, plumbers may charge a flat fee for specific jobs like installing a water heater or fixing a leaky faucet. Remember that some plumbers may charge additional fees for emergency or after-hours services. Therefore, before hiring a plumber, you must ask for a detailed estimate of the cost of the job to avoid any surprises later on.

Replacement

Replacing a water heater costs, on average, about $1,200. A typical 50-gallon water heater itself costs about $400 to $900, and a licensed plumber takes two to three hours to replace it. Factor in disposal fees for the old water heater and markups, and you’re right around $1,200.

Keep in mind that gas water heaters are more expensive than electric water heaters. Plus, larger water heaters will cost more than smaller ones.

Element Replacement

The water heater elements heat the water in an electric water heater and are a common repair item. Replacing water heater elements costs around $200 to $300. The elements themselves are around $50.

Thermocouple Replacement

Thermocouple replacements on gas water heaters often go bad. They stop gas flow to the water heater if the pilot light goes out. Replacing a water heater thermocouple costs around $200 to $300.

Leaks

Leaks are probably the most common plumbing repair needed. Simple leaks from a fixture such as a toilet or a kitchen sink cost about $275 to repair. Similarly, leaks from an accessible pipe, such as a burst pipe in the crawlspace, cost about $275 to repair. However, concealed pipes, such as a leaky pipe in a wall, are more expensive to repair. The additional price accounts for cosmetic work such as drywall repair and paint. Expect to pay around $600 for these repairs. However, significant water damage increases this price.

Sometimes, the main water line underground, supplying your house with water, leaks. The extra labor and equipment involved in digging to the pipe add up to about $1,000 for these repairs. However, the depth and condition of the soil affect the final price.

The most expensive plumbing leak is a pipe leaking in a concrete slab. It takes a plumber extra time to carefully detect the location of the leak. Then, the floor needs to be broken up to gain access to the pipe. After the damaged pipe is repaired, new concrete is poured, and the finished flooring is replaced. If you’re lucky and there is no flooring, this repair can cost as little as around $600. However, a hard-to-find leak and expensive flooring, such as hardwood floors, can quickly bring the total to over $2,000.

Clogs

Plumbing clogs are also a frequent problem for homeowners. Toilets are prone to clogging as homeowners often flush items that should not be flushed. Plus, small children love to throw stuff in the toilet. Fortunately, most toilet clogs are quickly cleared with a toilet auger. Expect to pay around $175 for a plumber to unclog your toilet. However, if the toilet needs to be removed, add another $100.

Unclogging an interior drain is similar to a toilet, but slightly more complicated and may cost a little more. Most toilet clogs just need to be pushed through the toilet since the drain line is larger than the toilet drain. On the other hand, an interior drain clog may be several or dozens of feet from the fixture. The national average for unclogging an interior drain is around $220.

A main sewer line clog is the most severe type of clog. It can cause sewer water to back up into your home, causing tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage. Hydro jetting, forcing high-pressure water into the drain to break up clogs, costs $440.

However, if the clog is from a tree root or other damage, expect to pay around $800 to $1,200. Like main water line repairs, a main sewer line repair requires extra equipment and digging.

First, the plumber must insert a camera into the drain line to find the clog and damage. Then, a special locating device is used outside to locate the underground camera head and clog. Once found, the plumbing crew can begin digging and repairing the clogged drain. The labor costs are the biggest line item for this type of repair.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are particularly dangerous. They can start fires or make you sick. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave the area and call 911. Gas leak repair costs are similar to water leak repair costs. If the gas pipe is accessible, the repair is simple, and you should expect to pay between $120 and $250.

However, if the gas leak is from a pipe in a wall, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the drywall and paint repair. Plan to pay around $600 for these repairs.

Miscellaneous Repairs

Plumbing Inspection Costs

The cost of a plumbing inspection is typically$200 on average. Despite the cost, it is a worthwhile investment as it can help identify potential issues before they become costly repairs and may be required for some real estate transactions. Before hiring a plumbing inspector, getting a detailed estimate and understanding the services included in the inspection is important.

Although the cost of hiring a plumber can be impacted by several factors, such as the plumber’s expertise level, the type of repair needed, the complexity of the job, the timing of the repair, and the location, understanding the specifics of each factor is important.

Plumber Expertise Level

You may be surprised to learn that your plumber’s expertise level can significantly impact their hourly rate. More experienced plumbers who have been in the industry for many years and have a high level of skill and knowledge will generally charge a higher rate than less experienced plumbers.

Type of Repair

The type of repair needed can also impact the cost of hiring a plumber. Simple repairs, like fixing a leaky faucet, will typically be less expensive than more complex repairs, such as replacing a water heater or fixing a damaged sewer line.

Job Complexity

The more complex the job, the more expensive it will be to hire a plumber. Jobs that require specialized skills or equipment, such as installing a new plumbing system or repairing a slab leak, will generally be more expensive than simpler plumbing jobs.

Timing

When it comes to hiring a plumber, timing is everything. The cost of repairs can vary dramatically depending on the time of day or day of the week you call them. Emergency or after-hours repairs may be more expensive than regular business hours. This is because your plumber has to pay for their own time and any overtime costs associated with working outside of normal hours.

Location

When you’re looking for a plumber, it’s important to consider that your location can also affect the cost. Plumbers in urban areas or areas with a high cost of living may charge more than plumbers in rural areas or areas with a lower cost of living.

Another factor in plumbing repair costs is the time of the repair. Late-night, weekend and holiday repairs are much more expensive. If you have emergency plumbing issues during these times, expect to pay double or triple the labor cost.

For instance, you can expect to pay an average hourly rate of $170, with the lowest cost being around $100 and the highest being over $500 per hour. Additionally, some plumbers may charge an emergency trip fee, which can range from $100 to $350, with an average fee of $225.

The best way to reduce your plumbing costs is to shop around. Companies specialize in varying plumbing services and allowing them to price much differently from each other. Always get at least three quotes if you’re trying to find the most cost-effective solution.

Performing repairs yourself is very rewarding. However, it doesn’t always save money. For example, if the repair requires a tool you don’t have, the cost of the tool may offset any savings. Additionally, mistakes made while performing the repair can also incur expenses that offset savings.

Saving money on repairs is a long-term endeavor. As you collect tools, acquire knowledge and gain experience over many years of homeownership, then you start to realize actual savings.

Otherwise, DIY repairs are more about the satisfaction of working with your hands. If you don’t enjoy doing the repairs, and you can’t see yourself using a particular tool more than once, then hire a professional.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.