The leak from a pipe fitting that costs less than a dollar can easily cause thousands of dollars in water damage and can disrupt your household for weeks. But not all plumbers handle all types of work. Their duties break out into two categories: plumbers who handle basic repairs (often in emergency situations), and plumbers who specialize in remodeling projects and additions.
According to project data from HomeAdvisor members, the average cost to hire a plumber ranges between $170 and $455. The average cost per hour for a plumber ranges from $45 to $150 per hour depending on the job, timing and location. Services may include drain cleaning, faucet replacement or installation, and toilet repair.
"Plumbing" is a pretty broad category. Plumbers can do anything from fixing leaky faucets to installing sump pumps. They can repair or install your water heater or add a sink to your garage. They work everywhere in your home - kitchen, bathroom - wherever you need them. The biggest thing is to make sure they are insured or this can cost you in the long run. Also, if they have to cut into drywall to repair your plumbing, make sure this is included in the bid and that they have someone working for them that can fix this when completed.
Family Plumber
Plumbing isn't necessarily difficult, but it requires a lot of knowledge. Code requirements are just a small part; you also need parts knowledge and experience with the materials. For instance, knowing how hard you can crank on PVC before it cracks takes time to master. Not having a feel for this can turn a $10 repair into a flood of problems.Be prepared for a more urgent situation by establishing a relationship with a plumber before you actually need him. If possible, hire him to do non emergency repairs or fixture installations during normal hours. It's easier to get a plumber's attention if you're a regular customer and not a panicked stranger calling at 8 p.m. on a Saturday night asking him to fix a gushing waste pipe in your basement.
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Choosing a Plumber
When making a selection, ask for proof of a license. Most states require plumbers to be licensed, and they typically provide a number you can call to verify that the license is current and that there are no active complaints against it. Any plumber you consider should also hold a current workers' compensation policy and a minimum of $500,000 liability insurance. All states issue plumbing-contractor licenses, and the licensing board can confirm a plumber's legitimacy. Yet only 24 states require journeyman certification, meaning that the plumber has passed competency exams. Ask the plumber whether he has received certification or updated training through a professional association.Difficulty of Repair
A rule of thumb for all projects requiring labor is that the more difficult the job, the longer it will take and the more labor costs you will need to pay. Depending on the project, you can sometimes get by with less experienced plumbers. Other jobs will require a Master Plumber in order to be sure that the job is done right. Be prepared to not only spend money in labor and trip charges, but the supplies needed in order to complete your job will be an additional charge.Most of the time when you need a plumber for a repair, it's an emergency situation. Off-hour repairs are absolutely more expensive than if you make an appointment during regular business hours.
Other Cost Factors
In addition to labor and supplies, you may need to hire someone to repair your water damage. You may need new carpeting, drywall repairs or electrical work done on your home to get it back to where it was before you had your plumbing problem.Compare Plumber Quotes Today
If you had a sewer problem, there is the additional cost of cleanup and getting your home back to code to ensure that it's safe for your family to be around. You also may need to remove tree roots (which means digging up your yard and landscaping expenses) or replacing pipe that's difficult to get to.
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I know what the repair needs and the materials needed to do it and the approximate cost, ,but as a senior citizen just no longer physically able to do it.
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I'm not understanding why I can't get an estimate. I do realize that its just an estimate. Paying someone $69.00 to come out and they might quote me an outrage price. SMH
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How much will potential plumber me charge for this visit and repair?
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toilet dismantling fee? required to dismantle toilet to replace wax ring and valve replacements. fee charges? |
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I am just trying to get some estimates to see what my out of pocket will be.
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I appreciate ALL the information you give us consumers. It is VERY helpful when you are about to start a remodel project. I have learned a lot from your web site. THANK YOU!!!
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It does help in regards to procedures and rules in order to better understand your options. Obviously cost is always an issue and the size of the company probably determine the labor cost. That is why some times people take chances with "others' hoping that there have good experience but because they are independent operators there pricing might be more flexible.
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No cost as yet
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Jacks Plumbing and Repair is going to assess the situation.
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not paying an arm and a leg
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Need about 65' of sewer pipe replaced do to tree roots growing and brake n pipe n several places
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He came out look at my leak behind my shower. Gave me a quote to replace a garbage disposal total for both job less than 200.00
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I'm just trying to get good quality at a fair and reasonable price. I recently retired and am trying to get the drain on my washer attached to the sewer line. I need to know how much this is going to cost so that I can balance my budget.
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Why pay for someone to come and give an estimate.? Give price, do job, get paid simple. Plumbers are OVERPRICED. Got handyman to fix leaky faucet for $25.00, no trip charge. Very happy!
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Thanks, I'm getting an overall Idea of what the cost would be to install a kitchen faucet.
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Trying to get good quality at a fair and reasonable price. Just retired and need to watch my expenses when getting repairs on my home. Also have one more expensive project to do. So cost is very important to me.
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very informative ~ but wanting more info on cost for replacing various piping~keep up the good work to informing people with the knowledge
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What is my approximate cost for fixing a toilet that keeps running and to remove/replace a kitchen soap dispenser?
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Does anyone have an idea what the cost of replacing all the water lines in a 2 bath mobile home with pex might be
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We are on a budget ,I just wanted to know how much it will cost to change the fasaut
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Good to know what the average cost should/could be before starting the job.
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Thanks for the info, now for the pro to do the job, as oon as possible.
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Getting estimates to see what my costs will be.
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I have been helped a lot by all of this information and I have chose a plumber that I think will be more than able to do my project. I will give a review after the work is finished. thanks.
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I needed a neutral place to research plumbing jobs: had the suspicion I was being 'led down a garden path' because I knew nothing - other than how expensive it was and how urgent 'do it NOW!" it was. I appreciate the cost estimate and national average pages which confirmed my suspicions. I found another plumber through this site and hope for better, less panic, less cost service from now on. Thanks.
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I just want a fair price to change faucet. I would like to know my out of pocket expenses.
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Your information looks good.Still searching around because it's really isn't a major job.
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We know what we need to have done, but because we are disabled and Senior Citizens we lack the strength and physical endurance to complete the job on our own. We are currently wanting to get bids on the work we need tonhave completed.
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Need to do paper on Opinion of Probable Cost to renovate a bathroom and this article was helpful
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At this time I'm seeking the best price for this small job. Not ready to evaluate your services.
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I am also looking for someone to fix my toilet it flushes slowly, and I have a leaky pipe in behind my washer. Like others I need to know up front cost so I am prepared.
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I am just trying to get some estimates to see what my out of pocket will be. Trying to plan ahead.
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Just researching.
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I am just looking for costs right now....
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Prices as quoted ($500-781) OBVIOUSLY included the cost of the toilet. In my quote request I stated project was a totally unremarkable - removal of old toilet and install of the new toilet, which I will have purchased myself. There are no problems and this is not an old house. Simply want t upgrade from contractor grade toilet. I am a retired contractor with a bad back and I know what the project entails.
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Unable to respond effectively at this time because the issue/problem has not been evaluated yet.
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JUST RESEARCHING, seems like a small project to repair leak.
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I'm just researching !!!
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I hope to accomplish having the leaking toilet fixed is my main concern right now; would like to get hotwater handle in bathtub replaced ; if not possible, then, leaking toilet is the priority.
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Good information on what to look for.
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VERY GOOD INFORMATION, THANK YOU !!!!!!!
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Get real? 350 to replace a dripping faucet. The end of my using this site.
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Very helpful
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Yes I do know what approximately the part is and how much but the problem is almost all plumbers & even electricians want $100 service call. That's ridiculous as if the part is $25 that $125 to me and that's too much but I see they want the $$$$ so they start with a service call. Example my outdoor light bulb broke and I couldn't get it out of socket. I had to call electrician. Yes, $100 service call, handed me the bulb and I gave him a new one to put it and that was it. Took him all of 10 min. So now I hesitate when I need something done in these fields and thank goodness so far I'm not in need of anything..
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I am a senior citizen
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Have waited almost two weeks for an information on my requested quote! :(
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