Plumbing Cost Guides

Rarely does somebody set out to upgrade their plumbing. The pipes transporting fresh water to your home and waste water from your home tend to do their jobs with the kind of anonymity reserved for theatrical stage hands. You don't appreciate them until something goes wrong.
When something does go wrong, speed is usually essential. Water damage can cause thousands of dollars in damage in no time. Leaks can soak floors, ceilings and foundations, causing rot and mold that may make your home uninhabitable. The quicker you address your problem, the better off you, and your wallet will be. It might not feel like a great investment when you see that rush jobs come with premium costs. But the alternatives can be apocalyptic. Click here for quotes on different types of plumbing jobs.

The cost of a plumber ranges from $160 to $430 for a typical job with the average cost per hour ranging from $45 to $150. This can include jobs like repairing faucets, toilets, sinks or bathtubs. Some plumbers may also charge a flat rate depending on the job.

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  • Hire a Plumber Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $170 - $453
    Average cost:
    $303
    Low cost:
    $95
     
    High cost:
    $800
  • Repair a Clogged Drain Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $129 - $286
    Average cost:
    $207
    Low cost:
    $85
     
    High cost:
    $504
  • Install a Water Heater Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $730 - $1,328
    Average cost:
    $1,024
    Low cost:
    $308
     
    High cost:
    $12,000

Select your Plumbing project

Plumbing
Hire a Plumber
(52,941 projects)
Average National Cost:
$303
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Plumbing
Repair a Clogged Drain
(16,942 projects)
Average National Cost:
$207
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Plumbing
Install a Water Heater
(14,670 projects)
Average National Cost:
$955
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Plumbing
Repair a Water Heater
(10,136 projects)
Average National Cost:
$525
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Plumbing
Install or Repair Gas Pipes
(5,005 projects)
Average National Cost:
$495
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Plumbing
Install a Faucet
(4,346 projects)
Average National Cost:
$240
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Plumbing
Install New Plumbing Pipes
(4,075 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,046
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Plumbing
Repair a Sump Pump
(3,373 projects)
Average National Cost:
$482
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Plumbing
Repair a Toilet
(2,923 projects)
Average National Cost:
$207
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Plumbing
Clean Septic Tank
(2,909 projects)
Average National Cost:
$379
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Plumbing
Repair a Well Pump
(2,848 projects)
Average National Cost:
$795
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Plumbing
Install a Water Main
(2,720 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,468
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Plumbing
Install a Water Treatment & Purification System
(2,601 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,664
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Plumbing
Clean a Sewer Line
(2,291 projects)
Average National Cost:
$293
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Plumbing
Install a Shower
(1,729 projects)
Average National Cost:
$3,259
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Plumbing
Install a Sewer Main
(1,685 projects)
Average National Cost:
$2,885
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Plumbing
Repair a Water Treatment & Purification System
(1,504 projects)
Average National Cost:
$441
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Plumbing
Install a Bathtub
(1,499 projects)
Average National Cost:
$3,002
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Plumbing
Repair a Drain Line Breakage
(1,402 projects)
Average National Cost:
$577
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Plumbing
Install a Tankless Water Heater
(1,111 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,765
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Plumbing
Install a Toilet
(924 projects)
Average National Cost:
$370
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Plumbing
Repair a Water Main
(922 projects)
Average National Cost:
$792
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Plumbing
Install and Replace a Sump Pump
(904 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,128
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Plumbing
Repair a Septic Tank
(831 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,485
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Plumbing
Replace a Well Pump
(568 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,531
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Plumbing
Repair a Sewer Main
(549 projects)
Average National Cost:
$2,428
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Plumbing
Install a Bathtub or Shower Liner
(525 projects)
Average National Cost:
$2,691
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Plumbing
Install a Sink
(524 projects)
Average National Cost:
$385
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Plumbing
Install a Septic Tank
(484 projects)
Average National Cost:
$5,318
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Plumbing
Remove a Water or Fuel Storage Tank
(298 projects)
Average National Cost:
$854
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Plumbing
Replace a Fuel or Water Holding Tank
(113 projects)
Average National Cost:
$1,867
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Plumbing
Install a Solar Water Heater
(77 projects)
Average National Cost:
$3,614
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Clogs - Sewer, Sink, Bathtub

Clogs represent the No. 1 plumbing problem. But they're not always serious. A backed-up toilet, for instance, might just need swift work with a plunger. Or not. The most common sink problems involve the garbage disposal. Many of these problems can be avoided by being careful with what you stuff into it. Avoid corn husks, celery, grease, meat and starchy foods and always run plenty of water down the drain with disposables. Disposal clogs, like those in the toilet, can often be handled with a plunger. But if your disposal doesn't come on when you flip the switch, it may be jammed. You'll want to unplug the unit and follow the troubleshooting directions that came with the disposal.
If none of these measures fix the problem, you probably should consider calling a professional.
Serious plumbing problems might require not just replacement of a pipe or two but cutting into walls or flooring. Labor is almost always going to be your biggest plumbing expense, so the more involved the job, and the more that has to be torn up, often the more costly the job.

Sewer and Septic Issues

Septic issues stink. Literally. If you find you have a sewer or septic tank issue, keep your family away from the leak, and call a plumber immediately. The rush nature of the job might cost you a bit more, but it will keep your family safe and it will hinder further damage to your home. Waste water can contaminate your ground water, surface water and your yard with bacteria. Sometimes the fix may be as simple as fixing a clog, but other times it could be more complex, such as replacing a section of pipe. The key is to act quickly before a small problem becomes a big one.

Other Plumbing Cost Tips

It's always best to shop for a new plumber BEFORE your kitchen sink turns into Niagara Falls. Consider looking for a plumber for non-emergency jobs, such as moving a sink in a bathroom or changing out faucets. These can be handled as you do other work with contractors: Get a firm estimate and make sure you're apprised of any problems that arise.
Factors that affect cost include the quality of and number of fixtures, the time it takes for the job and when the job is needed. Holidays, weekends and after-hours emergencies, of course, will cost more.
Be aware that most plumbers and rooting companies charge upfront fees just for showing up, though those fees usually can roll into the cost of repairs and renovations.
Going for the lowest bids can be problematic. Some companies offer lower hourly rates, but then tack on “equipment fees” and other extras you might not have anticipated.
Also, be aware that not all companies employ licensed plumbers. If the job is a simple root-out-the-clog, that might be OK. But licensed plumbers are almost always better at diagnosing tricky problems (expect them to bring micro-cameras and other fun gadgets), and they're more likely to warranty their work.
One way to save money on plumbing is to consolidate jobs. If you know you've had a leaky faucet in your bathroom for weeks, ask your plumber about it while he or she is working on your toilet. It could save you money in the long run.
Learn more about how to fix a leaky shower faucet with our Repair Guide.

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