Written by

Tom Grupa

October 10, 2023

Plumbing Estimates

Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour with a minimum service call-out fee of $50 to $200. Small plumbing repairs like unclogging a toilet or fixing a leaky faucet typically cost $125 to $350. Larger jobs such as repairing the plumbing on a pipe leak, you’ll pay about $500 to $800.

• How much a plumber charges mostly depends on the severity of the problem in your pipes and fixtures and where you live. The sooner you repair any issues with your plumbing system, the more money you’ll save.

• Leaks can cause flooding or water damage that can lead to rot, mold, and thousands of dollars in repairs. Get instant quotes from plumbing companies near you.

Plumbing Repair Cost Guide

Hiring a plumber costs $125 to $350 for small repairs like unclogging a toilet or fixing a leaky faucet, while bigger plumbing problems cost $500 to $800 to fix.

Hourly rates are $45 to $150 to repair common issues such as faucets that drip, low water pressure, a toilet that runs or is broken, clogged drains, or problems with the water heater.

Plumbing Repair Costs

Many plumbers will also offer flat rates for small standard tasks, so you'll know how much you are going to pay without surprises. Here are typical plumbing project costs to expect.

Cost to Fix Leaking Pipes

Plumbers can fix a leaking pipe for $250 on average with homeowners spending $150 to $850 which includes detecting the location of the leak. Pipe leak repair cost varies depending on the location of the pipe. It will cost more if it's hard to access.

Bursting Repair Cost

Pipe bursting repair costs $100 to $200 per foot with most spending $400 to $1,500 total. Water damage cleanup and repair may add $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the extent. Pipes burst for two main reasons, and both situations require immediate fixing.

• A clog will exert excess pressure on the pipe

• When the temperature falls below freezing, the frozen water expands, causing the pipe to burst.

Slab Leak Repair Cost

When a leak develops under the concrete foundation of your home, it can erode the soil and cause damage. Detecting an under-slab leak costs about $150 to $400, whereas the cost to tear out the concrete, repair the pipe, and pour concrete again can cost $2,000+.

This cost may be the starting point. Once all that is taken care of, there is the cost to repair any damage done to your home or foundation.

Water Heater Repair Cost

Water heater repair costs $150 to $700. Consider replacing a water heater over 10 years old or if the repair costs are more than 50% of the replacement cost.

Garbage Disposal Repair Cost

Garbage disposal repairs cost $180 to $240 on average, with homeowners spending as little as $160 or as much as $370. One of the best ways to keep your garbage disposal in good working order is to keep certain foods out of it and run the hot water often.

Gas Line Repair Cost

A plumber can repair a broken gas line for $150 to $650, or $6 to $7 per linear foot. Just like water pipes, gas lines can leak, and when they do, they must be fixed as soon as possible. The gas must be turned off to prevent a buildup of dangerous gas in your home.

Sump Pump Repair Cost

Sump pump repair costs $200 to $870. The sump pump needs to function properly to keep low-level areas dry. Call your plumber if the pump is clogged, there’s no water in the basin, it’s making strange noises, it’s running continuously, or the pipes have burst.

Our sump pump installation cost guide covers the replacement prices in detail and pricing factors based on size.

Main Water Line Leak

Repairing a main water line leak costs $450 to $2,500 depending on if it needs to be replaced or not. The main water line is responsible for bringing water to your home from the city line.

A break in the main can cause flooding in your yard, and many times all water entering the house will be contaminated. You’ll need to have excavation done to access the pipe, which can cost $40 to $200 per cubic yard of dirt moved.

Cost to Repair Leaking Pipe in Ceiling

The cost to repair a leaking pipe in the ceiling is $700 to $2,500. The leak will first have to be located—just because there is a leak dripping from the ceiling doesn’t mean that’s where the problem is.

There may be drywall that needs replacing in addition to fixing or replacing the leaky pipe/fixture. This repair is something you’ll want to do immediately to avoid mold growth. Drywall installation costs $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot.

Clogged Drain Repairs – Sink, Bathtub, Shower

The plumber cost to unclog a drain is $100 to $275. Soap residue, hair, and other things clog drains slowly as debris builds. You’ll notice the sink taking longer to drain until it finally won’t drain at all.

Try plunging it before calling a plumber, and avoid using harsh chemicals on older pipes—you might cause the already corroding pipes to fall apart from the chemicals.

Sewer Line and Septic System Repairs

Septic systems need to be kept in good condition because when they malfunction, they can cause an expensive mess. They need to fixed immediately to prevent from contaminating the groundwater with bacteria from the septic tank or sewer line.

Septic Tank Cleaning Costs

The cost to clean a septic tank is $500 to $1,000 on average. Depending on the size of your septic tank, pumping could cost as low as $225 for a 750-gallon tank, or as high as $1,225 for a 1,750-gallon tank.

The septic tank pumping cost guide covers each size in detail and many pricing factors.

Toilet Repair Cost

Toilet repairs from a professional plumber cost $130 to $310. For around $150, a pro can fix either the flapper and chain adjustment, the toilet flange, the flush valve, or the wax ring. Many repairs are fairly simple and can cost as little as $20 to fix yourself.

See our toilet repair cost guide for more prices on common repairs.

Average Cost to Replace Plumbing

Replacing plumbing costs $200 to $500 for small projects such as replacing a sink or toilet, and $2,000 to $15,000 to install new plumbing or repipe an entire home.

Plumber Replacement Services Price List

Cost to Install New Plumbing Fixtures

The average cost to install new plumbing fixtures is $150 to $500 depending on the brand and style of fixture, and the location of your project.

• New sink installation costs $250 to $500 on average.

• Toilet installation costs $350 to $800 depending on the type of toilet.

Faucet Replacement Costs

Faucet replacement costs $120 to $300 on average, depending if it's for a kitchen, bathroom, or bathtub.

• Outdoor faucets cost $50 to $150 for a basic replacement.

• Installing a bathroom or kitchen sink and faucet combo costs $400 to $1,000.

Bathtub and Shower Replacement Cost

Replacing a bathtub costs $800 to $4,600, while a shower replacement costs $2,000 to $9,000. Shower or bathtub liners cost $1,700 to $2,500 for materials and installation from a general contractor.

• Drain replacement in a tub or shower costs $200 to $700. 

• Shower valve replacement costs $225 to $575.

• The shower head can be replaced for $75 to $275.

Replace Water Pressure Regulator Cost

The cost to replace a water pressure regulator is $150 to $350 and takes about 3 hours to install. Regulating your water pressure keeps your pipes in good condition. Too much water pressure will cause undue strain on pipes, resulting in cracks and leaks. You can get a pressure regulator at your local home improvement store for about $85.

Main Water Shut-Off Valve

You can shut off the water to the entire house with the main water shut-off valve, which is a building code requirement in all homes. The main water valve replacement costs about $190 when done by a plumbing contractor.

Replace Plumbing Stack

A plumber’s average price of replacing the main plumbing stack with PVC is $1,500, while cast iron or steel stacks cost up to $4,000. A drain stack is a pipe that funnels all water from all the drains and toilets in the house. If the drain stack becomes clogged, it will halt the water operation in the entire house.

Well Pump Replacement Cost

Replacing a well pump costs $400 to $2,500. A well pump sends the water from the well into your home. If it’s malfunctioning, you may only need a repair, costing $500 to $800. There are a few ways you’ll know if it’s going bad.

• Do you hear strange noises connected to water flow?

• Are your faucets spitting water?

• Are there high fluctuations in water pressure throughout your home?

Cost To Replace Sink Drain Pipes

The cost to replace the bathroom or kitchen sink drain pipes is $100 to $350. When older drains leak and smell, they need replacing.

Cost to Replace P Trap

The cost to replace a P-trap ranges from $150 to $250. A sink trap is a U-shaped pipe that holds a little bit of water in the base of the U. This water blocks odors from drains and sewers from coming into your home.

If you notice sewer odors, you may need to have the P-trap replaced.

Water Heater Installation Cost

Water heater installation prices depend on whether it's electric, gas, tankless, or solar. Our water heater installation cost guide can help you make an educated decision.

Well Holding Tank Replacement

Replacing a well-holding tank costs $1,600 to $2,600 for both the materials and professional installation. The cost for a new water pressure tank alone is $500 to $1,000.

The well water tank or pressure tank stores several gallons of water between your well pump and your home. A well ensures water is immediately available and saves wear and tear on the well pump. You’ll notice some of the following if you have pressure tank problems:

• Low or unstable water pressure

• The well pump cycling off and on frequently

• The pressure tank leaking

• Corrosion on the outside of the pressure tank

• Air in the plumbing system

Whole House Plumbing Cost Calculator

The total cost to install rough-in plumbing and fixtures in a 2,000-square-foot home with 3 baths is $12,000 to $20,000. Replumbing and replacing plumbing pipes cost $2,500 to $5,500 on average.

The following installation prices are based on a new construction house of 2,000 square feet.

Costs are not based solely on square footage but also on the number of fixtures in the home. Each fixture adds to the price, so new sinks, toilets, showers, dishwashers, and water softeners add to the bottom line.

Rough-In Plumbing Cost

The cost to install rough-in plumbing pipes for new construction is $4.50 per square foot on average. Rough-in plumbing for a 2,000-square-foot home costs about $9,000, and once you add in the fixture hookup costs expect to spend $12,000 to $15,000 total.

Rough-in plumbing is all the pipework that is laid under the house and in the walls and ceiling. No fixtures have been attached; this is just the pipe foundation.

Plumbing Prices Per Fixture

Plumbing prices per fixture average $300 to $800, so a 2-bath home with one kitchen, a water heater, a fridge, and a washing machine could cost $3,000 to $8,000 to plumb with new pipes.

Every item that requires a water hookup is considered a fixture. This is a rough pricing guide only, and your pricing will depend on many factors.

Rerouting Plumbing Prices

Rerouting a single plumbing line will cost about $700 while repiping a whole house will cost $3,900 to $7,500. If you must move plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, bathtubs, or showers, design a plan that makes the best use of existing pipework rather than digging into the slab.

Plumbing Inspection Cost

A plumbing inspection costs $85 to $300, with most spending about $200. If you’re purchasing a new home, plumbing inspections are a good idea. Roots can invade pipes or have other blockages you’ll need to know about before buying.

Tips to Save on Plumbing Costs

There are multiple ways to save on plumbing costs; it’s merely a matter of deciding which options work best for you.

• Take care of any simple plumbing tasks yourself.

• Practice proper plumbing maintenance rather than reacting to plumbing emergencies. Keep drains running clear, make sure toilet parts are in good repair, and make a schedule to inspect all plumbing aspects in your home.

• Get a detailed estimate before the work is done to avoid surprises.

• Choose a plumber who warranties work done.

• If drywall needs removing before the plumber can do a repair job, remove it yourself.

• Choose a cheaper pipe, such as PEX, which can last 30 to 40 years and cut your material costs almost in half.

• When it comes to fittings, purchase crimp-fit over push-fit; they cost less.

• Get all necessary plumbing repairs done around the house in one visit.

How to Estimate Plumbing Jobs

Estimating plumbing jobs is an extremely technical business. It involves being able to read plumbing blueprints, figuring out the correct amount of pipe to order and the correct fittings for fixtures, and understanding how many hours a particular job takes. It also means thinking of the mundane, like onsite port-a-johns during construction, excavation equipment, subcontractors, soil testing, and a few hundred other things.

Getting a reasonable, solid price on a new construction home will take a week or longer. It’s not something you can get over the phone in a 5-minute conversation. And if you do get an estimate like that, get another one, because it won’t be accurate.

Free Plumbing Estimates

Most professionals will give free plumbing quotes on plumbing jobs. If you have a leak, they will come and look at the situation and then tell you how much it will cost.

Figuring an estimate for a new house construction may come at an additional cost. Generally, if you go with that quote, the fee will be deducted from the bill.

Get free plumbing estimates from plumbers near you.

Hiring a plumber

Before hiring a plumber, be sure to:

• Get at least three quotes to compare.

• Ask local friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations.

• Check out their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.

• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.

• Get a full breakdown of all labor and material costs involved.

• Confirm that they provide new quotes for all unexpected expenses.

• Discuss job timelines, work hours, and expectations for larger projects.

• Never pay in full before the work begins. Follow a payment plan for work completed instead.

Questions to ask a handyman

• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?

• How do you charge?

• Can you provide a written contract showing labor and material costs?

• Do you have local references?

• How long will the job take?

• Do you have a trip charge for getting materials?

• How do you handle additional work that arises?

• Do you provide a guarantee?

• How do you handle damages that happen on the job?