Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour, with the average job costing $125 to $450 total. Many plumbing companies have a minimum service fee of $50 to $200. Emergency plumbing contractors charge double or triple time on weekends, after hours, and holidays, or $125 to $170 per hour.

Professional plumbers repair pipes, tanks, fixtures, fittings, and pumps required for the gas and water to flow through your home. Whatever the plumbing issue, plumbers near you are ready to help.

Call a plumber for:

• Leaky faucets
• Clogged drains and drain cleaning
• Burst pipes
• Flooding, an overflowing toilet, or sewer backup
• Installing fixtures like sinks, bathtubs, and toilets
• Repairing gas or water lines.
• Low water pressure
• Broken hot water heater or garbage disposal
• Plumbing inspection

If you are unsure of the problem, schedule a plumbing inspection.

Professional plumbers do not expect a tip. However, if they go out of their way to help or spend more time than expected, a tip is appreciated.

If a pipe bursts in your house, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the main water supply to reduce water damage.
2. Turn off the electricity in that part of the home for safety.
3. Clean up and drain the water to avoid excess water damage.
4. Search for qualified plumbers near you and get free estimates.
5. Drain the remaining water from the faucets to take pressure off the pipes.

A home warranty covers normal wear and tear on plumbing work. Home warranties typically cover all plumbing systems such as broken sinks, faucets, showerheads, toilets, built-in bathtub motors, sewer pumps, valves, clogged drains, and leaky pipes.

Homeowner's insurance policies should cover sudden water damage due to faulty plumbing or pipes that burst. However, most policies exclude old or leaky pipes, damage that occurred gradually like a slow leak, or regional flooding.

The best plumbing contractors are licensed, bonded, insured, and are happy to answer questions about their business. Before hiring a plumber, ask the following questions:

• Do you offer free estimates? If not, do you charge a minimum service fee to evaluate my project?
• Do you charge by the hour or by the project?
• How long have you been in business?
• Do you have worker's comp insurance?
• Is your plumbing work bonded?
• Are your license and insurance up to date? May I see them?
• Do you offer a warranty on your labor? Do the products you use have warranties?
• Can I get a written estimate or contract with a full breakdown of all costs involved?