Did you know that hiring a plumber costs between $175 to $450 depending on where you live? Typically what will cost you the most is the labor. We put together a helpful price guide for the next time you have to hire a plumber.
Keep reading to have a better idea of what you can expect to pay next time you are dealing with a plumbing issue at home.
When Should You Call the Plumbers?
If you are not sure if it’s time to call the plumbers or not a good guideline is if the problem requires extensive knowledge that’s beyond your scope. Also, when the risk of damaging something is high you want to call in the pros.
The following situations are always a great time to call someone with experience whether its a plumbing franchise or a smaller mom and pop plumbing company:
No Hot Water
If you are dealing with no hot water throughout your home then it is time to call the plumbing and heating companies will be able to determine the root cause of the problem and get to work. It typically is hard to determine what the problem is unless the hot water tank is visibly leaking.
If you have a gas heater sometimes the thermocouple burners and igniters can go bad. If you have an electric heater the thermostats can go bad, the heating element might die, there can be a bad overload switch, or you might have blown fuses.
A plumber will be able to determine the root cause of the problem and get to work.
Low Water Pressure
There are a few reasons that you can lose water pressure throughout your home. If there is any debris in the water lines or too much rust it can obstruct the lines and make you lose pressure.
If the supply-line design is poor this too can cause you to have low water pressure. A plumber can analyze the situation and get to the root cause of the problem.
Sewer Line Stoppage
If your sewer line won’t stop backing up you might have a bad plug in the line that runs out of the main sewer. Normally if you have trees that are too close to the home the roots can cause this issue.
Sometimes people rent a sewer rodding machine to help the situation but this can damage the sewer lines or the drains. Calling a plumber is the best way to avoid causing extra damage.
Replace a Water Heater
Before you attempt to replace a water heater by yourself call a plumber instead. They will not only carry the new one to its place and install it, but they will also make sure it works correctly and dispose of the old one.
Frozen Pipes
If you have a frozen pipe you want to double-check if the pipe cracked or burst. If you find that it is cracked or that it burst then you want to call in the pros before it causes further issues.
If you do not find a crack you can attempt to thaw the pipe with a blowdryer or you can call a plumber who might replace the section of the frozen pipe instead of thawing it.
Questions to Ask When You Hire a Plumber
It is a good idea to have questions prepared ahead of time when you are looking to hire a plumber. These questions will ensure that you hire the best plumber for your situation and plumbing needs.
- Will this project require any special inspections or special permits?
- Can I see your license? Companies like Wrench it up Plumbing and Mechanical – Bathroom plumbing problems will not hesitate to show you their license.
- What will the total project cost? Will it be hourly or by the project?
- What happens if something breaks? This is a question that you want to know the answer to before you sign any contracts. The last thing you want is to have to hire someone else to fix a new issue.
When you are prepared you will be able to weed out the plumbers that will not work for your needs.
Charging By the Hour
Not many plumbers charge by the hour. The reason is that there are too many variables in plumbing work. But if they do charge by the hour can expect to pay between $45-$200 per hour.
The more involved the job the more you will pay hourly. The more the plumber has to go through to get to the root of the problem the higher the hourly rate you can expect to pay.
Most plumbers will give you a flat rate estimate once they see what work they will be doing. This quote normally includes the work that will be done, the parts and materials they will be getting, and any other fees such as a special permit.
Flate Rate Pricing
Sometimes plumbers will have a fixed-rate fee for projects that are easier to predetermine the cost. The following will give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for these common situations:
Sink Installation
If the sink is being replaced with a similar newer model and the drain lines and supply lines are already in place you can expect to pay between $130-$170 to install.
Some full-service plumbing companies will also have new sinks that they can sell to you if you do not already have one.
Sump Pump Installation
Installing a new sump pump can cost between $250-$360. The sump pump will remove excess water that is collected underneath your home. In older homes that have galvanized lines, you can expect to pay up to $450.
If the plumber has to dig or reroute any electrical lines then labor and material costs can go up to $1000+.
Keep in mind these are labor costs the price for the sump pump itself can vary. A submersible sump pump can cost between $140-$300 and a pedestal sump pump can cost between $70-$400.
Radiator Repair
If you need your radiator repaired you can expect to pay between $60-$80. The base service fee covers travel time, labor, and diagnosis time. If your radiator is leaking, if making funky noises, or is not heating a professional plumber can help.
Water Heater Installation
Installing a new water heater can cost between $1,200-$1,700. The price will depend on whether the work involves a repair, replacement, or installation. The water heater itself is included in the price average above.
The type of water heater you choose will affect the price. Be careful to not opt for the cheapest water heater you can find because it might not be as energy-efficient as a higher-end one. This can end up costing you more money in the long run.
Pipe Repair
To have a plumber come out and fix a pipe you can expect to pay between $120-$170. Sometimes pipes will freeze, burst, brake, or become clogged.
A pipe that is not working will affect things such as showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, washing machines, and refrigerators.
Shower Repair
If you are dealing with bathtub or shower issues such as clogged drains, leaky fixtures, or not enough water pressure you might need a shower repair. This can cost between $150-$190. If the plumber has to snake the line it can cost around $150 and this will typically fix a clogged or slow drain.
P-Trap Replacement
Replacing a p-trap or sink trap can cost between $200-$325. A sink trap is required by building code to keep sewer gases from entering your home.
The cost of replacing the p-trap will vary by location. Areas that have a higher cost of living can expect to pay more for replacements.
Well Pump
To repair a well pump you can expect to pay around $800. To replace is you can expect to pay around $1,500. These prices take into consideration all pumps such as jet, solar, hand, and submersible pumps.
Toilet Repair
The average cost to repair a toilet is around $200. The price will vary based on how big the problem is. Typically toilet issues involve clogging or a valve not working correctly.
If you need a new toilet installed this can cost around $350. The price will vary based on the type of toilet you choose. The higher-tech the toilet is the more you will pay for the new installation.
Install a Water Main
The water main is what connects your home to a primary source of water. Without this, you can’t have running water in your home.
You want to make sure that you have someone with experience install a water main because it requires a specialized skillset and more labor. You can expect to pay between $845-$1,525 to install a water main. The types of pipes that are being used and the distance between your home and the primary source will affect what you pay.
Washing Machine Repair
If you suddenly have a washing machine that is not draining a plumber can help. The average washing machine repair varies between $100-$500. The final price depends on what exactly needs to be fixed to have the machine draining properly.
Main Water Shut Off Valve
Replacing the main water shut off valve can cost between $175-$250 which is mainly labor costs. The materials themselves are typically under $25. The main water shut off valve is required by code and it is necessary to work on most home plumbing issues that arise.
The first step any plumber will take before working on a plumbing project is shut the water off, this is why this valve has to be in working condition at all times.
Water Pressure Regulator Replacement
To replace your water pressure regulator you can expect to pay between $250-$350. Most of this cost is labor because the part itself only costs around $50. The plumber will take about three hours to install your new regulator.
This is necessary to keep your pipes from bursting due to too much water pressure. The pressure from the main line coming into the home is kept under control and regulated by the water pressure regulator. No one wants to have to deal with Niagara Falls inside their home, which is why the regulator is a must.
Free Quotes
If you have a larger job you can look for a plumber that will give you a free estimate. For example, if you have a remodel job that will require a plumber then you can get multiple quotes to compare and choose the best one you find.
If you are dealing with a ceiling that is leaking more than likely looking for free quotes is the least of your worries.
Plumbing Inspections
If you are in need of a plumbing inspection you can expect to pay around $165. The price for inspections also varies on location. Typically you can bundle a plumbing inspection with other home inspections and pay between $250-$500.
Emergency Repairs
Sometimes a plumbing nightmare will not happen during regular business hours. You never know when you might have an emergency randomly happen at midnight or over the holidays or on the weekend.
Typically after-hours jobs start at $500 and go up from there depending on what the emergency is.
Ready to Hire a Plumbing Pro?
Now that you know more about the costs of hiring a plumber and when to hire a plumber you should feel better prepared while you find the best plumber for your needs. Do not forget to hire someone that not only has experience but that offers a warranty and is licensed and insured.
The last thing you need is more problems on top of the initial problem you were dealing with.
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