How much is a plumber? Typical prices and what to expect

Hiring a plumber can feel unpredictable — some jobs cost under a hundred dollars, while bigger projects run into the thousands. The price depends on the type of work, how long it takes, and the plumber’s level of expertise. To help you plan, here’s a breakdown of average hourly rates, common job costs, and the factors that make prices rise or fall.

Key takeaways 

• Average plumber cost: Most plumbers charge $45–$200+ per hour, with the typical rate around $90. Apprentice plumbers are cheapest, while master plumbers and emergency work cost more.
  
  
• Urgency raises the price: Emergency calls, nights, and weekends often come with premium rates that push costs toward the higher end.
  
  
• Ways to save: Preventative maintenance, bundling small tasks, scheduling during off-peak times, and using higher-quality fixtures can all lower long-term plumbing costs.

Plumber prices: How much does a plumber cost?

Plumbing costs can range widely depending on the type of service, the plumber’s experience level, and whether the job is routine or urgent. Some tasks are billed at a flat rate, but most plumbers still work on an hourly basis. Understanding the average cost is the first step in planning your budget.

‍

‍

Plumber prices: Average cost

Most plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour, with the typical rate landing around $90 per hour. At the lower end of the scale, you’ll usually find apprentices or straightforward repairs; at the higher end are master plumbers, gas fitting work, or emergency calls.

Plumbing services generally fall into three categories, each of which affects pricing:

• Drainage and water supply: unclogging drains, fixing leaks, installing sinks, toilets, or water heaters.
  
  
• Gas fitting and specialty plumbing:  installing or repairing gas lines, water heaters, or backflow prevention systems.
  
  
• Emergency plumbing: urgent repairs for burst pipes, major leaks, or after-hours service.

Calculating the cost of a plumber

The total cost of plumbing work depends on the type of job, who you hire, and how quickly you need it done. To estimate, start with the hourly base rate and layer in the factors that apply to your situation.

How to calculate your plumbing cost

1. Start with the base rate: Most plumbers charge $45–$200 per hour, depending on experience level.
   
   
2. Factor in project size: Small repairs (like a faucet fix) may only take 1–2 hours, while larger jobs (like rerouting pipes) can take most of a day.
   
   
3. Account for urgency: Emergency or after-hours calls often add 25–50% to the base rate.
   ‍
4. Include extras: Some plumbers charge additional fees for parts, travel, permits, or specialty equipment. Use the table below to add up the add-ons that apply.

‍

‍

Cost by project 

Plumbing project costs vary depending on complexity, materials, and whether the plumber charges hourly or a flat rate. Here’s what you can typically expect to pay:

‍

‍

Cost by urgency 

Plumbing emergencies rarely wait for business hours. After-hours or same-day calls can significantly raise the price, sometimes doubling your total bill.

‍

‍

Hourly rates for the top 5 plumber platforms

‍

Angi

Angi connects homeowners with vetted plumbers and other trades. Rates vary by plumber type:

• Apprentice: $45–$90 per hour
  
  
• Journeyman: $60–$120 per hour
  
  
• Master plumber: $80–$200+ per hour

Exact pricing depends on location, job complexity, and emergency availability.

Thumbtack

Thumbtack lets you request quotes from multiple local plumbers and compare services.

• Typical hourly rate: $60–$120 per hour
  
  
• Larger projects (like installations) may be quoted at flat rates
  
  
• Good for comparing bids and finding plumbers for both small and large jobs.
  

Handy

Handy is an on-demand service app best for smaller plumbing tasks and same-day bookings.

• Typical hourly rate: $60–$90 per hour
  
  
• Jobs include faucet installs, unclogging drains, and minor repairs
  
  
• Handy plumbers usually focus on quick, straightforward jobs rather than remodels.
  

Porch

Porch connects homeowners with licensed contractors, including plumbers.

• Typical hourly rate: $50–$100 per hour
  
  
• Rates vary by plumber's skill and region
  
  
• Especially useful for pairing plumbing work with larger home improvement projects.
  

Roto-Rooter

Roto-Rooter is a national plumbing and drain service company with flat-rate pricing rather than hourly billing.

• Typical cost for standard plumbing tasks: $160–$450
  
  
• Larger or emergency jobs can run $600–$800+, with major repairs going higher
  
  
• Known for 24/7 emergency availability, but often more expensive than hiring a local plumber.

How many hours does the average plumbing job take?

On average, minor repairs like fixing a leaky faucet, unclogging a drain, or replacing toilet parts take 1–2 hours. Larger tasks, like a complete bathroom overhaul or sewer line repair, can take a full day or be spread across several days.

Complexity, accessibility, and the condition of your existing plumbing all affect the total time needed.

‍

‍

What’s included in a plumber’s service?

The exact services a plumber provides depend on the type of job—inspection, repair, or installation — as well as their level of expertise (apprentice, journeyman, or master plumber). Here’s a breakdown of the most common categories:

Drainage and water supply services

These cover the systems that bring clean water in and take wastewater out. Typical services include:

• Inspecting drainage systems to identify leaks or blockages
  
  
• Repairing clogged drains, broken pipes, and leaky faucets or fixtures
  
  
• Installing sinks, toilets, faucets, and water heaters
  
  
• Providing routine cleaning and inspections to prevent backups
  
  
• Replacing outdated pipes or adding water softeners and filtration systems
  

Gas fitting and plumbing services

For homes that rely on gas appliances, plumbers can also handle gas-related work:

• Installing new gas lines for stoves, water heaters, and other appliances
  
  
• Detecting and repairing gas leaks
  
  
• Performing regular safety checks and servicing gas appliances like cooktops, ovens, and fireplaces

Emergency plumbing

Plumbing emergencies need fast fixes. Many plumbers offer 24/7 services for situations like:

• Burst pipes, major leaks, or overflowing toilets
  
  
• Blocked drains or sewer backups
  
  
• Stormwater drain repairs
  
  
• Malfunctioning or clogged garbage disposals

Other plumbing services

Beyond the basics, plumbers also offer specialized services, such as:

• Backflow prevention: Installing devices that keep contaminated water from mixing with your clean supply
  
  
• Hydro-jetting: Using high-pressure water to clear tough clogs and clean out pipes

How can I save money on a plumber?

Plumbing costs can add up quickly, but a little planning goes a long way toward keeping your bill manageable. Here are some smart ways to cut costs without cutting corners:

Regular maintenance

Routine upkeep is the best way to avoid expensive emergencies. Use drain protectors in sinks and showers to catch food, hair, and other debris before they cause clogs. A quick weekly rinse with baking soda and vinegar can also help keep sink drains clear and reduce buildup.

DIY minor repairs

Simple fixes — like tightening a dripping faucet or stopping a running toilet — can often be handled on your own. If you’re not sure how, step-by-step video tutorials can walk you through the process. Just know your limits—bigger issues should still be left to a pro.

Get multiple quotes

Prices vary widely between plumbers. Reach out to at least three for quotes on the same job, and compare not only the cost but also their reputation and reviews. The cheapest option isn’t always the best value if the work quality is poor.

Ask about discounts

Many plumbers offer seasonal deals, first-time customer discounts, or reduced rates for seniors, students, or military personnel. Some even have membership programs with priority scheduling and lower rates for routine work.

Bundle services

If you’ve got several small issues, have them fixed in one visit. For example, combine a faucet replacement with tightening a showerhead and adjusting water pressure. Bundling jobs saves you from paying multiple call-out fees or hourly minimums.

Plan for off-peak times

If the problem isn’t urgent, schedule your plumber during weekdays, mornings, or off-season times. Avoiding weekends and evenings can help you sidestep premium rates.

Use quality fixtures

It may be tempting to buy the cheapest faucet or showerhead, but investing in higher-quality, energy-efficient fixtures pays off over time. They last longer, need fewer repairs, and can even help reduce your water and utility bills.

Cost of DIY vs professional plumber

‍

DIY plumbing can be appealing when you’re trying to save money, especially for straightforward fixes like tightening a loose faucet handle or unclogging a shower drain. Supplies for these jobs often cost less than $50, and with a quick YouTube tutorial, you might have it sorted in an afternoon. The catch is that plumbing mistakes can get expensive fast. A poorly sealed pipe or cross-threaded fitting can turn a small leak into water damage that costs thousands to repair.

Professional plumbers, on the other hand, charge more upfront but bring the expertise and equipment to get the job done right the first time. Even a minor service call (usually $100–$300) covers diagnosis, proper parts, and workmanship backed by insurance. Larger projects like installing a water heater, rerouting pipes, or repairing a septic system will run into the hundreds or thousands — but you’re paying for long-term reliability, code compliance, and peace of mind.

The trade-off comes down to risk: DIY works best for simple, low-stakes repairs. Anything involving your home’s main water supply, sewer lines, or gas fittings should always be left to a licensed professional. In most cases, hiring a plumber ends up being the more cost-effective option once you factor in the cost of potential damage from a DIY mistake.

Surcharges and hidden fees to watch for

Even when you know a plumber’s hourly rate, the final bill can surprise you. That’s because many companies tack on extra charges for travel, timing, or job complexity. These fees aren’t always obvious upfront, so it’s smart to ask before work begins.

‍

‍

Service call fee

Most plumbers charge a flat “trip” or service call fee just to come to your home, even if the repair is minor. This covers their travel time and initial inspection. Expect $50–$150 added to your bill regardless of how small the fix is.

Emergency or after-hours fee

Need help at night, on a weekend, or during a holiday? Be prepared to pay more. Emergency rates are typically 25–50% higher than standard pricing because of the inconvenience and urgency.

Travel fee

If you live outside the plumber’s normal service area, you may get hit with a travel charge. This is often $25–$100 to cover extra fuel and time on the road.

Parts and materials markup

When the plumber provides replacement parts or fixtures, they may add a markup of 10–30% over retail prices. This covers sourcing, transporting, and warranting the parts — but you can sometimes save by supplying your own.

Permit costs

Big jobs like water heater installs, sewer line repairs, or gas fitting often require a city permit. Your plumber will usually arrange this but will pass along the fee, which ranges from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on your location.

Disposal fees

Hauling away old toilets, sinks, or water heaters isn’t always included. Many plumbers charge $30–$100 for proper disposal.

Signs you need a plumber (not a YouTube tutorial) 

Some fixes are fine for a Saturday project. But when the problems run deeper, it’s smarter (and safer) to call a professional. These are the warning signs that signal “put down the wrench and phone a plumber.”

‍

‍

Burst or leaking pipes

Even a small leak can cause water damage and mold if ignored. Burst pipes can flood a room in minutes. Temporary fixes won’t hold — a plumber needs to repair or replace the pipe properly.

Gas line issues

Smell gas or suspect a leak? Never attempt a repair yourself. Gas work requires a licensed plumber with proper safety training and certification.

Sewer backups or strong sewage smells

If water backs up into sinks, showers, or tubs, or you smell sewage in your home, it’s usually a sewer line problem. This is beyond DIY — it requires specialized tools to clear and inspect the line.

No hot water

When your water heater fails, it could be anything from a thermostat issue to a full system breakdown. Repairs involve electricity, gas, or pressurized tanks — all risky without training.

Low water pressure throughout the house

If it’s not just one fixture, low pressure often means corroded pipes, hidden leaks, or issues with your main line. A plumber can diagnose and fix the underlying problem.

Water stains or damp ceilings and walls

These usually point to hidden leaks inside walls or floors. DIY patching won’t fix the root cause, and the damage only spreads.

Constantly running or overflowing toilets

Replacing a flapper is one thing. But if a toilet runs nonstop or overflows regularly, the issue is often in the fill valve, drain line, or even the sewer system.

Is a plumber worth the cost?

Hiring a plumber is absolutely worth the cost, especially for specialized tasks that require experience and professional tools.

Here are some other reasons:

• Hiring a plumber helps avoid DIY mistakes that can result in bigger, more expensive problems like water damage, mold, or burst pipes.
  
  
• Experienced plumbers can quickly diagnose and fix issues that might take you hours to figure out, saving you time and frustration.
  
  
• Plumbers have specialized equipment that is costly to buy for a one-off repair.
  
  
• Professional plumbers follow local building codes, which is important for resale and avoiding legal issues.

We recommend Angi

If you’re looking to hire a plumber, Angi is a great place to start. Plumbers featured on Angi go through background checks and licensing verification, giving you added peace of mind when choosing who to trust with your home.

You’ll also find detailed reviews from real customers and the ability to request multiple quotes at once—making it easier to compare options and land on the right plumber for your needs.

How much is a plumber FAQs

What are typical plumbing costs?
Most plumbers charge $45–$200 per hour, depending on the job, urgency, and expertise.

How much should you pay for a plumber?
Expect $150–$500 for common repairs. Larger installs or emergencies can run into the thousands.

What is a plumber’s average rate?
The national average is about $90 per hour, though apprentice rates are lower and masters charge more.

How much does it cost for a plumber to unclog a toilet?
Usually $100–$300, depending on severity and whether it’s a quick fix or a deeper line issue.

How do plumbers bill you?
Most charge hourly, though some offer flat rates for standard jobs like toilet installs or drain cleaning.

Why is a plumber so expensive?
Training, licensing, tools, and 24/7 availability drive costs. Emergency and complex jobs cost more.

Should I tip my plumber?
Not required, but $20–$50 or 10–15% is appreciated for exceptional service or difficult jobs.

How do I know if a plumber is ripping me off?
Compare multiple quotes, check reviews, and ask for itemized estimates before work begins.

What are hidden plumbing costs?
Extras like after-hours fees, permits, disposal charges, or unexpected pipe repairs can add to your bill.