Plumbing Costs Explained: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Plumbing issues range from a $5 washer replacement to a $15,000 whole-house repipe. Understanding typical costs helps you budget, evaluate quotes, and decide when to call a professional versus tackling it yourself.

Most plumbers charge $75-$150 per hour, with a minimum service call fee of $100-$200. Emergency and after-hours calls typically carry a 50-100% premium. Getting a flat-rate quote for defined jobs is usually better than hourly billing.

Common repairs and their typical costs: leaky faucet repair ($150-$350), running toilet fix ($100-$250), clogged drain clearing ($100-$300), water heater repair ($200-$600), garbage disposal replacement ($250-$500).

Mid-range projects include: water heater replacement ($1,000-$3,500), sump pump installation ($500-$1,200), water softener installation ($800-$2,500), bathroom fixture upgrades ($500-$2,000), and outdoor faucet installation ($200-$500).

Major plumbing projects: whole-house repipe ($4,000-$15,000), sewer line replacement ($3,000-$12,000), bathroom addition plumbing ($2,000-$5,000), main water line replacement ($2,000-$6,000).

The material matters for repiping. PEX tubing is now the standard for interior plumbing at $0.50-$1.50 per linear foot. Copper runs $2-$5 per foot. PEX is faster to install, more flexible, and resistant to freezing — making it cheaper overall.

Sewer line issues are the most expensive surprise. Signs include slow drains throughout the house, sewage odors, and wet spots in the yard. A camera inspection ($200-$500) can diagnose the problem before committing to expensive repairs.

Water heater choice significantly impacts cost. Standard tank heaters run $800-$2,000 installed. Tankless heaters cost $2,000-$4,500 but last 20+ years versus 10-12 for tank models and save $80-$100/year on energy.

DIY-friendly plumbing tasks include: replacing faucets, swapping toilet flappers and fill valves, installing new showerheads, and basic drain clearing with a plunger or drain snake. Leave anything involving gas lines, main shutoffs, or sewer work to professionals.

Always verify your plumber is licensed and insured. Ask for their license number and verify it with your state licensing board. Licensed plumbers carry insurance that protects you if something goes wrong.