How Much Does a Plumber Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

How much does a plumber cost? Hourly rates range from $45 to $200 per hour, with most plumbers’ total costing between $180 and $494 or $336 on average. The final price depends on several factors like your location, job complexity, and the materials needed. Understanding these costs can help you budget effectively when plumbing issues arise and ensure you're prepared to hire a professional.

Plumbing Cost Factors

Plumbing costs can vary significantly depending on several factors. For instance, installing a water heater in your area might cost twice as much as in another state due to differences in labor rates, permit fees, or the plumber's experience level. When reviewing your plumber's estimate, consider the following cost factors.

Job Complexity

The more complex the solution, the longer it'll likely take to diagnose and repair. For example, snaking a drain might only require an hour of work. But installing new plumbing behind drywall requires multiple steps: determining the run, removing drywall, drilling through joists, installing plumbing, and putting it all back together. So, adding complexity increases time and materials, as well as your overall cost.

Type of Repair

Some repairs are routine and frequent, such as clogged drains and installing a water heater, while burst pipes are often weather-dependent and happen more rarely. Routine repairs often come with flat rates. You can expect to pay on the low end, or $95 to $500, for something routine like a clogged drain. A burst pipe can run you up to $2,000 if you need extensive work done, not including the cleanup.

Materials

Materials make a difference in plumbing only if you need them. Using the clogged drain example, you likely won't have any material costs associated with the fix. But if you need new pipes installed, you'll have to choose what they're made from, like PEX or copper, and that choice affects your bill. Discuss your options with your plumber. They'll know which materials work best in your area and can give you estimates for each type.

Location

Location plays a part in two ways: cost of living and travel time.

• Cost of living: The higher the cost of living in your area, the more you can expect to pay for services. That's usually because running a service business in your location requires more overhead.

• Travel time: If you live within a certain distance from your plumber, you likely won't pay a travel fee. But with the cost of transportation rising, you can expect your pro to tack on a travel fee for each mile outside their home radius. That fee helps cover the time it takes to get to you and the fuel costs associated with the distance.

Plumbing Inspection

A plumbing inspection costs between $100 and $500 on average. In most cases, you’ll pay on the lower end. You can often get a routine inspection on an annual plan from your local plumber. You might need a specific type of plumbing inspection, such as a camera in the sewer lines to help diagnose a problem, which tends to cost far more.

Haul Away Fees

Haul-away fees are usually included in your estimate and only pertain to large items, such as a water heater, sink, bathtub, or other large fixtures. This covers any transport and dumping fees. It’s typically a relatively minimal charge, anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on how much your local landfill charges.

Additional Water Damage Repairs

If a plumbing issue causes water damage in your home, restoration costs can range from $1,360 to $6,300, not including the plumbing repair itself. Since plumbers typically don't handle water damage cleanup, you'll need to hire a water damage restoration specialist. Addressing water damage promptly is crucial to prevent mold growth and structural issues.

Commercial vs. Residential Plumbing Rates

Commercial plumbers average $100 per hour, while residential plumbers average $80 per hour. Commercial contractors rarely do residential work and vice versa. The building codes and equipment they deal with and the skill sets they develop vary between the two types.

Plumbing Repair Costs by Type

In addition to paying labor costs when you hire a plumber, you’ll also need to pay for the repairs that they perform. Depending on the repair type, you could pay as little as $100 or upwards of $9,500 for more significant plumbing work.

Below is a list of the most common plumbing projects and their price ranges. 

• Burst Pipes: $200–$3,000

• Water Heater Installation: $800–$2,000

• Clearing Clogs/Drain Snaking: $95–$500

• Main Line Water Leak Repair: $600–$4,500

• Water Main Installation: $650–$2,800

• New Plumbing Pipes: $370–$2,100

• Sewer Line Cleaning: $190–$570

• Sewer Main Installation: $1,430–$5,800

• Sewer Main Line Repair: $13,90–$5,300

• Sewer Camera Inspection: $270–$1,740

• Septic Tank Repair: $500–$3,000

• Septic Tank Cleaning: $630–$3000

• Water Purification System: $1,100–$3,500

• Toilet Repair: $100–$300

• Faucet and Fixture Replacement: $150–$600

• Shower Installation: $4,400–$12,500

• Bathtub Installation: $1,980–$9,500

• Water Heater Repair: $150–$750

• Tankless Water Heater: $1,400–$3,900

• Sump Pump Installation: $640–$2,100

• Sump Pump Repair: $300–$1,000

• Well Pump Repair: $370–$1,620

• Gas Line Repair: $250–$750

Plumbing Labor Cost Factors

The cost of plumbing services can vary based on several additional factors, such as whether you require emergency repairs, whether the plumber charges flat rates, or if there are call-out fees. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate the total cost and avoid surprises on your bill.

Hourly Rates

Labor costs around $90 per hour per plumber. Often, both a journeyperson and an apprentice will work on your project. While their combined hourly rate is higher, they can complete the work more quickly, potentially saving you money in the long run.

Flat-Rate Prices

Flat rates run from $100 to $400 for most simple service calls, such as unclogging a drain or fixing a faucet or toilet. More complex jobs requiring more time often incur further labor charges.

Level of Expertise

Most plumbers charge an average of $70 to $120 per hour before trip fees and materials. Rates can range as high as $200 or as low as $45. The hourly rate covers the plumber’s salary, insurance premiums, union dues, overhead, equipment, vehicle maintenance, and tools. Here are plumbers’ hourly rates based on experience.

Apprentice

The price for an apprentice plumber is between $45 and $90 per hour, with an average of $70 per hour. Apprentices work for four to five years under a master plumber before taking the test to become a journeyperson. During this time, they work on a wide variety of projects to gain experience.

Journeyperson

The price for a journeyperson is between $60 and $110 per hour, with an average cost of $90 per hour. Your bill reflects those wages plus overhead, insurance, tools, equipment, vehicle expenses, and advertising.

Master

You can expect to pay a master plumber $80 to $200 per hour, with an average cost of $120 per hour. They survey the plumbing work completed by apprentices and journeypersons. Some states don't require or endorse certification levels. You can speak with your local construction and planning office for details on the requirements in your state or city.

Emergency, Weekend, Holiday, or After-Hours Charges

Most plumbers are called out for emergency situations. Off-hour repairs are more expensive than making an appointment during regular business hours. Weekend, holiday, and after-hours work come at a higher hourly rate or flat-rate pricing, or a combination of the two.

A flat rate or trip fee is $300 to $400 or more in some extreme cases. Ask your contractor if this is in addition to an hourly rate.

The cost of an emergency plumber depends on the individual contractor's policies. Most charge time and a half to triple their hourly rate, depending on when the call comes in. Some may charge time and a half for evening work, double time for weekends, and triple time for holidays.

Service Call Costs

Service call fees range from $100 to $250 and usually include the first hour of work. Service calls cover a wide range of common services, including clogged drains, leaking pipes, and fixture repair.

Trip or Call-Out Fees

Trip fees range anywhere from $50 to $300, depending on your location and the distance your plumber needs to travel. Unlike a service call, this fee is in addition to labor charges.

Minimum fees and trip charges help offset the cost of traveling to and from job sites. Plumbers spend much of their time traveling to a job site and a supply house to pick up materials for your project. 

Most plumbers offer a flat fee within a certain radius of their shop, with additional mileage pricing past that. Alternatively, some skip the trip charge and simply charge a one- or two-hour minimum. So, if they spend only 15 minutes working, you'll pay the minimum amount of time.

DIY vs. Hiring a Plumber

While you might handle minor fixes like a leaky faucet or a clogged drain yourself, hiring a professional plumber ensures the job is done correctly and safely. Plumbing projects often require specialized knowledge, experience, and tools. A pro can help prevent potential water damage and costly mistakes.

While some minor plumbing fixes might seem manageable, most projects require specialized training and knowledge of building codes and materials. For example, over-tightening PVC pipes can cause them to crack, leading to costly water damage. Hiring a professional plumber ensures the job is done correctly, reducing the risk of future problems.

Choosing a Plumber

When choosing a plumber, consider their state licensure, insurance coverage, and level of experience. Verifying that your plumber is licensed and insured protects you from potential liabilities. An experienced plumber is more likely to provide quality workmanship and reliable service.

Before hiring a plumber, prepare a list of questions to ask potential candidates. The best way to determine your project budget is to get at least three quotes from local plumbers. Knowing what others paid for the same work helps you make an informed decision after the bids come in. Many plumbers offer free estimates, and some may even visit your home for a complimentary consultation, especially if you’re a new customer.

General Plumber vs. Plumbing Contractor

Did you know that plumbers often specialize in different types of jobs? Generally, there are two categories: general plumbers, who handle repairs and some emergencies, and plumbing contractors, who focus on new construction and major remodeling projects.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 30,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.