The cost to hire a plumber will vary, depending on what needs to be fixed. However, the longer
you put it off, the more some things may cost. Water damage can cost a lot to clean up, but
waiting could lead to a mold infestation. Mold cleanup will cost even more.
Therefore, calling a plumber at the first sign of a problem can often save you time and money.
Keep reading to learn more about the cost of common plumbing projects.
The national average for a plumber’s service call is $150 to $500. In areas where the labor rate
is less, expect to pay between $150 to $200. In large cities, the cost can be around $800 or
more.
Plumbers usually charge $50 to $200 per hour.
If the service call is an emergency and requires an off-hours trip, expect to pay a $50 to $100
per hour premium over the normal hourly rate.
These are the most common reasons to hire a plumber. In some cases, a little perseverance with a
plunger could clear the clog. Yes, you can use a plunger in the sink and shower drains. There
are also multiple eco-friendly drain cleaners sold at many of the big box stores.
First, you might try a home remedy consisting of two cups of baking soda, four cups of boiling
water, and one cup of white vinegar. Remove standing water, pour one cup of baking soda in the
drain, then two cups of hot water, repeat, and then add the vinegar.
Another option is to buy a drain snake at a hardware store for $5 to $10. Slide the snake down
the drain and rotate it to loosen the blockage or debris. Then, slowly pull it back out so you
get most of the debris on the snake’s bristles.
When a plunger, home remedy, or snake does not relieve the clog, it’s time to call a plumber.
Expect to pay the full price of a service charge plus whatever is needed to clear the clog. The
average charge for a plumber or drain expert to unclog a drain is $385.
Usually, when a pipe bursts, it is because it froze, but leaks can develop for many reasons. The
most significant expense for a burst pipe or a significant leak is cleaning up the water damage.
A burst pipe is normally apparent, but finding and fixing the leak usually costs around $300 if
the leak is in your home. If the leak is on your main line, expect costs to rise to $1,500 to
find and repair.
You may also need to repair the drywall or other water damage, and you might also need to add insulation. Check our drywall repair cost guide, but the average cost to repair water damage in drywall is $300 to $700.