Plumbing Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$110 – $650
0.5 – 2.0 hours typical
Labor Cost
$100 – $500
Materials
$10 – $150
Hourly Rate
$75 – $150
Service Fee
$50 – $200
Get Multiple Quotes: Prices vary significantly by location and plumber. Always get 2–3 quotes for jobs over $300. Ask about flat-rate vs hourly pricing.
Not included: Permits ($50–$500 for major work), wall repair if opening walls, fixture costs (for installations, fixture often quoted separately).
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Plumbing Cost Breakdown
| Repair Type | Cost Range | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| Faucet Repair/Leak | $100 – $350 | 30 min – 1.5 hrs |
| Toilet Repair | $75 – $200 | 30 min – 1 hr |
| Drain Unclogging | $100 – $400 | 30 min – 2 hrs |
| Pipe Leak Repair | $150 – $500 | 1 – 3 hrs |
| Water Heater Repair | $150 – $500 | 1 – 2 hrs |
* Includes labor and basic parts. Service call fee ($50–$200) may be additional.
Installation Costs
| Installation | Cost (Labor + Unit) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Faucet | $120 – $300 | Faucet cost extra ($50–$500) |
| Toilet | $350 – $800 | Includes basic toilet |
| Garbage Disposal | $200 – $500 | Includes disposal unit |
| Water Heater (Tank) | $800 – $2,500 | 40-50 gal tank included |
| Water Heater (Tankless) | $1,500 – $3,500 | May need gas/elec upgrade |
* Permits ($50–$500) may be required for water heaters and major plumbing work.
How We Calculate
Our plumbing cost calculator estimates total cost based on job type, plumber experience level, emergency status, and service fees. Total = labor cost + materials + service call fee.
Labor calculation: Typical hours for job × plumber hourly rate. Emergency calls add 50% to labor. Installations typically include materials in the base cost.
Plumber Rate Tiers
Handyman ($50–$80/hr) — Basic repairs, not licensed. Apprentice ($45–$90/hr) — Learning, works under supervision. Journeyman ($75–$150/hr) — Licensed, handles most residential work. Master Plumber ($100–$200/hr) — Full license, complex jobs, can pull permits.
Common Job Costs
Faucet repair: $100–$350. Toilet repair: $75–$200. Drain unclogging: $100–$400. Pipe leak: $150–$500. Toilet installation: $350–$800. Water heater (tank): $800–$2,500. Water heater (tankless): $1,500–$3,500.
Additional Costs
Permits: $50–$500 for major work. Camera inspection: $100–$400. Wall repair: $100–$400 if opening walls. Code upgrades: Varies.
Data Sources
Pricing from HomeGuide, Angi, HomeAdvisor, Fixr, and licensed plumber rate surveys (February 2026).
Last updated: 2026-02-05
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plumber cost per hour? +
Plumbers charge $45–$200 per hour depending on experience and location. Apprentice plumbers cost $45–$90/hr, journeyman plumbers $75–$150/hr, and master plumbers $100–$200/hr. Most charge a service call fee of $50–$200 on top of hourly rates.
How much does it cost to unclog a drain? +
Drain unclogging costs $100–$400 depending on severity and location. A simple sink clog runs $100–$200. Toilet clogs cost $100–$275. Main sewer line clogs requiring snaking or hydro-jetting cost $300–$800.
How much does toilet installation cost? +
Toilet installation costs $350–$800 including labor and basic toilet. High-end toilets or complex installations (moving drain) can cost $800–$1,500+. Simple toilet replacement with the same drain location is $350–$500.
How much does water heater replacement cost? +
Tank water heater replacement costs $800–$2,500 (40-50 gallon). Tankless water heater installation costs $1,500–$3,500. The higher cost of tankless includes the unit ($500–$2,000) plus potentially upgrading gas lines or electrical.
What is a plumber service call fee? +
A service call fee ($50–$200) covers the plumber's travel time and initial assessment. It's charged regardless of whether you proceed with repairs. Some plumbers waive the fee if you hire them. Always ask upfront if a service call fee applies.
Do plumbers charge more for emergencies? +
Yes — emergency plumbing (nights, weekends, holidays) typically costs 50% more than standard rates. Expect $150–$300/hr for emergency service vs $75–$150/hr during business hours. Some plumbers charge a flat emergency fee of $100–$300.
Should I hire a handyman or licensed plumber? +
Hire a licensed plumber for anything involving water supply lines, gas lines, water heaters, or permits. Handymen ($50–$80/hr) can handle simple fixes like replacing faucet washers or unclogging drains. Licensed plumbers are required for code compliance.
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