How Much Does Plumbing and Repairs Cost [2024 Data]
Normal range: $175 - $450
Plumbing repair costs $315 on average. These prices can range from $175 to $450, however, and depend entirely on the type of plumbing work required.
The average plumbing repair cost is around $315. However, costs can range between $175 and $450 for various repairs and updates. The reason for the chasm is that plumbers perform a wide range of repairs that can include everything from fixing clogs to installing new water treatment systems. Factors that influence plumbing repair prices include where you live, the age of your plumbing system, the skill and equipment needed to perform the task, and the accessibility of your plumbing system. This guide covers average rates for common plumbing repairs.
- Average
- $315
- Low end
- $75
- high end
- $5,000
Plumbing Repair Cost Breakdown
There’s a wide range of plumbing repair costs because there are so many different things that can go wrong with your pipes and fixtures. Your final bill will depend on the specific repair you need and how easy it is to access the issue. When it comes down to it, most of your payment will be for parts and labor, but if there’s a problem you need fixed immediately, emergency repair fees come into play and can add up, as well. Ready to start estimating your plumbing repair costs? Here’s how the prices break down.
Type of Repair
Some repairs are simpler to fix than others. On one end of the spectrum, your plumber fixes a simple leaky faucet. On the other end, they have to repipe your entire home. Costs tend to reflect the amount of work a pro puts in, so expect to spend more on comprehensive repairs and replacements—especially if they take multiple visits to complete. The table below includes some common repairs and prices.
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Burst pipe | $200–$1,000 |
| Clogged drain | $150–$500 |
| Leaky faucet | $150–$300 |
| Pipe leak | $150–$850 |
| Toilet repair | $150–$400 |
| Water heater repair | $225–$1,000 |
| Water main repair | $1,000–$4,000+ |
Expertise
The more experience your plumber has, the more they’re likely to charge per hour. Though these levels and requirements can change depending on the state, the table below includes some average pricing for plumber expertise levels. Note that we’re including a handyperson, as these professionals do carry out plumbing repair in some cases, even though they aren’t certified plumbers.
| Plumber Level | Experience (years) | Avg. Cost per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Handyperson | Varies | $25–$75 |
| Apprentice | <4 years | $45–$90 |
| Journeyperson | 4+ and state exam | $60–$110 |
| Master plumber | 7+ and state exam | $80–$200 |
An apprentice will often cost half as much as a master plumber. That said, it’s not always a value if they make mistakes. Plus, a journeyperson or master plumber must oversee any work an apprentice does. If you have a complex job, choose a licensed plumber with five to 10 years of experience.
Labor
You may be able to fix a clog on your own, but you should always leave more significant plumbing work to a licensed plumber. In fact, depending on the repair and where you live, you may not be able to get a permit to get the work done without one, so you’ll need to pay a professional regardless. Depending on their experience, a plumber costs between $45 and $200 per hour, though they may charge a flat fee that includes both labor and materials.
Location
In general, plumbers in high-cost-of-living (HCOL) areas charge higher rates to cover the higher cost of doing business. If you live in a city or HCOL area, expect labor costs to be on the higher end of the scale. If the first quote you get still seems high for your area, be sure to get at least two additional quotes to get a better idea of what's reasonable.
Materials
Materials can quickly increase the cost of a plumbing repair job, especially if you’re replacing pipes, fixtures, or equipment that are of a higher quality or contain less readily available materials. For example, replacing CPVC or PVC pipes costs $0.50 to $1 per linear foot, while replacing copper piping costs $2 to $8 per linear foot, plus additional installation costs.
You can save money by choosing durable yet budget-friendly materials that aren’t necessarily luxury products. Just be sure your materials conform to your local building codes. A certified master plumber should always take this extra step for you.
Permits and Inspections
Plumbing permits cost an average of $75, but they can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, usually depending on the total cost of the job. Most larger plumbing jobs (like replacing a water heater or repairing a septic system) require a permit. Small jobs (like unclogging a sink drain or fixing a leaky faucet) typically don’t require a permit. Check with your local building department or your plumber to see if a permit is necessary.
In addition, you may want an inspection to identify plumbing issues or ensure your plumbing work is up to code. Plumbing inspections cost an average of $200 and can help you save money in the long run by identifying potential issues before they become severe.
Emergency Plumbing Repair Fees
If you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency, you may have to pay a bit more for an after-hours, holiday, or weekend call. Plumbers generally charge anywhere from one and a half to three times their regular hourly rate for an emergency visit, plus additional fees. Expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $500 per hour in addition to a flat-rate emergency trip fee of $100 to $350.
Bathroom Plumbing Repair Costs
From hot showers to bubble baths, you count on your bathroom to help you get ready in the morning or relax after a long day at work. So when something goes wrong, whether it’s a leak or low water pressure, you want to get it fixed fast. Here’s a look at a variety of plumbing repair issues and what their costs could be.
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Drain clog | $75–$250 |
| Toilet clog | $125–$300 |
| Bathtub and shower | $100–$600 |
| Faucet or showerhead | $200–$350 |
| Sink pipe | $200–$500 |
| Toilet repair | $150–$400 |
Bathroom Clog Costs
For simple unclogs in any of these areas, expect to pay a flat rate of around $200.
Clogs in the bathroom can occur in the sink, toilet, and tub. Often, the biggest culprit is too much hair or other debris stuck in the main drainage pipe of that particular system. If a plunger isn’t working, it’s time to hire a local plumber.
Toilet Repair Costs
Toilet repairs cost an average of $250 for parts and labor. They are often simple, as most of the repairs take place in the tank or drainage system. If the toilet's ceramic is damaged, your pro will probably recommend that you buy a new toilet. A new toilet costs around $400 on the low end and over $10,000 for high-end models.
Bathtub and Shower Repair Costs
Problems with the drainage systems, cracks on the surface of the tub, and leaks springing from the wall are all common bathtub and shower problems. The cost to repair the surface of a bathtub or shower is around $300 on average, but this will vary depending on the amount of damage.
Leaking pipes will cost around $250 to fix, but this isn’t the final cost. You’ll likely need to pay for drywall repair and tile repair afterward, which is around $500, depending on the size of the repair and the quality of the materials.
Faucet Repair Costs
Faucet repairs cost around $250 because it’s typically easier to replace the faucet rather than try to repair it. Faucets are easy to access, making them one of the least expensive plumbing repairs in the bathroom.
Sink Pipe Repair Costs
There are a few signs your bathroom plumbing needs repairs other than a leak. Water pressure problems, oddly colored water, and a knocking sound are all signs of a sink piping problem. Expect to pay around $300 for sink pipe repairs. Prices can climb higher if the damaged section of plumbing isn’t easily accessible from under the sink.
Kitchen Plumbing Repair Costs
Many people’s favorite place in the home is the kitchen. It’s where they daydream about leftovers and grab yummy snacks late at night. So when something goes wrong here, it needs attention ASAP.
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher | $75–$600 |
| Garbage disposal | $75–$400 |
| Ice maker water line | $100–$200 |
| Kitchen sink clog | $100–$400 |
| P-trap repair | $200–$325 |
Kitchen Sink Clog Repair Costs
Tackling a kitchen sink clog may be different than a bathroom clog, as there could be a garbage disposal that your plumber needs to work around. If you have a double sink, this adds an extra step to the process. Expect to pay around $300 for kitchen sink clogs.
Garbage Disposal Repair Costs
If your garbage disposal is giving you a headache, you’ll need to repair it for around $300, though unclogging a small clog can cost as little as $75.
Like faucets, it’s often better to replace a garbage disposal rather than trying to get an old one to work and hoping for the best.
“If you’re already having plumbing repairs done in your kitchen, consider putting in a new disposal,” says Joseph Wood, Expert Review Board member, Master Plumber, and Founder of Boston Standard Company. “It’s a great time to consider upgrading your kitchen.”
P-Trap Repair Costs
The P-trap pipe (named because it literally looks like the letter “P”) helps keep sewer gas from seeping into your house—especially in the kitchen, where you’re meant to make delicious food. A P-trap repair will cost around $275, but it’s usually best to replace the trap entirely, as the cost is similar and the solution usually lasts longer than a repair.
Dishwasher Repair Costs
It can feel disheartening when you open your dishwasher after running a load and see that everything is still dirty. This could be a problem with drainage, the dishwasher filter, or the dishwasher jets. Dishwasher repair costs around $300.
Ice Make Water Line Repair Costs
Repairing the water line that feeds water to the ice maker in your freezer usually costs between $100 and $200. This is a straightforward and easily accessible repair that should take your plumber no more than an hour or so to complete.
Other Home System Plumbing Repair Costs
“Home systems” refers to anything that affects the home as a whole rather than only specific portions (like the kitchen and bathroom). This includes the water heater, sewer mains, or the plumbing materials that run throughout the house.
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Drain line repair | $200–$1,000 |
| Repiping | $1,500–$15,000+ |
| Septic tank pumping | $200–$600 |
| Septic tank repair | $600–$3,000+ |
| Sewer main repair | $60–$250* |
| Sump pump repair | $400–$550 |
| Treatment systems | $200–$1,000+ |
| Water heater repair | $100–$1,800 |
| Water main repair | $300–$4,000+ |
| Well pump repair | $350–$1,500 |
*per linear foot
Cost to Repair Plumbing Yourself
Most people can unclog a sink or tub drain on their own using a plunger or something like vinegar and baking soda to help move the blockage along. In that case, you’ll generally spend less than $25 to repair your plumbing. If you have a job that’s larger than a simple clog, however, you shouldn’t DIY it.
Mistakes are easy for DIYers to make, and messing up your plumbing system can lead to catastrophic and wildly expensive damages. It’s always best to leave the work to a professional plumber near you rather than attempt the work yourself.
Many states don’t even allow homeowners to alter, remove, rearrange, or relocate piping. You’ll need to hire a licensed plumber to get a permit, and even if you don’t, water damage from a plumbing job done without a pro can cost thousands of dollars to fix.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
For simple fixes like clearing a minor clog, you could save $100 to $300 by doing the work yourself. However, for more extensive issues, you’ll still save money by hiring out and avoiding a much more costly plumbing problem in many cases, even with labor and base plumbing repair costs.
Plus, plumbing is complicated and encompasses tons of different home systems. When it comes to all things plumbing, it’s best to hire a plumbing repair service near you to get the job done right.
Questions to Ask the Plumber
Stress levels can run high when contacting a plumber to fix what looks like a serious emergency. That's why having some questions to run through is helpful. Be sure to ask these questions when making a phone call or greeting the plumber after arrival at your home:
Are you fully licensed and insured?
Do you have the parts available to complete the repair today?
What is the turnaround time for this type of project?
What are your warranty terms?
Is the plumber being dispatched to my home fully licensed?
How many years have you been in business?
Is this type of repair your specialty?
Are there any surprise costs I should be anticipating?
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
An emergency plumber that you call to work on a problem after normal business hours or on holidays will often charge an emergency service fee of around $150 to $300. Emergency plumbers can also charge up to three times their normal hourly rate to account for the overtime in addition to the fee for the emergency visit, sometimes hitting $600 per hour for a master plumber on a major holiday.
Because plumbing repairs are wide-ranging in scope, job completion time may vary from a few hours or several days. Simple jobs such as clearing a clog, replacing a garbage disposal, or repairing a toilet will only take an hour or two. Large jobs that require digging up yards and checking pipes may take upward of one or two weeks.
It costs anywhere from $150 to $850 to fix a pipe leak, but it could cost even more depending on the damage. The most common kind of pipe leaks, which happen from clogs or grease buildup, cost less than $300 to fix. A burst pipe tends to be the most expensive because it results in significant water damage. Expect to spend $400 to $1,500 to fix the pipe, plus $1,000 to $2,000 on water damage repair.