Plumbing plays an important role in how your home or business runs from day to day.
Unanticipated repairs can slow down progress and put a financial dent in your wallet.
Before you tackle the job in-house or DIY, find out how much does a plumber cost.
A good plumber provides detailed diagnostics.
They can locate the current plumbing concerns as well as spot hidden issues.
Licensed plumbers also use specialized equipment.
They’re backed up by insurance and proper bonding as well. That makes them professionals.
So your home remains in compliance with all the local and state plumbing codes.
If you still aren’t sure how plumbing plays a vital role in daily operations, read this.
Let’s explore the cost of a plumber when you run into unexpected repairs.
Common Plumbing Issues
While plumbers do charge by the hour, that also has to do with the type of plumbing repair needed.
Some common plumbing concerns by average plumbing repair cost include:
Slow and Clogged Drains
A clogged drain with blockages that slow or restrict water flow cost around $200 to fix.
This may seem steep. But some sinks have garbage disposals which add a level of difficulty to the repair.
Fixing a Faulty Water Heater
A broken water heater isn’t a wonderful surprise.
It normally reveals itself while you’re in the middle of a shower.
Expect to pay a plumber close to $600 for repair.
Leaking Pipes
Leaky pipes can cause a lot of damage to your home.
They destroy walls and furniture, and the mold and dampness attract roaches and other bugs.
During winter, a leaky pipe may expand and burst, costing you more.
A plumber may bill you anywhere between $150 to $4,000.
Toilet Trouble
The number one reason people call a plumber is to fix common toilet issues.
Repairs can cost as low as $150 or as much as $300.
Other plumbing issues exist—sewer, septic, and sump pump problems—that call for a plumber as well.
These could push the repair bill over $1,000 too.
What Do Plumbers Charge For?
Like other professional servicemen, plumbers charge per hour for their time and service.
Location matters as well.
Professional plumbers have a set number of hours they work for each service call.
Expect to pay more per hour for service performed outside those hours.
Your bill may also include a trip fee.
This is a mileage-based charge that plumbers use to recover travel expenses for service calls.
The first hour of service also comes with a flat rate.
The amount depends on the service, but it usually starts at around $100.
Keep in mind; these charges vary based on the complexity of the repair.
How Much Does a Plumber Cost?
Depending on the service call, a good plumber costs $45 to $200 per hour for their service.
The average cost for basic or common plumbing issues is about $300.
As mentioned above, these rates can change based on the plumber’s charges.
Also, factor in when you need a plumber.
If they answer an emergency call after hours, on the weekends, or on holiday, most plumbers will charge you double.
Triple, in some cases.
At the very minimum, a non-business hour call gets billed at time and a half.
Set aside a couple hundred dollars before you make the call to be safe.
Choose the Right Plumber
Residential or not, faulty plumbing throws a monkey wrench in how the day plays out.
That’s why it’s important to know how much a plumber costs.
Don’t stress over unexpected repairs.
Consider your financial situation.
Call the right plumbing professional to get you back operational.
If you live in the Okanagan Valley, check out our plumbing services page.
Related Reading: DIY Guide to 15 Common Plumbing Problems & Solutions
