No matter the kind of service you get from any service provider, you always want to know how much it will cost. This is a fair question, but like most things, it always depends on the circumstances and the specific service provided. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median pay for plumbers and pipefitters was $26.52 per hour in 2019. That’s a good start when estimating how much it might cost to hire a plumber. The costs vary depending on where you live to some degree and the quality of parts the plumbing company uses. In this article, we’ll try to give you a better idea of how much do plumbers cost in different circumstances.
The Cost of Hiring a Plumber
Most plumbers charge an hourly rate for labor plus parts. A common repair may cost you $120, for example. Some plumber work on a flat rate system because sometimes the variable in plumbing makes it a challenge to charge hourly. Toilet installations are different in every house for the most part.
Flat service fee charges for most plumbing companies range from $150 to $350, depending on location. The fee typically covers inspection and the first hour of working. After the initial flat rate, an hourly rate applies.
If you’re in a remote location and your plumber needs to travel far, they may calculate travel time into the fee. The travel fee would cover insurance, gas, car maintenance, and time.
How Much Do Emergency Plumbing Repairs Cost?
A water leak or burst pipe warrants an emergency plumbing call. Even if it’s in the middle of the night, you’ll want to call a plumber. In most cases, you’ll incur an additional $70 to $100 per hour for emergency service.
If it’s a holiday, weekend, or a specific time during off-hours, some plumbers will triple or double their hourly rate. Make sure to keep your plumbing company’s number handy because emergencies are unplanned, and when the water is flowing from a burst pipe, every second counts.
So you’re not surprised by emergency rates, just ask your plumber about their emergency service and what they charge.
Costs for Common Plumbing Repairs
Knowing what needs to be repaired is the first step to getting an accurate estimate for a plumbing repair. Bathrooms bring a lot of potential plumbing repairs. The cost will vary depending on the fixture you want to replace.
Replacing shower enclosures and bathtubs will cover over $1,000 on average. The showerhead, sink, faucet, and toilet handle are more affordable and shouldn’t cost more than a couple hundred dollars, depending on the quality of the materials you use.
The more costly plumbing repairs are typically related to pipes. Pipes are hard to access, and replacing and repairing them is more difficult. Expect to pay more than $1000 for most pipe repairs.
Always Ask Ahead of Time
You never need to be afraid to call the plumber because of high rates. If a plumber is any good, they will break down the costs for every repair before they come to your home. If they need to see the damage first, they’ll offer a free in-home estimate. Your plumber may even have a price sheet available for common repairs in your area.
Need to Hire a Plumber?
Top of the Line Plumbing provides plumbing services to Duval County, St. Johns County, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and the surrounding areas. There isn’t a plumbing job too big or too small for our team to handle. From repairs and repiping to hydro jetting and water filtration, Top of the Line has the experts to get the job done.
904-647-1221
