Plumbing cost by service (2026)
National average ranges. Most plumbers charge $75–$200 per hour plus parts; emergency calls add 50–100% premium.
| Service | Typical cost | Notes | Time |
|---|
| Service call (diagnostic) | $75–$200 | Often credited toward repair | 30–60 min |
| Leak repair (under sink) | $150–$500 | Visible pipe, easy access | 1–2 hrs |
| Leak repair (in-wall) | $500–$2,500 | Drywall opening + repair adds cost | 4–8 hrs |
| Drain cleaning (basic) | $150–$400 | Snake or auger | 1–2 hrs |
| Hydro-jetting | $350–$800 | Heavy clogs, root removal | 2–3 hrs |
| Toilet replacement | $300–$800 | Mid-grade toilet, flange ok | 1–3 hrs |
| Faucet replacement | $150–$400 | Per fixture, not including faucet | 1–2 hrs |
| Water heater (gas/electric) | $1,200–$2,800 | 40–50 gal tank, standard install | 3–5 hrs |
| Water heater (tankless) | $2,500–$5,500 | Gas line + venting often needed | 4–8 hrs |
| Repipe (whole house) | $4,000–$15,000 | PEX or copper, depends on size | 3–7 days |
| Sewer line replacement | $3,000–$25,000 | Trenched or trenchless | 2–5 days |
Cost of a plumber per hour
Most US plumbers charge $75–$200 per hour for service calls, with master plumbers and metro markets at the higher end. Many companies charge a flat-rate minimum service call ($75–$200) that often credits toward the repair.
Emergency / after-hours calls (nights, weekends, holidays) add 50–100% premium. Many plumbers offer trip charge waivers for repeat customers or annual maintenance plans.
Water heater replacement cost
A standard 40–50 gallon gas or electric water heater installed runs $1,200–$2,800. Tankless water heaters cost more upfront ($2,500–$5,500) but last 20+ years (vs 10–12 for tank), use less energy, and provide unlimited hot water.
Heat pump water heaters ($2,500–$4,500 installed) cut electric heating bills 50–70%. The federal 25C tax credit expired Dec 31, 2025 and is not available for 2026 installs — but state utility rebates and IRA HEAR (income-qualified) programs are still active. Check dsireusa.org for your area.
Sewer line replacement cost
Sewer line replacement is one of the most expensive plumbing jobs at $3,000–$25,000. Traditional trenched replacement (digging up the lawn) runs $50–$200 per linear foot. Trenchless methods (pipe bursting or lining) cost $80–$250 per foot but avoid landscape destruction.
Most insurance policies don't cover sewer line replacement unless you've added a sewer line endorsement. Average homeowner insurance with sewer line rider costs $40–$100/year extra.
Plumbing cost factors
Job complexity
Visible pipe leaks: cheap. Behind-wall pipes, slab leaks, or pipe in finished ceiling: expensive (drywall + repaint costs).
Plumber rate
Master plumbers $150–$200/hr. Journeymen $75–$130/hr. Apprentices $50–$80/hr (always supervised by master).
Parts vs labor
Most jobs are 60–70% labor, 20–30% parts. Specialty fixtures (luxury faucets, premium toilets) shift ratio toward parts.
Permit requirements
Required for: water heater replacement, sewer/water main work, rough-in plumbing, gas line work. Permits run $50–$300.
Emergency calls
After-hours, weekends, holidays: 50–100% premium. Always ask if the issue can wait until business hours.
Access difficulty
Crawlspace, attic, behind-cabinet plumbing all add labor time. Easy under-sink work is cheapest.
Plumbing cost by city
Local pricing benchmarks across major US metros.
New York, NYLos Angeles, CAChicago, ILHouston, TXPhoenix, AZPhiladelphia, PASan Antonio, TXSan Diego, CADallas, TXAustin, TXJacksonville, FLColumbus, OHCharlotte, NCIndianapolis, INSeattle, WADenver, COAtlanta, GAMiami, FLNashville, TNPortland, ORMemphis, TNBaltimore, MDMilwaukee, WIAlbuquerque, NM
Frequently asked questions about plumbing cost
How much does a plumber charge per hour?
Most US plumbers charge $75–$200 per hour. Master plumbers and metro markets are at the higher end. Many companies charge a flat-rate minimum service call ($75–$200) that credits toward the repair. After-hours/emergency calls add 50–100%.
How much does it cost to replace a water heater?
Standard 40–50 gallon tank water heater (gas or electric) installed: $1,200–$2,800. Tankless: $2,500–$5,500 (lasts 2x longer). Heat pump water heater: $2,500–$4,500 (the federal 25C tax credit expired Dec 31, 2025; state utility rebates may still apply — check dsireusa.org).
How much does it cost to fix a leak?
Under-sink visible leak: $150–$500. Behind-wall leak: $500–$2,500 (includes drywall opening + repair). Slab leak: $1,000–$4,000. Pipe burst from freezing: often covered by insurance after deductible.
How much does sewer line replacement cost?
Trenched replacement: $50–$200 per linear foot ($3,000–$15,000 typical). Trenchless (pipe bursting/lining): $80–$250 per foot ($5,000–$25,000) but no landscape damage. Most homeowner policies don't cover unless you have a sewer line endorsement.
Should I get a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters cost 1.5–2x more upfront but last 20+ years (vs 10–12 for tank), provide unlimited hot water, and use 20–30% less energy. Best ROI for households of 3+ people in cold/moderate climates. Smaller households often don't break even.
