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The average cost of plumbing repairs isn’t easy to determine. Anytime you need to contact a plumber for repair work, you’ll be looking at an average bill of around $400. But, for major repairs that can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, you’ll benefit from getting several quotes for the work. That is, if you have the time to do so before the problem gets worse or causes major inconveniences.
Plumbing Repair Cost Explained
The hourly cost to hire a plumber is only part of the service invoice. Other charges included in the bill are the cost of parts, a percentage markup on those parts and diagnostic inspection charges if needed. Some plumbing companies will also tack on a trip charge for certain jobs. Permit fees, when needed, will be added as well along with any unusual disposal charges incurred.
Small jobs may simply have a minimum charge that makes up the total plumbing repair cost. Some tasks, such as fixture replacements and minor repairs, will be charged at a flat rate barring any unusual circumstances.
Common Plumbing Repair Costs
Everyday life causes normal wear and tear on plumbing systems. It’s likely that, as a homeowner, you will face one, many or all of the following situations.
Clogged Drain
Most often, a clogged drain is a simple matter of an obstruction blocking the flow of water. A plumber can usually snake out just the affected drain for around $150 on average.
Backups
In the case of a larger backup in which multiple drains and the main house drain pipe is affected, you can expect to spend between $500 and $1,000 depending on severity. This is especially common in older homes with old sewer plumbing. Repairing or replacing heavily damaged sewer lines can cost several thousand dollars. You’ll likely want to gather a few quotes from different plumbers for this kind of project.
Leaks
Supply lines and drain lines can both suffer from occasional leaks. Simple p-trap repairs can be as little as $100. More severe supply line leaks run an average of about $500.
Faucet Repair Or Replacement
A drippy faucet may simply need it’s internal components replaced. That can be done by a plumber for about $100 to $150. If the fixture has deteriorated too far, replacement installation will cost around $300, plus the cost of a new faucet.
Toilet Repair Or Replacement
Intermittent running water in a toilet is not only annoying, but it can cost $200 to fix. If the toilet itself is the problem, expect to pay around $500 plus the cost of a new toilet to have it replaced.
Sump Pump Repair Or Replacement
Sump pump repair often comes down to replacement. There are few moving parts. If they fail, the pump is usually no longer any good. Installation of a new pump costs about $500, on average, to complete.
Plumbing Appliance Repair
Repairs and installations of appliances can cost between $150 and $400. The price will depend on whether the appliance needs a simple fix, hookup or complete re-installation.
Plumbing Systems Repair Costs
Larger repairs, of course, cost more money. Most homeowners will have to deal with one or more of these situations if they live in the home for more than several years.
Water Heater Repair or Replacement
Water heaters will exhaust their lifespan anytime after 10 to 12 years. It’s not uncommon to have to replace one if you own a home. Repairs can run near $500, while replacements start at about $1,000 and can run up to $7,000 or more for elaborate systems.
Soft Water and Water Treatment System Repair
Not everyone has soft water and water treatment systems. If you do, be prepared to spend between $500 and $1,000 to repair them if they fail.
Main Water Supply Line Repair
In many cities, main water supply lines are partially the responsibility of the city’s water department. That responsibility typically ends where the water meter meets the house’s plumbing. If your city doesn’t own it, or if you need to fix the pipes or valves beyond the meter, you can expect a $500 to $1,500 plumbing bill.
Main Drain Line Repair
If your home’s main drain line needs repair, the $500 you’ll spend on the plumber is often the least costly part of the equation. Main drains are typically buried well below the house where access is difficult. Digging to reach the pipe and putting the house back together after the repair is complete, will likely be the expensive part of the project.
Sewer Repair
Some sewer problems can be repaired without digging up the ground. Unfortunately, it’s still quite expensive to do and not always possible. Expect to spend around $4,000 to $6,000 for a major sewer repair.
Less Common Repair Costs
The following plumbing repair items won’t apply to every household or are rare enough that we can hope you’ll never have to confront them. If you do, however, this is what you can expect to pay.
Pipe Replacement
Sometimes small sections of pipe need to be replaced. This can be done for as little as $300. If an entire house full of plumbing needs to be replaced it could cost up to $7,000 depending on the house. If lead-based pipes are encountered, the law requires that they be replaced. This can add several hundred dollars to a simple repair.
Septic System Repair
Location of, and access to, a septic system malfunction are the big factors regarding septic system repairs. These repairs average about $2,000.
Well Pump Repair
If your home’s water is supplied through an individual well and it stops working, it’ll cost around $1,000 to get it repaired. This is assuming that major overhauling and digging isn’t involved.
Emergency Plumbing Repair Cost
If you can shut off the water and wait until morning to call the plumber, you’ll save money. Emergency response plumbing will incur an extra trip charge, of at least $100, and 50% to 100% more per hour. Expect an extra $300 to $400 on the bill, at a minimum.
Minimize Your Plumbing Costs
Plumbing repair can be expensive. There are a few ways to cut your costs though. These simple tricks will leave more money in your pocket. A little plumbing know-how provides peace of mind as well.
System Maintenance
Maintenance work can sound expensive for what you get, but can save a lot of money in the end. Having your plumbing systems, heating boiler, water heater and main drain lines inspected every few years will cost a few hundred dollars to have done. The money saved by identifying potential problems early, though, can amount to a small fortune by avoiding big and unexpected repair bills later.
Some DIY maintenance can be periodically performed as well. Replacing the toilet flapper every couple of years is a simple thing to do that can save big bucks. Quickly snaking out sink drains every few months with a residential plumbing snake can keep serious clogs from happening. Checking the operation and backup battery of your sump pump before the rainy season starts minimizes the chances of potentially serious water damage.
Delay Emergencies
The cost of plumbing repair skyrockets when it happens during non-working hours. You can save money by delaying a call to the plumber until the next day. Locate the water shut-off valves for each faucet, toilet, water heater and appliance and become familiar with how to operate them.
If a leak or clog happens in the middle of the night, you can simply shut off the water supply to the offending fixture or pipe and go back to sleep until morning when it’ll be cheaper to call a plumber. Remember to shut off the gas or electrical supply to the water heater if you turn off the water to it.
To prepare for a worst-case scenario, locate and learn how to use the main water supply shut off valve to the house.
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