How Much Does a Plumber Cost to Hire in 2025?

The cost of hiring a plumber in 2025 will depend on the issue that needs to be fixed. Some problems may be minor, but delaying repairs can lead to bigger, more expensive issues. For example, water damage is already costly to clean up and waiting too long could result in mold, which is even more expensive to remove.

That’s why it is often best to call a plumber at the first sign of trouble. Acting early can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. This blog will answer the question, “How Much Does a Plumber Cost to Hire in 2025?”, explain what factors affect the cost, and why hiring a professional plumber can save you from costly mistakes. 

What is the Average Cost of Hiring a Plumber?

The cost of hiring a plumber can be as low as $99 or as high as $950, but most homeowners pay $336 on average. Though factors like your location, job complexity, and the materials needed eventually decide what you’ll end up paying. 

Plumbers take care of a wide range of tasks, from small jobs like replacing a faucet to larger repairs such as fixing a burst pipe. As expected, the more involved the work, the more it typically costs.

• Basic repairs ($100–$500): This includes services like replacing faucets, repairing garbage disposals, or fixing small pipe leaks.
  
• Moderate repairs ($500–$1,500): Jobs such as repairing ceiling pipes, rerouting plumbing lines, or installing toilets and sinks fall into this range.
  
• Major repairs ($1,000–$4,000+): These include serious issues like burst pipes, main water line repairs, or installing a new water heater.

Let’s take a peek into the most common factors that affect the cost of plumbing.

Factors Affecting Plumbing Costs

Whether you’re dealing with a leaky pipe or replacing full fixtures, the cost of your plumbing project depends on the size of the job, the type of service needed, and your plumber’s hourly rate. Below are the common factors that affect the plumbing costs.

Type of Services

Licensed plumbers handle thousands of tasks throughout the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and more. Routine jobs, like unclogging a drain or installing a water heater, often come with flat rates. For something simple like a clogged drain, you can expect to pay between $95 and $500. On the other hand, specialized services such as gas line repairs or slab leak detection generally come at a higher cost. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the average rates for various types of plumbing services. 

Repair Type	Average Cost Range
Faucet replacement	$150 – $600
Garbage disposal repair	$100 – $300
Clearing clogs & drains	$100 – $500
Pipe leaks	$150 – $450
Main water line repair	$500 – $4,000
Ceiling pipe repair	$500 – $2,500
Burst pipes	$1,000 – $4,000
Sink installation	$200 – $800
Radiator repair	$100 – $600
Plumbing reroute	$700 – $1,500
Toilet leak repairs	$100 – $300
Toilet installation	$300 – $800
Water heater repair	$150 – $750
Water heater installation	$800 – $2,000
Water softener installation	$200 – $500

Size

The size of your plumbing project plays a major role in how much you will pay. Larger or more time-consuming jobs typically cost more due to hourly labor. Below is a general idea of what you might spend based on the size and scope of the repair:

Project Size	Average Cost
Whole-House Plumbing	$10,000–$20,000
Single-Room Plumbing	$500–$2,500
Slab Leak Work	$500–$4,000

Labor Costs

In the plumbing industry charging by hour is a standard practice, though flat rates are common for routine jobs like unclogging a drain or fixing a toilet. Most also include a call fee, which covers the cost of coming out to assess the issue. If you need service outside of regular hours, emergency rates apply and can be 1.5 to 3 times higher than usual. These factors also add up to the final cost you will end up paying for any plumbing project.

Materials and Supplies

Material costs matter only when new parts are needed. For a simple fix like a clogged drain, there may be no extra cost for materials. But if the job involves replacing pipes, the type of material you choose, such as PEX or copper, will affect the final price. Here is what you can expect to pay on average for common plumbing materials and supplies:

Common Plumbing Materials	Average Cost
Toilet	$200–$1,200
Bathroom sink	$200–$1,100
Shower	$3,000–$12,000
Tub	$1,500–$10,000

Level of Expertise

Plumbing costs can also vary based on the plumber’s experience level. Handypersons typically charge between $25 and $75 per hour, while apprentices with less than four years of experience may charge $45 to $90. On the other hand, journeypersons, who have over four years of experience and have passed a state exam, usually charge $60 to $110. And for the most advanced services, master plumbers may charge anywhere from $80 to $200 per hour.

DIY vs. Hiring a Plumber

Hiring a fully licensed and insured plumbing company gives you peace of mind when dealing with any plumbing issue at home. One wrong move during a DIY fix can lead to serious water damage, mold, or rot. That is why it is important to call a plumber as soon as you notice a leak. Trust our experts at Santino’s A+ Handyman Service for reliable, professional plumbing services that protect your home and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs