What is the average cost of affordable plumbing services?
The cost of affordable plumbing services varies and largely depends on the type of service you need. Here’s a look at the national average cost to fix these common plumbing issues:
Plumbing inspection: $121*
Toilet repairs: $154*
Sink or faucet repairs: $163*
Drain repairs: $192*
Pipe repairs: $224*
It’s also important to note that pros may have service call fees, which range from $64-$275* on average. The fee also often includes the time and labor required to travel to your home, diagnose the plumbing problem, and create an accurate estimate. Fortunately, some plumbers offer free service calls or will waive the fee if you hire them for your project. *Please note that all pricing represents the national average cost of plumbing services and is subject to change at any time. Request a quote from a local professional to receive a personalized cost estimate.
How can I find reliable and affordable plumbers?
You can find a reliable (and affordable) plumber for your project by completing the following steps:
Check reviews and ratings. Look for plumbers with positive reviews and high ratings from happy customers.
Verify their licensing and insurance. Ensure that the plumber you hire has the proper license and insurance in your state. In many states, plumbers must have a license. For more tips, visit our Smart Hiring guide.
Ask for price quotes. Get estimates from plumbers in your area to ensure you’re not overpaying for services. Most plumbers will need to visit your home and inspect the problem in order to give you an accurate quote.
What plumbing issues can affordable services handle?
Affordable plumbing services can handle various issues, including leaky faucets, clogged drains, and running toilets. These types of repairs typically have lower starting costs.
Are there ways to reduce plumbing service costs?
There are several easy ways to lower your plumbing costs. For example, you should:
Compare price quotes from top-rated plumbers. This will help ensure you’re not overpaying for plumbing services.
Perform regular maintenance. This is the key to preventing costly repairs in the future. For example, remember to winterize your pipes when the temperatures drop. Also, get your water heater and other appliances serviced regularly. Visit our plumbing maintenance guide for more tips.
Practice good habits. You can avoid expensive plumbing repairs by remembering a few important “don’ts.” For example, don’t pour grease down your drains. Don’t put eggshells in your garbage disposal. And don’t flush paper towels down your toilet.
Don’t wait – address issues early on. If you notice a leak, hire a pro to inspect it ASAP. If you suspect you have a burst pipe, call a plumber immediately. Waiting too long to contact a plumbing service could result in severe, expensive damage.
Do affordable plumbers provide a warranty on their work?
Some affordable plumbers offer warranties to their clients. They may offer warranties for parts (like new piping) and appliances, as well as for work and labor. Before hiring a plumber, ask if they can guarantee their workmanship or parts for a specific period.
Also, make sure you understand what actions (or lack thereof) can void your warranty. For example, your warranty may be voided if you don’t maintain your plumbing system, appliance, or fixture. It can also become void if you don’t hire a qualified plumber for future repairs and maintenance.
Do affordable plumbers offer emergency services?
Many plumbers provide affordable emergency services, but you should ask local professionals:
How much do you charge? On average, emergency service calls range from $210-$621*, depending on the plumbing issue.
What is your availability? If you have a plumbing emergency at night or on the weekend, will they be able to quickly come to your home to address the problem? Emergency plumbers tend to be available 24/7.
What is considered a plumbing emergency? From burst pipes and gas leaks to overflowing toilets and sewer backups, many issues can be seen as an emergency. Confirm that your plumber has experience handling urgent plumbing problems.
*Please note that all pricing represents the national average cost of emergency plumbing services and is subject to change at any time. Request a quote from a local professional to receive a personalized cost estimate.
What should I ask before hiring a plumber?
Before you hire a plumber, ask the following questions:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? The answer to this question should always be “yes.” Most states require plumbers to have a license and insurance.
Do you have experience with this project? If so, ask them to describe previous plumbing repair or installation projects in a bit more detail until you feel comfortable with their level of expertise.
Can you explain your pricing structure in more detail? For example, ask them how they charge for providing plumbing parts and labor. And, do you need to pay for a service call or consultation?
Do you offer a warranty for your services? Some plumbers may offer warranties for pipes, appliances, and other parts. They may also offer a warranty for their workmanship.
How long will this project or repair take to complete? Remember that labor is a big factor when it comes to cost. If a plumber says it will take an unusually long time to fix a small clog or leak, ask other plumbers the same question and compare their answers. This can help you avoid overpaying for labor.
For more questions to ask, read our guide on How to Hire a Plumber.
Are there any common plumbing problems that are easy to fix?
In many cases, it’s easy to fix minor plumbing issues. Here are a few problems you may be able to fix on your own with some DIY guidance:
Check out our Plumbing Repair guides to see more tips on how to fix common problems.
But remember: If you’re unsure how to address a plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to hire a plumber near you. They can quickly make the repair and ensure it’s done correctly.
How often should I have my plumbing inspected?
Hire a plumber to inspect your plumbing system every 1-2 years to identify issues (such as leaks and loose connections) that could become more severe and costly to repair down the line.
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, a professional should check to see if there are any issues with:
The water supply shut-off valves
The water heating equipment
The interior water supply
The toilets and how they flush
The sump pumps
The drainage system with sinks, tubs, and showers
And more
What are the signs of a plumbing emergency?
The most common signs of a plumbing emergency include:
Sudden leaks
Burst pipes
Major clogs
No water flow
Low water pressure
Contact a professional immediately if you suspect you’re experiencing a plumbing emergency. You might also need to temporarily shut off your water until a pro can fix the issue.