In many cases, master plumbers have more experience and training than regular (or journey-level) plumbers. Typically, they've passed a special exam to earn the master plumber license or designation. You can usually verify if a professional is a master plumber by contacting your state’s licensing board or website. 

Master plumbers can perform the same jobs as journey-level plumbers but often take on larger and more complex projects like system design and installation. They usually handle the business side of the plumbing industry and lead a team of other plumbers.

Not sure which one you should hire for your project? If your project is smaller and simpler — like fixing a leak or replacing a faucet — a regular, journey-level plumber can usually get the job done just fine. But if you’re working on a major renovation or construction project, a master plumber might be a better fit.

When hiring a master plumber near you, look for the following qualifications:

• Master plumber license: Master plumbers have to spend years working as journeyman plumbers and pass a rigorous exam to obtain their certification. Make sure your master plumber has a valid license.

• Experience: Find out how long the master plumber has operated their business, and look for master plumbers who specialize in the type of repair you need.

• Insurance and bonding: Most states, but not all, require master plumbers to carry liability insurance. Verify that your master plumber’s work is insured.

The national average hourly rate for a plumber ranges from approximately $80 to $150* per hour, according to Thumbtack data. However, master plumbers have more licensing and experience than journeyman plumbers. Due to their expertise, local master plumbers may charge more per hour than the national average. 

Ultimately, the exact cost to hire a master plumber depends on the following factors:

• Type of repair: Basic repairs like drain snaking are usually less than $200.* More extensive projects (like repairing a burst pipe) may cost more than $700* on average.

• Location: Master plumbers typically charge more in areas with a higher cost of living.

• Time: You should plan to pay a premium for after-hours emergency plumbing repair.

Reach out to master plumbers near you to get an exact quote for plumbing repair.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Of the three levels of plumbers (apprentice, journeyman and master), master plumbers have the most experience and licensure. Most states require master plumbers to have five or more years of experience as a journeyman and complete an additional exam. As such, they offer all the services a journeyman plumber does, such as:

• Leak repairs

• Toilet, sink, water heater and garbage disposal installation

• Installing plumbing for new construction

Master plumbers also have the skills and experience to offer these services:

• Planning large-scale water systems

• Overseeing a team of apprentice and journeyman plumbers

• Inspecting plumbing systems for compliance with local plumbing codes

If you're facing complex plumbing repairs or planning a plumbing system for a new construction home, reach out to master plumbers near you for a cost estimate.

The exact response time for master plumbers near you will vary depending on the time of year, location and urgency of your issue. Most plumbing services respond to inquiries within 24 to 48 hours for routine repairs.

However, some master plumbers offer same-day and immediate responses for plumbing emergencies, such as:

• Burst or frozen pipes

• Continuously overflowing toilets

• Gas leaks

• Large water heater leaks

• Complete loss of water pressure

• Sagging ceilings from overflow

• Sewage backup

Be sure to emphasize the urgency of your plumbing issue to help ensure a speedy response.